The kids had been asking Gepher and me for weeks, "when are we getting our shoes??" They were definitely anxious to complete their school uniform. After taking 27 kids shopping for uniforms, we weren't quite ready to do that all over again for shoe shopping. So instead, we had each of the children trace both of their feet. We took these precious pictures to the mall where we matched up shoes with feet. In all my years of buying new shoes, I've never quite bought shoes based on a foot drawing. We definitely got some giggles from the sales clerks wanting to help, but when they found out what we were doing they were eager to help as they were excited about the opportunity these children were being given to go to school.
Each little girl received a bag filled with a brand new pair of black mary jane shoes, a pair of socks, and a pair of panties. The little boys received a bag filled with a brand new pair of Addidas tennis shoes and a pair of socks. At the end of the after school program, we brought the two big bags filled with shoes out. The kids immediately began to smile as they knew what was about to happen. They patiently sat in their seats while we called the children one by one.
It was like Christmas morning!! As soon as their name was called and they returned to their seat they began to open their special bags. The smiles and sounds of laughter filled the room as most of these children have never received a brand new pair of shoes!!
Flip flops begin to be set aside as they were replaced with new socks and new shoes. The children tried on their shoes and we made sure everyone fit perfectly. Gepher and I were very thankful to have a couple moms with us to help all the children try on their shoes. After switching a few shoes around amongst the kids, we were able to find perfect fits for everyone (well almost everyone)! Roberto's shoes were too big and despite Gepher telling him we would bring him a pair the following day that would fit him, he insisted on wearing them anyways. He was so proud of his new shoes and afraid he wouldn't get another pair!!
As the children went home carrying their shoes (to not get them dirty), there faces were plastered with smiles. The pride and self-esteem that a simple pair of shoes had brought to these children made me speechless.
As I drove home after passing out the brand new shoes to the kids, the thought of "this was the first day most of these children ever received a new pair of shoes" couldn't get out of my head. Scenes of my closet flashed in my head with all these shoes sitting neatly in their shoe rack. I immediately thanked God for the blessings He's given me, but more importantly for the sponsors that are partnering with us to share our blessings with these very sweet and special children. Thank you for helping make this day one these children will never forget!
