seva - sanskrit for "service"

clothes to send to Mother Miracle School, overseas

I feel it is my duty as a mother of children in such a developed nation, with such a comfortable life, to teach them about the plight of the poor, the importance of sharing what we have and of helping others in need. Since 2004, we have been taking the children to see Amma, an Indian saint, and world renown humanitarian who emphasizes the important of selfless service, or seva. She walks her talk. Her entire life mission centers around comforting people through her famous hugs, as well as numerous charitable organizations. Knowing Amma has had a profound effect on the children. Currently all three kids are working in their own way to raise money for poor children, they each have their own charity jars. They are making "charity boxes" that they will give to Amma when we see her in June, emptying the jars into the boxes, the jars will be refilled again when we return home.

We are gathering items to send overseas to the school where we sponsor several children. The girls have donated many beloved stuffed animals. It was very sweet to see Annabel kissing each one goodbye and telling them they are going to a new home where they will be very loved.

A friend and I have started a small green project and word has now spread all over the U.S. We scour thrift shops for metal forks and spoons to bring to the U.S. mainland and donate to Amma's organization to use for their various meals served all over the U.S. during her tours. City by city, they are replacing plastic cutlery with the hundreds of forks and spoons we and others have donated. It saves the organization money and also cuts down on pollution. A small idea with a big message.

Also every year our family donates something, usually handmade, to Amma's bookstores to be sold to raise money for her charities. This year Skylar made potpourri bags. Also the girls created activity books with word scrambles, mazes, dot-to-dots, etc. A friend wrote a children's story, Skylar illustrated it, we have copies of handmade books to donate to Amma's bookstore.

My feeling is that every bit makes a difference, and when the children are involved and it's real and personal, it makes a deeper impact.

We leave for the mainland in 17 days. Our first stop is to see Amma in California and deliver all of our goodies.