'The best gift is giving from your heart'
* The image above capture the living conditions of the poorest in Cambodia. The floods wipe out their homes and the unsanitary conditions create life threatening health issues. *
Through giving, we enrich our own lives and the lives of others. Social Psychologists have found that people's sense of happiness is greater when they spend relatively more on others than on themselves.
The Dalai Lama observes that happiness does not come from material things but rather from a deep, genuine concern for others' happiness. Religions worldwide assert to the fact, that focusing on one's own needs instead of others' results in negative emotions that prevent true and lasting happiness for the self.
** Food package & blankets/ shade sails are part of the gift as many family cant afford a bag of rice **
So religious, spiritual or otherwise the research shows that greater happiness is achieved when as a species, we humans look out for one another. Acting from a selfless place where your action has an impact will essentially benefit both parties.
Side note; The happiest person that I have ever met is Chhun Bann, the Smiling Monk who's selfless dedication to helping the poorest of his country, drives his smile.
** Chhun Bann - The smiling Monk with the family being gifted their new home! **
MY STORY
My husband and I were married in the backyard of our beautiful property almost a year ago. We lived in our newly renovated home, filled with the love that is our blended family. Incredibly fortunate for all we have within each other, we felt it unnecessary to create a list of "things" to adorn /clutter our home.
Having traveled to Cambodia with The Tempo Group earlier in the year for their Build a Village Campaign (check it out http://www.tempobuildavillage.com.au/ ) and experiencing first hand the living conditions of these families, many with children younger than our own, we knew we had to help.
The experience I had and the interactions with the children, ultimately changed my life. We had no desire for the materialistic items associated with a wedding so we decided to ask our attendees in lieu of presents, a gift that would continue to give.
Our wedding registry, we asked our attendees to donate to a pool where together we could buy a family a home. Shan and I, along with our guests raised over $3000 to see this a reality.
** Kitchen in a rising water line **
A few days ago 'our family' received their home. Looking through the images you can see the living conditions that this poor family was subject to. This home, this simple gift from a collective represents security, sanitation and hope for a better future.
To make someone smile from unwrapping a thoughtful gift or such as this case, to see a family receive a home that provides much more. Without the worry of having a place to call home, this family has the opportunity for growth, education, and improved health. Providing security for a young family, sanitation by lifting them above the increasing water line they on focus on their future.
Generosity is what make as human. Don't just give because it makes YOU feel good, make sure it has an impact.
Amanda x
If you are interested to know more, see the links below.
Read more about this amazing Grass-roots organization and how you can help. https://www.globalvillagehousing.com/
Read more about Tempo Build a Village here http://www.tempobuildavillage.com.au/