Now that I have done the fundraiser, "Ali's Big Christmas Gift", I am as happy as I can be. This year we are not really getting lots of gifts, but while my mom and dad were telling us, I was thinking the whole time "I don't need big gifts I have exactly what I need and more." This time of year is stressful ( to buy all the gifts), but also a very joyful kind of year (to celebrate God). I see things differently, when I think of the kids I met in Africa (who have nothing to start with) and think that some of them are not going to get anything for Christmas!
For example, before she went to Acres of Love, a 12 year-old girl that I met in South Africa would have described her "normal" Christmas day like this (they don't know what happened to her mom):
- Feed siblings (if they have any food),
- Get abused by Father
- Go to school (if they can afford it)
- Feed siblings (again if they have any food)
- Watch her siblings being abused.
So this Christmas, aware of how much I have already, I am going to look at it as a giving Christmas not a taking one. This Christmas I decided to look at Christmas differently than everyone else. I would encourage for you to look at it different too.