A Gift

This week I received a gift. Before I tell you what it was, I want to explain that Impact Ministries receives a lot of gifts from North Americans, who normally call them "donations" (I am not referring to monetary donations). To the giver, it is a donation; they do not know who will receive it, yet they still give it without expecting anything in return. To the receiver, it is a gift; they do not know who gave it, but receive it and give thanks to God, expecting Him to bless them. This process gives satisfaction to both the one giving (knowing they are helping or blessing someone) and the one receiving (knowing they cannot repay nor are expected to). The problem arises when the giver sees their action not as "giving" but as "getting rid of". Garage sales, thrift stores, and white elephant gift exchanges come to mind along with the saying, "One man's junk is another man's treasure." That is not the purpose of donations to Impact Ministires.

Many Guatemalans are dirt poor. Many children run around in dirty and torn clothing, live in houses of sticks and tin, and wear cheap plastic sandals or nothing on their feet. But that does not mean that their clothes were not in good condition when they first got them. Nor does that mean that they would be happy to receive a shirt with holes in it already. I am reminded of one of my favourite sweaters as a kid. I wore it everywhere, it was so comfortable. Yet over time, it started to show wear. My mom started suggesting I throw it out and wear my other, newer ones. But I didn't want to; it was my favourite. Eventually my mom took the initiative and threw it out for me, even though in my eyes it was still wearable. Well, here in Guatemala, they will not throw it out because it looks ragged. They will only throw it out when they can no longer wear it anymore.

But how do they get new clothes if they have no money? you might ask. Here a thrift store is called a PACA. It is not where people drop off their old stuff and search through one man's junk for a treasure. These stores receive used clothes by the bagful from North America. How do I know it's from North America? Because of all the English written on the shirts, and the name brands that I recognize. When a PACA receives a new bag of clothes, most items will go for Q15 ($2). After awhile, the selection will be picked through, and everything will cost Q10 ($1.25). Then it will drop to Q5. And right before they put out the new selection, they have basically a clearance sale, everything for Q1 ($0.12). Everyone can spare Q1, although by that point, there isn't much left in the way of nice clothes. 

To those who can only afford 12 cent clothing, the gifts Impact Ministries gives to their staff and students is such a blessing. When teams come down throughout the year, they often bring or leave behind clothing, toys, and school supplies. These are distributed by Rita and other staff members in the name of Jesus.

So I want to encourage you to donate. But you know what really blows their socks off? Receiving something brand new, never been worn, never been used. Before giving things away, don't think, "Do I want this anymore? but instead think, "Would I want to receive this as a gift?" A few months ago, Rita asked me if I liked doing puzzles. I said yes, and took one home that had been donated. When I finally finished it, I counted 37 pieces missing, and 7 random pieces from other puzzles, as well as 3 broken pieces. I would not want to receive this as a gift, and neither would anyone else, no matter how poor.

The finished dolphin puzzle

Some of the missing pieces

Now back to the gift I received. I received a brand new set of sheets that fit my single bed. All year I have been using fitted sheets in which the elastic no longer has any stretch, and top sheets that are made for double beds, and pillowcases that don't match the sheets. I haven't complained, but it is such a blessing to have new, matching, sheets that fit my bed. I want to send a big Thank You to the lady who gave them.

But what can I give? you might be asking. In a few weeks we will be celebrating Children's Day here. Over the past year Rita has been collecting and setting aside toys that have been donated. We now have enough for one toy for every single student in our schools. If you are wondering what else you can give, here are some ideas:

- boys rubber boots
- girls skirts
- baby clothes
- dress ties
- sweaters or jackets
- toques, mitts, gloves
- blankets or towels
- whiteboard erasers (none of our classrooms have chalkboards)
- rubber stamps and ink pads (for elementary teacher use, not card making)
- sticky tack
- nice school supplies
- USB sticks (many teachers are expected to use computers for school or work but do not own computers)
- sports equipment
- stuffies, toys, and games (that do not require English and that have all the pieces)
- hygiene items (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc)
- prescription glasses
- medical supplies (please email Impact Ministries for specific needs)
- new socks
(This list is not exhaustive, it is only to spark some ideas)

Here some things NOT to give:
- books in English
- dirty or really old clothing
- bathing suits
- items that have been used up
- shirts with suggestive words or pictures, or alcohol logos
- something you would not want to receive as a gift

Some of the kids who will be receiving a toy on Children's Day