Today, the fifth grade Eagle Leaders and some middle schoolers went to Xu Wei Primary School on Chongming Island to distribute 540 Giving Tree Bags. The Giving Tree bags are a traditional gift that SAS students donate to different migrant schools. Each bag contained a fleece jacket, a hat, mittens, shoes, school supplies, personal hygiene supplies, and a toy. The students at this school are the children of migrant fishermen and farmers who live on a seasonal income of 1500 rmb. (basically less than $100/month)
Tyson said, “I think it was really fun. It was a really good experience and it was nice seeing the looks on the faces on the kids when they got all of their gift bags. That was probably my favorite part. It was interesting to us that they didn't even know what a toothbrush was used for---maybe they thought it was a toy.
It was a lot of fun because we got to talk to people that are our age from there. They spoke a little English and we knew a little Chinese. We found out that they learned way more stuff than we do. They are learning English too and they know more English than we know Chinese. They were really polite. We touch each other and put our arms around each other, but they just quietly and still with their arms behind their backs. Did you know their teachers whack them with a stick when they don’t listen to her? Their classes have 50 kids in them and all of them are crammed up.”
The next day, Tyson was able to spend an entire afternoon painting walls at a local charity. He came home splattered with paint, but proud of his ability to help others.
Bracken and Parker awoke one early Saturday morning to visit the local children's Chinese hospital with our church youth group. I have to admit they weren't thrilled to be heading out on a day they look forward to lying around enjoying their freedoms! However, with small gifts in hand that they had purchased themselves for the children they headed out, and like any other opportunity to serve, they returned home in happy spirits and a refreshed attitude of service.
So grateful for this season, and opportunities of service to others!
4 comments:
I think it is so fantastic that you are taking every opportunity available for your children to learn the joy of service and the love of their fellowmen. As your kids look back, these are the memories that will remain--when they were able to see how one person can really make a difference in the world.
Wow. This is one (more) thing that you all are going to miss when you come home to the states. You have such amazing opportunities there of REAL service! Your boys are going to be awesome missionaries!
xoxo
As much as I love you Amy, I have to disagree with your comment! :) While Alison's service opportunities are DIFFERENT in China, There are still PLENTY of "Real" opportunities and needs here in the states as well. It's just a matter of looking for them. Even here in one of the most affluent counties in the country (loudoun County VA), there are poverty stricken people with no shoes even! There are always shut-ins, nursing homes, shelters, etc, etc. What a great thing it is to teach our children about service and how rewarding it can be for the server more so than the receiver! Still trying daily to instill that in my boys!Great job Wilde boys! Miss you . xxoo.
What great service your kids have done during the holidays. Like Laura said, they will remember these opportunities for service for a long time.
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