Quilts Matter

Fifteen quilts. Fifteen young people on the other side of the world.  A match made in heaven, I think.

It was a special day. My husband, Fred, and son, Drew, called each child up to the front one at a time and presented them with a quilt. Fred explained that it had been made especially for them and that no one would ever take it from them. I had labeled each quilt with a name.

Quilts are not the norm in Nepal. These kiddos had never seen one before. 

I think the happy faces tell you what they think of quilts though!

The children are learning English and many of them wrote me handmade notes of thanks.

A common theme among the notes is how much I must love them to make them a quilt.

One young man wrote that this is the first gift that he has ever received and how happy that it made him.

I will treasure these notes forever.  They bring a lift to my heart but at the same time a lump to my throat.

I feel like I have a bond with these children now. Kids that I may never meet personally have become some of "my kids" now. Because of quilts.

These children are all disabled and lead a much more challenging life than I ever will. Because of the cultural caste system in Nepal they are usually overlooked.

And yet their joy for life and thankful spirits are evident and contagious. I could learn a lot from them.  

Being a part of this project has been such a pleasure. I see why Drew cares about them so much.

I'm convinced more than ever that quilts matter. Giving matters. Kindness matters.

Often I've heard quilters comment about a quilt they are giving away that it is JUST for charity, usually said about a project made with fabric that they dislike or is of low quality. I have a different view and want the quilts that I give to always be beautiful and ones that I would be proud to gift to family or friends. 

You just never know what a difference you are making in someone's life when you give a quilt away. I feel that you are giving part of yourself.

Thank you again to my quilter friends who helped make this all happen for these children by giving of your time, talent.....and quilts! You made a difference.