I would like to thank my friend Jodi Broad Holt for introducing me to the Books in Hands Swaziland project. This program started by donating books to local schools in Swaziland and to date have shipped over 40,000 books and numerous teaching and class room supplies. On one of the trips a young volunteer wanted to play soccer with the kids and asked for a soccer ball. The headmaster left for a minute and returned with a garbage bag full of paper and garbage tied it off and said this is their soccer ball. When I read this i knew I wanted to help in someway. So I reached out in the last few weeks to members of Paris FC soccer club during our uniform fittings. The response was great and we collected over 30 pair of cleats 35 pair of shin guards and close to 50 soccer jerseys. Paris FC also donated 5 soccer balls a number of cones and pinnes and 100 brand new Adidas soccer t-shirts. The drop off was at the Church of Nazarene in Cambridge and it was strange because i do not know the last time i entered a church, but what I did realize that no matter what your beliefs are, people helping people is always a good thing. I told Jodi I might start on fire when I enter the front doors but I didnt. As Pastor Mark helped me unload my van tonight and as we talked he explained that the gifts of books and teaching aids although wonderful it was the soccer gear that was like (as he described it) gold. Where most children do not have shoes this small donation will add life happiness and enjoyment to a few children. The feeling i got tonight was overwhelming for me knowing that we live in a amazing place in the world and our struggles seem minimal compared to others struggles. I am also saddened by the thought of how many more children and people struggle every single day over food clothing and everyday necessities. We sometimes take for granted what we have in our lives. I would like to thank everyone that donated to this great cause. Here is the website if you wish to take some time and read what amazing things this group is doing booksinhand Remember to hug the ones you love knowing we are going through our own personal struggles but were alive and living in a amazing country John
Posted on: Sat, 15 Feb 2014 03:58:37 +0000
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