(this post was originally written May 20, 2011, but I had written it on OurCompassion.org and I really wanted to have this on my blog, to keep Alok's story fluid)
A while ago, I sent 2 "just because" presents on the same day, one for Abigail in Ghana, and one for Alok in East India. For those who don't remember, Ghana is really fast about responding. Today, I got a thank you letter and a photo for the gift from one of the kids. At the first instant, my brain could not reconcile why a picture of Alok had been attached to Abigail's letter, and then it all clicked to together, and I realized, Alok's thank you note actually beat Abigail's! Amazing!
I sent the gift with a note that a small portion should be used to buy Alok something that would delight him, and I gave a few suggestions of ideas. Can anyone guess which item he chose for his fun item? It shouldn't be hard!
"Thank you so much for you precious and beautiful gift. I was so happy when I got it. By your gift money I have bought... one pairs of pants and a shirt, sneakers, sweats, and one football."
Which item do we think he considers "precious" and "beautiful"? Is there any doubt? (Notice, there's still an opaque plastic bag, but this time, it's underneath the items, instead of vice versa! I'm fine with that. Also, just look at how gangly he's getting! My square little 5 year old is growing up into a gangly 8 year old!)
Yes, his face is still frowning. It's a rare picture of Alok that catches him smiling. Honestly, I have come to love that frown of his, because he is such a serious little one. This photo is my favorite frown however, because I know that later his brow will be furrowed with determination, and dripping with sweat, as he takes his beautiful new football out and plays every boy in the neighborhood. Later, when he clambers home as the sun sets, stinky, dusty and satisfied, he'll tuck that ball safely away near his sleeping mat before going to bed, and the ball will remind him, "My auntie loves me."
And to me, having Alok know he is loved is better than any smiling photo.
(Addition: A several months later, a picture arrived of him with his soccer ball and a grin. Bonus!)
A while ago, I sent 2 "just because" presents on the same day, one for Abigail in Ghana, and one for Alok in East India. For those who don't remember, Ghana is really fast about responding. Today, I got a thank you letter and a photo for the gift from one of the kids. At the first instant, my brain could not reconcile why a picture of Alok had been attached to Abigail's letter, and then it all clicked to together, and I realized, Alok's thank you note actually beat Abigail's! Amazing!
I sent the gift with a note that a small portion should be used to buy Alok something that would delight him, and I gave a few suggestions of ideas. Can anyone guess which item he chose for his fun item? It shouldn't be hard!
"Thank you so much for you precious and beautiful gift. I was so happy when I got it. By your gift money I have bought... one pairs of pants and a shirt, sneakers, sweats, and one football."
Which item do we think he considers "precious" and "beautiful"? Is there any doubt? (Notice, there's still an opaque plastic bag, but this time, it's underneath the items, instead of vice versa! I'm fine with that. Also, just look at how gangly he's getting! My square little 5 year old is growing up into a gangly 8 year old!)
Yes, his face is still frowning. It's a rare picture of Alok that catches him smiling. Honestly, I have come to love that frown of his, because he is such a serious little one. This photo is my favorite frown however, because I know that later his brow will be furrowed with determination, and dripping with sweat, as he takes his beautiful new football out and plays every boy in the neighborhood. Later, when he clambers home as the sun sets, stinky, dusty and satisfied, he'll tuck that ball safely away near his sleeping mat before going to bed, and the ball will remind him, "My auntie loves me."
(Addition: A several months later, a picture arrived of him with his soccer ball and a grin. Bonus!)
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| Grins look good on him, too |
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