Your blog made me think of the well known saying "Beggers can't be choosers."  We use it so many times and rarely consider the deep impact of those words.  If we look at Christ and what He has done for us... in some sense we are "beggers" in need of Him.  Yet He does not force Himself upon us.  He wants us to "Choose" Him.  He also gives us our hearts' desires.  Probably not the best analogy... but it was what came to mind.  Growing up on the poorer side of life... I always struggled with accepting what was given and trying not to be "choosy" or "picky"  Made me feel as if I were ungrateful.

Then there are the people who chose to share rather than just throwing things out.  They gave of themselves too and probably think they are doing something good.  Two sides of the coin here....

  I'm so grateful that God sees our hearts and judges accordingly.

Not to detract from your thoughtful perspectives, but if you cut a holes in the crotches of those XXL underwears, you might make some nice little shirts.  Perhaps more practical: make rags... or best of all, give them to the kids and see what they come up with.  ...just make sure they've been washed first. :)

Hi crissy!  I was wondering what is the best way for people to help the orphanage?  Do you think that you and Adam could post some projects or specific needs of the orphanage on No Less Days so that those who would like to help could know how to do so? I know a lot of people are going to be looking for updates on no less days, maybe you could have a section on the needs of the children...

You are in our thoughts and prayers,

Jade

PS  Check your personal message box for a longer message from me :)

I struggle with this whole concept at times as well.  We also live in a third-world situation where we are sometimes the recipients of hand-me downs, but more often the givers or the medium for giving to others what generous people have paid lots of money to send to us.  Sometimes we chuckle at the things that arrive, such as the huge 18" hard plastic (and heavy!!) lizard - what did that cost to send??!  Or the XXXL one-piece sleepwear (designed for the dead of winter - not the tropics).  We too receive lots of the extra large things - I guess large people have large hearts and they want to help as well.  We've found, by the way, that many of these big things can be remade into smaller things - like just use the fabric to make shorts for children, bags for carrying their goods, small skirts for the little girls, etc.

It has often been a source of frustration to me when giving out clothing to our people, WHY ARE they SOOO choosy?  I too grew up with "Beggars can't be choosers" and it is amazing how these things tick with you!!  But in reality, these "people" have personalities, they have likes and dislikes - same as the rest of us, because they are, after all people - individuals. 

When you think about it - why do any of us like or dislike something?  It is such an individual thing - no two people are identical in the things that they simply don't like, or the things that simply turn on all the lights for them!

When I remember that they are people, poor indeed, but people, it makes it easier for me to try and cater to their particularness as to style, color, item.  You know, I think what happens is that for too many of us - the poor become nameless, they lose their individuality.  Poorness becomes their identity.  I think that is one of the things that Jesus came to do, (and Mother Teresa tried to emulate) and that was giving the poor another identity.  None of us like to be relegated to the realm of generalization.  Like I grow weary of being RICH AMERICAN when I'm out in civilization.  There is no way to get around it, no matter how much I endeavor to not live like a rich American (not too hard to do on our stipend!!), I will always be a rich American.  One of the things I want to give our people is to rise above the mentality of being poor, or the generalizations that are bestowed upon them because "THEY are Pelawan".  I want them to find their individuality in Christ.  I want to honor their individuality.

I've rambled again.  Palawan, Philippines

The only problem with these blumeres grandes is that they are made from thin, silky material...so rags and shirts are probably out of the question. You have a good point, though. I'm sure we could come up with some use for them.  

Ramble as often as you want. It is instructive for the rest of us.

Two things struck me from your comment. You're right about assuming the poor should not have likes and dislikes. The kids here are very familiar with American culture, thus very particular about having clothes in style. At first this really bothered me. But now... Who am I to say that they should wear the eighties style clothing our patrons like to send just because they don't have wealthy aunts and uncles to buy them "cool" clothes. I'm not wealthy, and I insist on wearing clothes that are my style. Why can't they have some individuality?

The other idea that resonated with me was the "poor" mentality. Adam and I just finished a book called "Too Small to Ignore." The author speaks of this concept in terms of changing the mindset of children in the third world. Changing their concept of themselves will do the most good in reaching their parents.