Unwrap the true spirit of Christmas

Today’s experience in Sri Lanka was one I wish every staff and donor of World Vision’s could have. While milking Chooti the cow, I laughed harder than I have in ages. While hearing Irangani’s story, I cried with more sorrow but also more joy than I knew I could.

 

I did all of this with Irangani, Chooti, and their family.

For a half day I got to be with the poor and the marginalized and experience true strength, determination, and joy. I also heard stories of desperation, hopelessness, and deep pain from the past. The “poorest of the poor” have faces and names and feel deep sorrow and beautiful joy.

Just when Irangani no longer dared to dream, Chooti the cow came as a lifeline.

I wonder whether the person/people who donated the cow had any idea of the impact this gift would have on another family. This wasn’t a nice gesture or a good thing to do. It wasn’t a single gift to the poor. Chooti is not just a cow.

Irangani talks about Chooti as a mother and protector to her children, as her own child, and as a provider through milk and income. Chooti is the gift who keeps on giving. Chooti is pregnant again, and so Irangani will soon have multiple cows to milk. She can send her daughters to school with shoes on, take care of her parents, and help her husband find health because of Chooti.

With Chooti the cow and more on the way, this family has for the first time what all of us have in America: a safety net, ever so small. There is no longer fear of finding work, paying bills, or not providing for children.

With the gift of a cow, there is only hope. Irangani dares to dream again.