a potential ripple effect

last christmas oops i meant of the year 2007
the idea came but it never materialised
the most recent christmas the idea became a reality
its the "no gifts for ourselves but gifts of hope for children thro world vision" idea among the children who gather at my mum-in-law s place for christmas each year

instead of the uncles, aunties and grandma buying them gifts
why dont they just put in the amount they would spend for the gifts into a common pool
and the children who are the recipients make a count of the collection and choose gifts of hope for many less fortunate children in many parts of the world?

the proposal had full support from my teens and their cousins but it was kind of discouraging to meet with not so keen participation from some of the adults
"oh so pitiful once a year give presents and we want to deprive the kids of them"...one comment rings this way..
another asks how much and put in what would have been put in when approached by a stranger who comes seeking for donation for such and such a charity....
but there are others even among the young who parted with what cash they received though it wasnt expected of them...what an encouragement to gladden my heart....

honest..i expected warmer reception or response...
i was excited more for the opportunity for the teens to be themselves excited about doing something together to share with those less fortunate and blessed
i say to myself ''well not everyone is as used to sharing as you are"
and more important "dont give up just carry on there 's always a first attempt as a precursor"
so it came to pass... the teens came together to make choices of the gifts of hope to give and not receive
and despite everything my heart is glad
nothing to shout about but a small step, a tiny drop really....
and as i titled this, it is a potential ripple .....