'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be
And when we find ourselves in the place just right
'Twill be the valley of love and delight
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come 'round right.
"Simple Gifts" - Shaker* folk song
The gift of simplicity is very pervasive at Hot Springs. Any time I remember this Shaker folk song with its lilting tune and reorienting lyrics (link to the song if you'd like to hear it), I can't help but long to be there.
Less is more.
It's a common reflection of people who come with me, especially those for the first time. How little these children have, compared to children back in Canada, and yet, how happy they are. It's as if our more materialistic Western sensibilities are messed with in all the good and disturbing ways they should be.
Wait, what? "Stuff" doesn't make you happy?
You can play cool games with stones?
You can have fun just standing in a circle with friends, clapping in rhythm while singing a song?
You don't need electronics, or even store-bought toys to enjoy a Saturday?
Yup. And seed pods (similar to but not Maple keys), held by the stem make for good spinning if you run with them. Large, slow-moving beetles make good pets. Gardening and tending the goats is good fun all on its own.
So when we arrive with Sponsors' packets full of trinkets and toys, it's like Christmas morning!
And when someone brings an idea for Jenga blocks or "Thai Blitz", what a bonus!
Still, no one has a bike.
Just a simple life out in the country where it's good.
Less is more.
Until less isn't quite enough.
And here's where I just put out an ask.
In crunching the numbers for this fiscal year's 2024 budget, we, like everyone else on the planet, are experiencing some sticker shock. Electricity has gone up. Gas has gone up. Rice has gone up.
It's like this every year, for sure. Cost of living increases are hardly a new thing. And in the six years we've been operating as New Family Foundation we've actually been able to move forward in closing the gap between what we receive and what we need.
Mostly this has happened in three ways:
Increasing the monthly amount for individually sponsored Children.
One time and/or regular donations from generous Supporters.
Specifically designated fundraisers.
But looking ahead to the next 12 months, due to the unusual economic factors in play everywhere, we are looking at a need in our daily operations budget of $11,000.00 over the year, or approximately $1,000.00 per month.
As the Canadian Representative for New Family Foundation, it is in my job description to address this. And over this next year, fundraising and adjusting our donor base will take a top level priority, beginning with the formation of a strategic plan directed at finances.
So, I'm just letting you know.
Ways you can help.
Give
What you can, when you can.
Without a sense of obligation or stress, because we truly do believe there's enough to go around, and are in no way in competition with any of the other beautiful causes out there.
To give to NFF through Highview check out the options laid out on Highview's webpage at www.hcckw.ca/giving.
And, for every gift, thank you.
Refer
I am currently scoping out educational opportunities towards non-profit fundraising and have found several good sources. However, I'm open to more, especially ones that don't require high fees up front (which I have to admit I find somewhat ironic). If you have good experience with this and can make a referral, please email me separately at rabreithaup@hcckw.ca.
And, for every referral, thank you.
Pray
For God's provision, creativity, increased frugality and budgeting on our part.
For joy in the asking, in the giving, in the learning.
That our children will have all their needs met as they grow into all God created them to be.
And for every prayer, thank you.
*I do not mean to make comparisons to doctrines or worship practices between this 18th century Christian sect and New Family Foundation, other than the comparison of simplicity. With an interesting history all on their own, the Shakers were a sect associated with the Quaker movement in both Britain and the United States. They are/were known for their industry, innovation, and devotion to simplicity. Hence the style of furniture named for them. Also, they liked to dance, which they did a lot, and very obviously, by the folk dance directions in lyrics, to this song.
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