Sunday 25 May 2014

We can't change the world but maybe we can change a little corner of it.

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.

Friday 23 May 2014

Polka Dots and Pinnys

I was feeling a little creative yesterday so I thought I would do a spot of making.
We started with chocolate fairy cakes which the children devoured before I had a chance to think about icing. Then I cut and and stitched two nappy covers for summer but I need to get the elastic. I made three for my daughter a while back but have since realised I need more. I followed this up with a bib for a soon to be born bundle of joy who I thought couldn't live with out a fleecy Hungry Caterpillar bib.
But to finish my spur of enthusiasm I made this rather cute skirted half apron. It's for a friend who said she needed a new apron with a full skirt. I made it up as I went along which seems to suit my method of sewing well. I am really pleased with it though in hindsight I should have lined the pocket up with the polka dots on the apron itself. And luckily she is too.

Tuesday 6 May 2014

A sad day for all.

Today was an especially sad day for the Army Air Corps 'family'. It's a fairly small unit and I think it's fair to say that if you haven't met someone yourself one of your colleagues probably will have.
Tucking your children up without Daddy there to say goodnight is never an easy thing to do especially when they are young and don't really understand time. Later means anything from 10 mins to 3 weeks. Yesterday is something that happened in the past. But tonight as I tucked them up alone I was thankful that their Daddy is coming home. That he will be back to kiss them all goodnight in due course. It wont be tomorrow, or that day when we can have a movie night when we don't go to pre-school but none the less he is coming home.
My heart goes out to the families who today saw their loved ones coming home for the last time. 
Please be thankful all of you for what you have and take a moment to think of those who are not so lucky.