"Daddy knows the way to Africa, right?"

Olivia has really gotten interested in money (coins) for her piggy bank. It is a rather large piggy bank and she is feeling the need to fill it up. While at Gigi's over the weekend, she cleaned out her money jar. I told her that the brown coins (pennies) are the best and she may not want the silver ones (there were lots of quarters!). So she came home with all of her money, and she and Logan filled the piggy bank.

Olivia's need/want to fill the bank has been increasing as the days of this week have passed. After her 25th question "Mommy, do you have any money for my bank?" I said: "Let me show you something." I brought her to the computer and we logged onto the Feed the Children website. I showed her the video clips of the kids who don't have enough food, live in shacks, and often have sick mom's (mostly AIDS), I explained that they have to drink from rivers and it makes them sick, and they don't have dr's or medicine. I explained that we need to send them money so we can help them. She was all for it, when it was our (mom and dad's) money. So I further explained that God wants us to give to those in need and that she should share her money. She agreed but wanted to know how much she had to share. (I thought, ok, this is going to require lots of explanation and I prayed that God would show me how to teach her).

Over the next few days, we continued to talk about the kids from Africa. She has even asked to watch the video clips. While leaving the grocery store with our trunk full of groceries (this mommy is being reminded how blessed we are too) she wanted to talk about the kids.

Olivia: "I know what we should do for the kids in Africa"
Me: "Oh good, lets hear your idea!"
Olivia: "We should buy water at the store, not for us, but for the kids, and take it to them. Daddy can drive us, I have never been there, he knows the way to Africa, right?"

So sweet, she is "getting it", the need to help others, and at the same time, thinks her daddy can do anything. So sweet!

Yesterday was her first "test". Daddy promised to bring her a dollar after work. All he had was a $5. When she came to show me her new "dollar", this frugal mommy, said "Wow, how would you like to have 2 dollars?" So I quickly swiped her $5 for 2 $1's. Then I said "Lets remember the kids, do you want to share your money with them?" She looked at me for a minute, and finally handed over one of her dollars. (Good girl Sis!)

I am SO eternally thankful that I was born in this country with so much, and that my kids have food, clean water, clothes and health care. I have become overwhelmed many times this week as we taught Olivia about giving.

Mom shared this quote with me:

"I am astonished at the poverty of your wealth"

Mother Theresa speaking about our country.

This mommy now has a new quote:

There is just so much more that we as a nation can do for others around the world.

I believe it starts with educating not only ourselves but our children.

Wonderfully Blessed in Indianapolis