Indian Gifts

 

What a surprise I got to find this parcel on my doorstep after work. Post marked India, with Indian customs paperwork all over it, the material wrapped parcel was stitched up and addressed to "Tamara & Chris". I love parcels, but this one was more special than most.

The Elephants, Swans and Soaps were hand made by women in India as part of a micro finance and income generation scheme supported by the NGO that I support. The program is struggling to find forums to sell their items through, and unfortunately, the tax rulings here in Australia prevent us from doing it easily.

So for now, these beuatiful gifts adorned my dining room, while I try to think of ways to use this small collection to raise money to send back to India. If you have any ideas on how I can use these resources to raise more money, please let me know.... in the meantime, to learn more about my charity in India, check out these posts, and links.

• my charity in India
• Reflections on Volunteering
• Indian Joy
• Monsoon Wedding
• Hostel Appeal
• Self Help Groups

 Email me if you'd like to chat more about this passion of mine.

Farewell Grandma

My grandma made it to 93 yrs of age and was bright and cheeky to the last day (and that was her life long ambition). As my sister said at the memorial gathering - we were so lucky to have had such a wise, cheeky, smart and stoic grandma with us for our 40 something years. Not many people have grandparents when they're 40!

My grandma lived interstate, and I visited her when ever I went there. I was extremely blessed to be able to visit her 3 days before she died, and then to also be with her for her final 24 hrs. I then had the honour of facilitating her memorial service on behalf of the family.

My family and I could not have imagined a better ending for her chapter here on earth - she was content in her life, still reading, taking visitors, and enjoying the gardens around her. She did not want for anything, she was proud of all of us, and she still had all her faculties and capabilities. What more could one want?

Grandma, you will be missed here on earth, by family, friends and the strangers you did not yet meet. I know you are where you want to be now, and I know you will be smiling. As long as I remember you were just Grandma, but in your last week you mentioned Alan to me - and now I know you are with Poppa again. You have been a powerful influence in our lives, and for me, a great inspiration - encouraging me to experience life, value people, honour family, and continually learn. Your vocation was to care for other widows, and your generosity was testimony to your faith.  May I honour your life in mine.

Farewell.