Brownies/Rice Krispie Treats + A Red Wagon = $101 for the People of Haiti
How did we formulate this little equation? Well, here is the story:
Wilson saw a commerical on TV from the Red Cross about the earthquake in Haiti. He turned to Brett and said, "Dad, did you hear about the earthquake in Haiti?"
Brett said, "Yes."
Wilson replied, "That commerical said I could go to redcross.org and find out how to help. I really really want to help!" He was very adamant about it. So I brought up the website and we read a little about what was going on in Haiti. We saw some touching pictures. We then went to the church website and read some more. Wilson was very touched by the images he saw and the things he read about the people of Haiti. He read that you could donate money.
"I want to donate money!" he exclaimed. "But I have no more money. I spent my last four dollars on Club Penguin Cards!" He then started thinking of ways he could make money like having a toy sale or selling hot chocolate. Watching his thought process and seeing his enthusiam made us very emotional, so I suggested we have a bake sale. Then all the money we made, we would send to the people of Haiti.
The first day the kids went out was great. The people of our neighborhood were very generous. We knocked about 15 doors and came away with $58. It was incredible, considering we would have been really happy with about $20-30 total. However, the kids wanted more.
Wilson saw a commerical on TV from the Red Cross about the earthquake in Haiti. He turned to Brett and said, "Dad, did you hear about the earthquake in Haiti?"
Brett said, "Yes."
Wilson replied, "That commerical said I could go to redcross.org and find out how to help. I really really want to help!" He was very adamant about it. So I brought up the website and we read a little about what was going on in Haiti. We saw some touching pictures. We then went to the church website and read some more. Wilson was very touched by the images he saw and the things he read about the people of Haiti. He read that you could donate money.
"I want to donate money!" he exclaimed. "But I have no more money. I spent my last four dollars on Club Penguin Cards!" He then started thinking of ways he could make money like having a toy sale or selling hot chocolate. Watching his thought process and seeing his enthusiam made us very emotional, so I suggested we have a bake sale. Then all the money we made, we would send to the people of Haiti.
The first day the kids went out was great. The people of our neighborhood were very generous. We knocked about 15 doors and came away with $58. It was incredible, considering we would have been really happy with about $20-30 total. However, the kids wanted more.
That night Wilson said in his personal prayer that he was thankful for the money that had been earned, but he wanted to get more for the people of Haiti. So he asked Heavenly Father to help him and his sister get a total of $100. We (Brett and Kasia) looked at each other incredulously and shook our heads.
So, we went out again the next day. We had less brownies left (and a little less focus from the little ones), so we didn’t hit as many doors. However, the people were still very generous, and we ended up with a total of $91 dollars. Brett thought that was amazing and a job well done--he had forgotten about the $100 request that Wilson had raised up to the heavens last night. The brownies and RKTs were gone, so we started for home.
When we were about two houses away from our own home, a minivan pulled up right next to us. A lady rolled down the window, and a man whose door we had knocked the day before poked his head out of the window. He had told us to come back and he would give us money, because he didn’t have any cash at the moment. Well, they had been waiting for us at their house, and happened to see us walking home run while driving down the street. His daughter reached out of the back window and gave Brett a crumpled up bill. Of course, it was ten dollars, bringing our total to an unbelievable $101. At that moment Brett remembered Wilson’s prayer.
I wasn't sure if I wanted to blog about this because it is such a tender moment in my journey of motherhood, but I didn't want to forget this little adventure and miracle! I wanted to document it and look back at it on those "rough days" (you know what I'm talkin' about.)
My children touched my heart in a very special way with this experience that I will never forget it and I'm totally humbled. I love my sweet children, but let me lessen the sweetness for a minute. Wilson a couple times asked us if he could keep just FIVE lil' ol' dollars?? Then after seeing Brett and my extremely stern looks he would blurt, "I'm JUST KIDDING!" Uh-huh, ya right.
19 comments:
This is the type of piece my girls love to read in The Friend. Just wait until they get to read about it on your blog! Kasia, what a precious experience. It says volumes about Wil as well as his sweet parents. It is a joy to be a parent.
This is the most special post. I am glad you shared it with us. Once again, I am reminded that Heavenly Father hears the details of our prayers. What a beautiful faith building experience for your family!
As I wipe my teary eyes, this reminds me how little children really were the perfect example for Christ to use of how we need to be. Thanks for sharing. Oh and I love your banner photo. Awesome!
I'm so glad that you decided to share! We've had several neat experieces like this the last little while and I really appreciate hearing others stories too!! The thing I loved most about this whole thing is the perfect exactness in Wilson's request AND in the Lord answer. Very special!!!!!
Quincy's right...maybe you should send this into the Friend. I love the sweetness of this post. It touched my heart.
I am also very touched by this. What a sweet boy you have. I hope he always remembers this and how his prayer was answered.
I appreciate that you shared this tender moment. We've all been uplifted because of it!
I just love Wilson! And I'm especially impressed with you and Brett for providing him with this special opportunity. This will be a strong building block for his emerging testimony. I know he'll remember and treasure this experience for the rest of his life.
Oh! Kasia! If Wilson were here he would get such a hug. That is so, so sweet and really inspirational. Way to go Gustavesons!
What a great experience! I want to read about it in the Friend.
:)
,Aunt Amber
Thanks for sharing that sweet story! Your children are great examples to all of us here!
okay, cant stop crying. love you all
Way to go Wil!! What a blessing that will be to those in Haiti...think of the lives it will touch. You are great examples as parents. I'm sure that's where he gets it. Love and miss you guys!
Oh, I am so glad that you blogged about this! Even though it made me cry.
We have so much to learn from our children, and I love the illustration that Heavenly Father really will answer our prayers when we pray in faith.
What an amazing kid you have.
You should be proud to be their mom. That is the cutest story ever. What a great example to all of us.
THat is an AMAZING story! So sweet of Wilson to want to do that and for your whole family to get on board. What an amazing family you are. Love you guys!
Hi Kasia, I am one of Quincy's friends. I have heard wonderful things about your family and this is an incredible story. I loved reading it. What a sweet boy you have!
Hi, Kasia!
Jennifer (Bruce) Waishorna sent me your blog address. You have such a beautiful family! Thank you for sharing Wilson's story! I love it! : )
Kasia, you said your next kid is Violet maybe???? Are you expecting? If so congrats, and if not, please ignore that I asked! : )
That is such a touching story- thank you for sharing it! It brought tears to my eyes as well. And who wouldn't want to shave a little off the top?! haha! We love your family!
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