Every now and then I catch myself in a thought of how I love to be a father. My parents were divorced when I was just one, so during my young age I grew up as many do…in a single parent home.
Only now do I cherish the moments when I step back and see what a wonderful blessing parents can be to a child—especially when both are in the home and actively engaged in the development of that child.
As many of you know, XANGO’s roots are in Thailand—the home of the mangosteen fruit. It’s no wonder that we seek to return here often with distributors and employees alike for company events and charitable missions.
We are on such a mission this week as XANGO hosts over a hundred surgeries with Operation Smile. After a long day at the hospital, the XANGO and Operation Smile attendees took a detour to a local orphanage: Baan Jing Jai Children’s Home. Most of these children lost their parents in sickness or accident. Others were abandoned. Nearly 100 strong these boys and girls show a resilient spirit…and they all proudly display a beautiful Thai smile.
Though these children find themselves without parents, they are not without love. They are cared for by four tireless women who tend to the children’s needs with limited support from the government. The rest?…they depend on the good acts of others. And on days like today…the love and kindness comes forth from those they didn’t even know existed: champions of happiness.
When contacted, the orphanage had a very humble request: four ceiling fans, shampoo, conditioner and soap. That all. Not only was that and more provided, but the cheerfulness adorned as foreign suitcases were opened and toys, stuffed animals, colors and coloring books, reading and writing materials and a whole lot more were poured out a plenty.
To think how wonderful the world could be if every child could grow up in a home with loving parents. Until that dream is achieved there is something each one of us can do to make life just a little sweeter.
Hugs,
Aaron
