But I can't push those thoughts out of my mind for long. Soon the images start creeping back in my mind. Images of poverty and suffering I saw first hand when my parents were missionaries with Mercy Ships when I was in middle school and high school. The 30 stamps in my passport are mostly from countries where extreme poverty is the norm, not the exception. I've seen children die from starvation and disease that are so easily preventable. I've seen mother's eyes void of hope for the future of their children, young faces filled with worry and fear instead of smiles and laughter, and bodies wasting away from starvation. Even still, sometimes I want to forget. Because it's hard to know what to do, and even if I did know what to do, where to start. And will it even matter with all the suffering in this world?
Yes, it does matter. It matters to the mother who because of employment, for the first time has hope for the future of her children. It matters to the orphan who finds out there is a forever family coming to bring them to their new home, who for the first time in their little life, can't stop smiling. It matters to the one that will be able to put food on the table and fight against starvation. If it matters to one, it matters.
Noonday is such a simple way to make a difference that matters. Each piece of jewelry or accessory sold provides an income for the artisan that lovingly handcrafted it. That income means a mother will be able to provide for her family, put food on the table, send her children to school, take them for medical treatment when needed. To that one, it means she no longer has to fear the worst fear a mother could possibly have - having to give up her child from not being able to provide. Each trunk show hosted is spreading awareness that these people, once forgotten, do matter. Hosting an adoption fundraiser for a friend through Noonday means not only are your purchases going to matter to the artisans, it also means a family will be one step closer to bringing an orphan home and providing them with a forever family.
I know I will never be able to make the world a better place for everyone in it. But if I can make the world a better place for one, then I have done something important with my life. And that one may be able to make the world a better place for one more. These little things do matter. Not everyone is called to move to Africa or Central America to become a missionary. Not everyone is called to adopt. But we can all do something. Noonday has become that beautiful "something" for my family. Each day as I put on my gorgeous Noonday accessories, my children ask about the artisan who made the piece. We love reading the artisan stories together on the website and in the catalog, seeing how employment can create so much hope and positive change. They get so excited when I head off to do a Noonday adoption fundraiser, knowing that their sacrificing a few hours with Mom means another family is a little bit closer to being able to bring home their newly adopted child. I love how Noonday is helping me teach my children that every life matters.
Now for the giveaway!
I'm giving away the beautiful Ripples Bangle in silver. It's a super fun, beautiful bracelet handcrafted in India. This piece has a wonderful story, which is just as beautiful as the piece itself:
So, here's how you can win this beautiful piece!
1 entry - Go to my website and find an artisan story that inspires you. Write a comment about it below.
1 entry - "Like" my Noonday Facebook page, where I post artisan stories, sales, giveaways and more. (If you have already liked my Facebook page, share my page to receive an extra entry)
1 entry - Link this blog post on your own blog or Facebook page, and comment below letting me know you did.
I will hold the drawing on Monday, January 28th, 2013. Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you are the winner. Good luck!
