This topic struck a chord in me as I sat to write it, hours after a FaceTime call from my mom, who is volunteering at Sister Stan's orphanage in Ghana. It was my birthday, and after chatting with her for a few minutes, she turned the camera around to the children that lived there and, with gusto, they sang "Happy Birthday" followed by a beautiful dance they had been rehearsing for the Independence Day celebration.
They are clothed, but they wear no shoes. The only family they have is each other, Sister Stan (the nun who runs the orphanage), teachers and volunteers.
For food, they eat beans and rice. There is no running water.
They play with rocks and sticks in the dirt outside - not a toy among them.
Nevertheless, their smiles are contagious, their zest for life is unbroken. This place provides shelter and the love and care they need to thrive. Basic necessities are met because of this place, these people that have the passion to support it and maintain it.
For most of us, our necessities are right here: a click away on Amazon or a trip to the store. Running water, all the food we need in crazy varieties from all over the world, our climate-controlled homes, clothing and shoes for any occasion, books, tech gadgets, nice things, nice toys... too many things, too many toys. We take it for granted. Many of us are not content with what we have because we are chasing after "things" and "more things."
Take a good look around you and you will see how lucky we are to have much more than our basic needs met for ourselves and our children.
Check out more Real Necessities from Katie Bork Photography. Katie is an amazing Lifestyle Family Photographer serving Wilmington & Wrightsville Beach.
