Giving Back

[Sharon Beth Brani]

As 2007 turned to 2008 my girls and I were turning over ideas about ways we could help other orphans. After searching the internet and speaking with other adoptive parents we finally decided to adopt the Shoes For Souls project led by Buckner International Adoptions in Texas. Their Website explained the process clearly and with open hearts we agreed to make that our project this year. I was so touched when each girl asked to go to the local shoe store to purchase their first pair of new shoes. My oldest after much deliberation chose a very small pair of white DCs. She not only took them into her church youth group the next day to promote the idea but also continues to keep them attached to her bookbag. With brown eyes sparkling she tells everyone that this is only the first pair that she will buy to help an orphan somewhere.

My youngest chose a pink pair of shoes. As we put them in the cart that day my mind wandered back to that time long ago when I took a pair of pink shoes to the orphanage in Russia. Jenny, then only 2, put them on and walked with joy all around the wooden floor of the meeting room. I could see that she loved her shoes. But I had no idea then how important they were to her. About an hour later when I and the other adoptive parents had to return without the children to our hotel, Jenny didn't want to take off her shoes. Although she knew no English, it became very obvious that she didn't want to do that. Only the help of an orphanage worker finally got them off her only to be given back to her the next day when she left the orphanage for home.

Little pink shoes. I have them today and often reflect on their story. Precious memories. And now this sweet child of eight has purchased her own pair of pink shoes to give to another orphan somewhere.

Yes, the gift keeps giving doesn't it? I have an idea that this family project will bless our lives as much or more than the lives of all those little ones who will get the shoes. Does your family have an outreach? Are there ways that you have begun to teach your children to give back to others? Please share your stories and let me know. Looking forward to hearing from you.

[Sharon Beth Brani]

Certainly, Laura. May it continue to inspire and bless others.

[Laura Christianson]

Sharon,

What a wonderful story! I would like to reprint this on my Exploring Adoption Blog, with your permission.

Laura

[Sharon Beth Brani]

Thank you Dee. How wonderful that you are passing on the blessing too. Yes, I love doing the Christmas shoeboxes each year. Let's not ever forget the needs of others! There is so much joy in giving.

[Dee Thompson]

We sent a big box of shoes to a wonderful program through Shore of Hope, that sends shoes to orphanages in Khabarovsk, where my daughter is from. We also have done the Christmas Child boxes. My kids know what it's like to get nothing for Christmas. It's important they are shown how to help others. Good article.