learning to serve

One of Cameron's favorite things is weather.  After the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan Cameron could hardly think of anything else.  It still comes up in conversation almost daily.  A few months after the tsunami Cameron was asking me if I thought the people in Japan had rebuilt their homes yet.  I told him it would take a while to rebuild everything.  He was very concerned and kept asking lots of questions.  I finally asked him what he thought he could do to help.  His answer was to fly to Japan.  I helped him understand why this wouldn't be the best idea.  We talked about other ideas and Cameron decided he wanted to make a blanket to send to Japan.  So...we went to Joann's and bought fabric to make two blankets. 

 We just did these easy fleece blankets because that is what 3 and 8 year olds can handle.

The kids were really excited to wrap the blankets up and take them to the Humanitarian Aid office.  The people there were very sweet.  I am proud of Cameron and his desire to serve.  This was one of my best "Mom" moments.  We try to teach our kids to think about other people and we try to teach them to serve but when they come up with an idea and push you to follow through it is very rewarding.  Most of the time I feel like my efforts to teach my children are a lost cause.  This experience is a reminder to me that we never know what our kids are absorbing. Probably a whole lot more than we realize.  This has also motivated me to do more for the Humanitarian Aid efforts with my children.  I purchased all the necessary items to make the school kits and we will do that for a Family Home Evening sometime down the road.I hope that my kids will develop a love of service and that they will understand that they can make a difference in the lives of other people.