“Giving is better than receiving,” we all know that saying. It’s been engraved in our heads and hearts ever since we were little. I love to give, but on March 16 I received something that would touch my heart forever and radically change my views on giving.
My team and I had been in the village for only one day, we were settling in and getting used to living in our tents. Dave told us we could go up to the basketball courts to play with little children. Great! This is my absolute favorite thing to do. We walked up there and were instantly attacked by little kids. They wanted to be thrown in the air, sing the banana song, play London bridge and just be loved on. It was honestly amazing. Then I noticed a little girl standing off to the side too shy to come and play. My heart went out for her, so I went over to her.
“What’s your name” I asked. After a few seconds of silence she finally worked up the courage to say “Princess”. “Wow you have the coolest name ever!” I told her and a huge smile crossed her face. We sat for a few minutes until I talked her in to coming to play. Soon we were running around, singing, and dancing and having the best time ever.
We laughed and played until the sun was setting and it was time for us to go. “Wait, wait” she said softly and ran off. I saw her in line at the store and thought she was getting a snack. She ran back with a piece of gum. She eagerly handed it to me, I opened it for her and handed it back. “No for you!”
“For me?” This little girl was no older than 7 and had maybe 10¢ to buy food for the whole day. And she wanted to give me a present. A simple gift to show me how much I meant to her. Little did she know how much of an impact that piece of gum would have on me.
Ever since coming on the race I’ve felt hesitant on giving. I felt like I didn’t have enough to give. But in that moment it hit me, giving doesn’t depend on the size of your wallet but rather the size of your heart. As cheesy as that sounds this really hit me hard. You don’t have to give someone fancy clothes, or expensive electronics to show them you love them. Something as small as a piece of gum can make someone smile and feel loved, and that’s all we really want in life.
I haven’t seen Princess since. But her gift of gratitude will be with me forever. And I pray God blesses her and her giving heart.
