Giving Rice
Sitting on my bed, staring at my newborn son, the pride of being a first time mum swam through me. I touched his soft cheeks, then ran down my hand to pat his back as he suddenly coughed. "Shhhh," I whispered to him, as he smiled in his sleep and my heart melted like butter. Then a sudden sadness swept through me; within 200 metres of my home was a massive orphanage full of babies below 2 years of age. My heart sunk as I imagined them not having enough food, clothes, or a proper hand to pat them when they coughed in their sleep. Then I remembered that I had about $100 in my account. A 50kg bag of rice was $60. I bought the sack of rice, divided into 4 bags, and randomly stopped at any orphanage I could find. The fulfilment of those tiny and cute smiles, the hugs, and the happiness, moved me to tears. I didn't care whether I would remain broke till the next paycheck, but all I knew was that I needed to do this. Being a member of RAK has not only helped me change other people's lives, but it has changed me completely. My random act of kindness on the 17th of this month will be for a young orphaned boy who has been a guard at our office, here in Lusaka, Zambia. He has always wanted to get a licence, so I am saving up a $30. I will be able to surprise him with the money to pay for his driving test, and I am so excited!