Thanks

Raising funds for the Honduras school building projects has been an education for me in more than one way. It is true, I have learned something about the conditions rural Hondurans face in attending school. I have learned something about how they construct buildings there. I expect that I will learn much more once I get there. But I have also learned a lot more about generosity. Both other people’s and my own.

Over the past several months, I have invited folks both from Beacon and others to contribute toward the cost of construction of two school buildings. One is a computer lab for a high school in memory of an old friend; one is a simple rural kindergarten. Many of you have responded with so much generosity, I am humbled. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this opportunity to stretch my horizons while helping others to improve their lives.

This experience of raising money has made me more generous, I think. I am much more aware of need around me, and I care more about it. For some years now, I have severely limited gift giving at Christmas. It seemed a bit pointless to give stuff to people who already have more than they need—and I didn’t know what they wanted anyway. This year, I have made a few small gifts to give. They say that I am thinking about them at least. Gifts are about both need and connection. I was seeing gifts as only filling needs; now I recognize that both giving and receiving gifts re-affirms the ties of affection and family.

My gift of time to World Accord and Programa de Reconstrucción Rural (PRR) in Honduras will also address both needs and connections. Building schools will allow students to gain an education; being there will allow me to connect with folks and a situation I would never have known otherwise.

Thank you.