Today at 2pm we had the opportunity to do something that really captures Christmas -- we went to Union Church and made, rolled, cut out, baked, cooled then iced about 400 sugar cookies. On Christmas eve, another non profit organisation called Sons and Daughters will take these cookies and distribute them to the Wanchai's "late night workers".
The prostitutes, the mamasans, the homeless will receive these cookies, hand made, and handwrapped.
Very few of these recipients will have gifts given to them. Possibly overseas family might send something, but these are marginatlised people in Hong Kong, and there are few opportunities for them experience the feeling of accepting a free gift. Knowing that someone made it with them in mind.
The kids were happyto spend time baking, but we made sure one of the people who was organising talked to them about who the cookies were going to. Our kids wanted to help distribute, but that's not our role here. Sometimes you can silently support, and only provide.
It was a good way to spend an afternoon. Laurel the saint took Jasper, Jack, Freddie and Danielle and Sela to rugby, but Carys and Celeste stayed behind to help me clean. They scrubbed tables, helped mop the floor and learned what it like to stay until everything is back to where it was. This is also a good lesson.
I was a little disconcerted...I went and invited people expecting it to be organised, but since it was the inaugural one, I found myself in charge. I had no idea what was the right thing to do or not, but I was there making decisions, which wasn't fun for me. But it had to be done.
But thank goodness Laurel, Teresa and Lesley were there. Lesley immediately took over the kids rolling the dough she had brought, Laurel commanded the kitchen which has three ovens and keeping the cookies from getting burned, and Teresa took over the icing aspect.
I love surrounding myself with smart people - it allows me to be mediocre.
Comments