One of the items we've begun collecting for children and their care-givers in Africa is vegetable seeds. But what we learned yesterday is that these children & their caretakers have probably not ever planted a seed! They don't know what to look for or the sequence of a growing plant--how to wait to see results. I've been looking, fruitlessly, today for a site like an elementary science book, that would have simple outlines of a growing bean, for example. The ideal situation would be to find pictures of various seedlings emerging and then growing into large plants. There's a teeny-tiny outline on the back of some seed packs, but hardly instructive enough. Anyway, after becoming frustrated in my search, the thought, "Homeschool Spot!" popped up in the screen of my brain. Where else are such wonderful internet sleuths to be found?! Thanks! I'll check back later. Prairie
OH! I used to have a children's book on growing seeds. It was one of those first science books. It was in english. If I sent that along with my other things would it be helpful? It was for kids and had plenty of pictures. I will look around and see if I still have it but I think it was one I already gave away. I can't remember the name of it but I know where to look for it in the bookstore. What kind of seeds are you looking for...what grows best there?
I don't know of any sites, but I'm sure someone will know! Just wanted to wish you luck in your search!
Cowpeas (whatever they are), tomatoes, onions, garlic, millet, sorghum, peanuts, beans, tomatoes, watermelon, strawberries, okra--it sounds like about anything. I'm even sprouting some "store-bought" sweet potatoes to include. I thought of elementary science books also. I may have to dig through decades of books, and I don't know where to start on that. If you find some good pictures from books, Ava Rose, can you scan them on your computer and post them here or email them? Do a lot of other people get a "high" out of the feeling of being helpful? I tell you what, this project has given me more drive and energy than I've had in a long time! Just thinking of being able to help make some children thrilled to have a pencil or an embroidery needle of their very own or to encourage them to start growing some of their own food is enough to about drive me crazy with thinking up ideas for them! Our fam has helped put together many other gift boxes and relief kits with wonderful organizations. I'm trying to figure out why these children's vulnerably and needs grabbed a hold of our hearts like they did. Probably because they are among the poorest of the poor and whatever they get will be highly prized, and also because a person from their area came to present the need and we actually got to know her. I don't know all the "whys," but for being the oldest one on this Spot, you should see me spinning around these days like the idealistic teenager I once was--out to make a difference in the world! (Well, now, that sounded proud--like it was ME or something. Not!) It's that I feel a part of something bigger than myself that, when the Lord blesses it, it could make a difference in some precious people's lives for now and for Eternity. Thanks for looking with me. 'Really 'preciate that!
I get a high from doing good. lol. A bit much though....sometimes I need to remember that all work done outside of the Lord is in vain. I need to remember to pray before I commit. HOwever, I do believe the Lord granted me this spirit for a reason. I love having the opportunity to glorify the Lord in such a manner. There is flesh in it also as I love the feeling "I" get and "I" like being used and "I" enjoy knowing that someone is benefitting. I don't know, maybe that isn't all bad. I just try to pray before offering my help as I am limited. I guess I am limited because God knows I would give it all away without consulting Him first. LOL. Thankfully, I am growing out of that. lol.
No problem! I absolutely get a "high" from helping people! It's such a great thing to know in your heart that you are contributing in some way, especially when in so many places in the world, people have so little. And I want to formally thank you for filling this need in the world! I think it is wonderful what you are doing! And everyone! I just love you people!!!!
Oh! Oh! OH! I'm going to hijack my own thread! A mystery package arrived today from someone on the Spot (don't know from whom). This is just another instance of things coming together in an amazing way: See, I had been asking my dd all blessed day to please research directions for embroidery stitches for examples for the women and girls to use--along with their new needles, floss, etc. She tried once or twice and didn't find anything much and lost heart. Well, in the package, which the UPS man brought today (don't you almost love those people?), along with brightly-colored floss and nifty floss holders, specialised hoops, embroidery patterns, was--to my shock and delight--a gorgeous book, The Beginner's Guide to Freestyle Embroidery! It's a large, glossy, full-color book with more stitches in it than I've ever seen, patterns, and ideas for projects. I've been "feasting my eyes" on it for long enough, now, and thought I should share my excitement with "you all." I dog-eared some pages to call attention to several ideas to start with. Well, this was just too neat not to share! I hope whoever sent it doesn't mind my excitement spilling over onto the forum... Deena, you're good at researching. If you find out, & if you would be good enough to ask, would you ease my conscience & tell me she didn't mind my inability to control my excitement? And if she does, would she be kind enough to forgive me? Thanks!
Wow.. what a great package!!! Isn't it just amazing that it was put on someone's heart to send exactly what you were wanting? I will share in your excitement, because that is wonderful news!
I see... "The plot thickens!" How fun! Meanwhile our very small front room is so crowded with boxes and stacks of wonderful things that it's a challenge to find a place to sit! Let me share another really neat thing. Right after being touched by the plight of these precious children, our family ordered a small set of Betty Lukens flannel graphs, with very few figures. Well, it wasn't adequate, we didn't think. So we put a larger size set on our wish list, and the result is that women from two churches are helping cut out 600 brightly-colored large figures, which, to children who don't have TV, will be highly entertaining. The only thing is, the modern people featured in the large set are white. (Nothing wrong with any skin color. Except maybe not the most appropriate for little children in Africa.) Well, as I was putting away the littler set, I noticed an amazing thing--black people! I literally ran for my scissors and started cutting, marvelling that even our "mistakes" can turn out to be a blessing!
