A couple of weeks ago I finished reading a book entitled, A Boy from Baby House 10: From the Nightmare of a Russian Orphanage to a New Life in America. It was one of those books that changes you when you read it. Early in the book I was thinking a lot about the lack of visual stimulation children have in some orphanages. Even when toys are donated, often times children are not allowed to play with them because they will break them. It was sad for me to read that the smallest change in a child’s surrounding would be of interest to them - perhaps an unraveling thread or a nail that had popped through a board. I don’t feel like typing any more about the sad conditions. I feel that the emotions are too raw right now for me to visit those thoughts again and again. And we do know that many of the orphanages are well ran and do the best they can with the resources that they have available. But I did want to share with you an inspiration that came from the book. I asked my mom if she would make some blankets for me. I looked for fleece that had color and patterns on it. Justin and I will take these blankets on our first trip with us and donate them to the baby home. I am hoping to not only to be able to donate them but I am going to ask if we could distribute them during one of our visits. I figure it can’t hurt to ask. If we could get them in a child’s hands for at least a day maybe it would bring a smile to their little face.
You can't get the full effect of the colors in these photographs, but you get the point. On the ones my mom made, she used different stitching patterns as well for a little extra pizazz!
And while I am bragging about my mom, look at the sweater she crocheted for me! It is quite fashionable and I don't think it will be much longer and it will be cold enough to need this sweater. Thanks mom, I love you!
8 comments:
Heather - The blankets are beautiful....what a wonderful idea...I sure hope that they will let you distribute them while you are there! I have not read the book and really don't think that I could handle it but it made me so sad to read what you wrote and realize how true it all really is!!! Our Matthew has adjusted so beautifully with us it is truely amazing and we are so thankful everyday that he was able to overcome the obsticles of the first 18 months of his life and has turned into the wonderful sweet little boy that he is! Keeping our fingers crossed of great news coming from your way very soon! :)
What an awesome idea! I really love it! I read the book too during Trip 1 and paid alot of attention to how Baby L reacted to different objects and colors and how we went from blank stares to really focusing on things.
If you get over there in early January, I'd like to get you some things to distribute for me as well if possible.
See, I'm already hoping you'll there really soon!!
We did the same thing with blankets on both of our China trips. I have some HUGE packmates that worked great to transport them if you need them!! I love, love, love the colors!!!
What a special and loving idea - even if you don't get to distribute them you believe in your heart that a child is warmed because of them......
Darlene
What an awesome idea!!! A couple years ago when we brought home our first two, my Grandma did the same thing. She had several family days and we all made blankets...only the ones they made for us were quilts. We took forty of them. Wow. We were humbled by our family giving so much of their time for us.
Just a tip...and maybe you already know it. We put all forty of our blankets in one big suitcase...but it was only possible using a trash bag and a sweeper. We stuffed them all in the trash bag, suctioned the air out with the sweeper, and every one of them fit in...plus several other things besides!!
Hope to meet up with you over there! Wouldn't that be fun?!
Jody
Excellent post and cute blankets!!! Nothing beats handmade items. :)
I know that book is not an easy read...and I almost feel badly for recommending it to you. I remember crying on the beach this summer reading it, not caring who saw me...almost wanting someone to ask so I could tell them the horror! I am a forever changed person because of that book, and I think my students this year might just get sick of how much I remind them of how blessed they truly are. LOVE the blankets, and the sweater too!!! :)
I was so emotional reading your post. You and Justin are such an inspiration - all I see is God - bless your hearts.... I love the blankets and the sweater! PERFECT! Like it ALL DAY! LYMY!! Praying for a great day!
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