Little girls making a BIG difference!
We were recently invited over to the Gearhart’s house for dinner and “a surprise”. I’m pretty sure the surprise was supposed to come later in the night, but two bites into our burgers 3 year old Saige asked aloud, “Can we give them the money for the kids Daddy?” – and the cat was out of the bag! A few moments later all three little Gearhart girls, Zoe (7), Haven (5), and Saige (3) were presenting me with a clear jar full of money.
“It’s for the kids with no mommies or daddies or food,” the girls 
said. “And no clothes!” little Saige added. My heart melted.
Since the very beginning of The Sound of Hope – back when it was just an idea (and not yet a non-profit organization), I wanted it to be about empowerment. One of the first things you’ll read on our website is that we believe everyone has value, and everyone has the potential to change the world. I have dreamed of what it would look like to have people of all ages, all over America, catching this vision and using their creativity to bring hope to children in need. I especially loved the idea of young people getting involved – from pre-school to college age! I think that children are told too often that they are “too young” to make a difference. It’s easy for even adults to wonder what we can do to fight human trafficking, or AIDS, or hunger. But the truth is, if each of us just did something the world would be a better place! And teaching children this truth will empower them to change the world.
So, when Zoe, Haven, and Saige presented me with a jar full of money for the children we care for overseas, I couldn’t have been more thrilled! These precious little girls saved their birthday money and allowances for several months, and even the littlest knew why. According to her dad Shawn, each time Saige got her weekly $1 allowance, she would say, “I want to put it in that thing to help the kids get toys and clothes and a mama and daddy!” We talked that night about what their money could do, and I promised that once I broke open their bank and counted the contents, I would let them know exactly what their money would do.
It turns out that there was $27.19 inside. When I think of all the candy and toys they could have bought with that money, it’s amazing that they gave it up so willingly! But what’s even more amazing, is what this money will now provide. $27.19 is enough to feed 3 little girls in Swaziland for a month!
We are partnered with a Care Point in Nsoko, Swaziland – one of the most impoverished places in the country. Children walk up to 7 miles a day to receive 2 hot meals of paap, beans, or rice fortified with vitamins and minerals. They also receive basic education and mentoring at this Care Point. Right now we’re working on plans to build a Community Garden there, which will provide the children with more nutritional food, like vegetables. And this month, because of three little girls in Michigan, three children in Swaziland will be able to eat.
The world may tell them they are just little girls, but they are little girls with BIG hearts, and they are making a difference! What can you do today to give hope to children in need?
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Debbie Rutallie
Those 3 little girls are my grandchildren. I am so proud of their parents for educating these little ones on helping those in need. They are so happy and willing to give to help enrich the lives of children who are so much less fortunate. May God increase their vision as they grow and do mighty things through them to change the world.
Amanda Porter
That is probably the sweetest thing I have ever heard. What adorable little girls and how blessed will the children you help be.
“Too young” is simply just a phrase, no one is too young to give.
Cindy Kelch
I cried when I read this! I don’t know why, it should not come as a surprise that these 3 girls were willing to give up things so that some other child could have food. Their parents have the gift of generosity and it is so wonderful to see that this gift has been passed on to their children.
tabitha
*tears* awesome, awesome, awesome 🙂