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A Scrapbook of MemoriesIrene Harrison -- Milton, ON
Our distribution for Sleeping Children Around the World [SCAW] in Honduras was done at the height of the rainy season with threats of tropical storms and even hurricanes creating serious concerns that some distributions might have to be suspended. The constant torrential rains over the final few weeks devastated the hillsides, caused mudslides, flooded homes, and made some roads impassable. Crops were destroyed. One cannot fully describe the conditions in which the needy children of Tegucigalpa and surrounding areas live. Mother Nature added considerably more hardship to their families but despite the unusually heavy seasonal rains, the sun managed to break out from behind the heavy clouds and shone down on the delightful children as they gathered to receive their bedkits. Their beautiful smiles and obvious joy lit up the atmosphere and warmed our hearts.
Each distribution brings to mind a special moment or touching incident which moves one deeply. These are preserved in a mental scrapbook of unforgettable memories to treasure always. At one distribution a young girl, just having had her picture taken, bolted from the line of children going to get their bedkits. She came rushing to me, put her arms around me, and looked into my eyes. In her best English she said, "Thank you," haltingly adding "very much," and embraced me tightly. The sound of her voice and the warmth of her touch shall never leave me. Each member of our team has similar stories. We were bonded and strengthened by the knowledge that we made a difference and that Sleeping Children Around the World continues to have a positive, significant impact on children around the world.
Of course, none of this could happen without the unselfish contributions and hard work of our partners abroad, the Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa. Together, we were united in purpose though divided by language and culture. We met as strangers and parted as friends. We all witnessed the incredible joy and gleaming smiles that the bedkits brought to five thousand children here in Honduras. To have seen the circumstances under which so many live is heartbreaking, but it is so rewarding to know that we have touched and helped the lives of a few. Thank you donors for your support. More children around the world now know that someone in Canada loves them. |
