Although I’m not American, I do like the idea of taking time to think about the things we are thankful for. My recent visit to Cameroon brought home to me the fact that I have so much while large proportions of the world have so little.
Writing about my life-changing visit to a clinic which treated malnourished children, I vowed then to improve my health on returning home.
I have and my life is so much better as a result. Yet for so many people, particularly children, that is not a choice they have. I am incredibly lucky, and so is IJ.
So as she starts compiling her Christmas lists this year and watching endless television advertisements for the latest toy, I am drawn to this photo.
During my time in Africa we saw hundreds of children.
We saw only one toy.
This one.
This young boy was incredibly excited when he saw me admiring his handmade wooden car. He posed with it several times and his friends ran over to share in the excitement.
IJ has several rooms full of toys. Far too many toys.
So we are both reflecting today on those who don’t have our luxuries and spending some time being thankful for what we do have: our health, our home, food, water, opportunities, choices and a future.
I travelled to Cameroon with Pampers and UNICEF. Their Big Kiss Campaign runs until the end of December. The wonderful news has come through recently that tetanus in Myanmar has now been eliminated.
The campaign is making a difference.
We are making a difference.
Happy Thanksgiving.
