• Dec. 21, 2007 - A Christmas gift that gives to many people. . .
Yesterday, I had the most delightful shopping experience of my life. Admittedly, I'm not much of a shopper, and if pressed, I would say that I actually dislike shopping -- especially when it involves malls. But yesterday was different.
My adventure began some weeks ago when my daughter told us that she would like to have us consider giving alternative gifts this year - ones that make a difference in people's lives. She suggested several different websites (and I'll put those on the end of this blog), including one called, "Ten Thousand Villages." This organization was started by Christian missionaries who sought a way to help the people they were serving emerge from utter poverty and begin to find work that brought not only income but dignity. When you look through this website, you can read the stories of how the hand-maded products are changing the lives of families and villages. Some of the stories brought tears to my eyes. . .
Then I noticed that Ten Thousand Villages actually had a store in the Seattle area. So, yesterday, with Google map in hand, we made our way through traffic to find one of the most amazing places I've ever been. When we walked in, we were struck by the attitude of friendliness on the part of the staff, and by the beauty of the displays. I was drawn by lovely wooden tree ornaments which were delicate and simple nativity scenes. $6. Made in the West Bank. We went on from there to beautiful onyx candle holders. $12. Made in Pakistan. I spied utterly cute reindeer hats for children. $20. Made in the highlands of Central America. Sculptured candle holders out of white rock. $34. Made in Kenya. Beautiful jewelry, gorgeous pottery, textiles, children's toys, on and on and on.
All of it is made by real people, living in countries where decent paying jobs are difficult to come by. As we bought several Christmas presents, I had the unutterable joy of knowing that not only will my family and friends be blessed, but the people who worked hard to create these wonders will be blessed as well.
You can make a difference. Even at home. Isn't that the wildest thing? As homeschool moms, you can make a difference in the world, just through the things you buy. You know which ones they are when you see that they are marked "Fair Trade." And, because of my daughter's research into this area, I've learned that many of the people who originally began Fair Trade organizations and practices were Bible-believing Christians who were compelled by the compassion and wisdom of God.
Actually, I could sense it in that shop. There was a quiet joy permeating the entire place, a sense of God's heart for the poor. I walked out of the door, shopping bag in hand (including a bar of Divine Chocolate -- a Fair Trade chocolate that is absolutely the best!!!), in awe of what God showed His people to do to be a blessing in this world.
And I wanted to share it with you!
Here are some websites, and some other options for gifts that will bless in ways beyond our understanding:
http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/catalog/shop.php
http://www.agreatergift.org/Gifts.aspx
http://www.divinechocolateusa.com/buy
http://oneseed.agros.org (this is a Christian organization that works in Central and South America)
Thank you so much for this information. Although I missed it before Christmas, these links will be well used in the future. What a great way to shop with a mission!!
I'll be looking into those sites! I've been thinking a lot about gift giving and what it really means, for Americans and our brothers and sisters around the world. Thanks for sharing!
Karin
Extremely happily married since 1979, Bill and Diana Waring home schooled their three children for more than twenty years. The Waring kids were the proving grounds for all the precepts, concepts, and encouragements Bill and Diana teach--the real-life examples of the wonders of home schooling! Now, new grandparents and somewhat empty nesters, Bill & Diana travel all over the world to share the joys of loving learning, honoring one another in the family, and enjoying the journey.
• Jan. 3, 2008 - Thanks