Yesterday there was a fun day at our Naafi Max. The fun day was organised by one of the mid wives and the Gambian community here to raise money and donations for a children's hospital in Gambia. They are hoping to fill trucks with supplies for the hospital they are sponsoring.
Initially I thought great an afternoon of organised entertainment for the children while hubby is away makes my life easier. I had a rummage and put a bag of old baby clothes, some bottles, bibs, blankets and bits to one side. Then my son asked what I was doing and I explained to him about the hospital and the children who didn't have anything and the fun day and he and his brother, (age 5 and 3), went off upstairs and asked me to come too. They went through every drawer and cupboard and filled 4 large carrier bags with toys, books, games, puzzles and soft teddies. My 3 year old wanted to make sure there were things for babies and choose some things especially. I asked them repeatedly "Are you sure you don't have to give away anything you don't want to?" My sons reply was "Mummy they don't have anything and we have lots of things". I was completely humbled by their approach especially my 3 year old who really is too young to have much concept of the greater world. When we went to the fun day and gave them the bags they boys carried their two bags each they stumbled a bit and almost dropped them but they did it themselves and they were rewarded with a big thank you from the men filling the truck.
We played on the bouncy castle and had sweets and glitter tattoos, we threw sponges to soak people and we sampled Gambian dishes and then I spoke to the mid wife organising it who was my mid wife with my daughter. She told me about the hospital and the children there, the children playing outside naked as there were no clothes, the babies taken home in rags because there was nothing else. She was so passionate about the appeal that it must have rubbed off a little on me. I came home and when the children were settled I started sewing. It's not much but I plan to make more today. The fabric came from curtains I was given. I need to look in the attic as I am sure I have some blue I could use too for little shorts. I know it's not much in the great scheme of things but if just a few children have something rather than nothing it's surely making a difference somehow. And I am sure the boys toys will help bring smiles to many faces too.
If there is anyone reading this please take a moment to think how lucky you are. You have internet connection, a pc/laptop and you can read. Have a great weekend everyone.
