Hi friends, and a very happy weekend to you! Talking about a Sparkling Little Gem here today. Hoping things are well in your neck of the woods. I’m actually in a different neck of the woods today, just one state up and over: Vermont! It’s school vacation week in NH, and we were glad to sneak away with the kids for a little R & R.
The truth is, there hasn’t been much R & R this week after all. We arrived in Vermont with one of the kids already sick and the germs have unfortunately traveled and morphed, as they so often do. We’ve spent most of our time running back and forth to the drugstore on gingerale and kleenex runs, tripping over Bernie signs coming and going. (Vermonters sure love their Bernie.) But seriously, yesterday we finally got out of the house. We visited Goodrich Maple Farm, Cabot Creamery and Diamond Hill General Store. Though sadly not everyone was able to go along due to the unpleasant plague that has been plaguing us. (And I had to google how to spell “plaguing”.)
I love Vermont for many reasons, one of them being the King Arthur Flour Store that’s located in Norwich. I’m always up for a trip to King Arthur, especially since they did their extensive remodel a few years ago! If you’re ever in the area, don’t miss it! I’m hoping to stop on our way home.
I love talking about things that really matter to me here, and hopefully you’re interested too. I’ve shared about LittleGemsUSA before. Leslie is a dear friend and I’m always amazed to hear the good she’s up to in her Chicago corner of the world. Leslie has a mission to raise money through her jewelry company to help under-privileged women and children both at home and around the globe.
I went on-line shopping a few weeks ago and bought this leather wrap bracelet for a birthday gift from LittleGemsUSA. It’s a fun piece, and also a good feeling knowing I’m helping children in need. I wanted to show you the bracelet because it’s so pretty, though the point of this post isn’t necessarily to encourage you to buy jewelry. (Though it’s not a bad idea with Mother’s Day right around the corner.) It’s more to share how one caring heart can make an incredible difference in the lives of others. Leslie has a full-time job, but runs LittleGemsUSA on the side to support charitable projects. Today she’s telling us about helping under-privileged children in Rwanda attend school. Here’s an update Leslie recently posted on her own blog, in her own words about one precious, Sparkling Little Gem:
“I’m writing today because it’s been far too long since I’ve updated you on one of our beautiful sponsored children! I will not be sharing his name for privacy, but I will share a picture or two and a little bit I know about him.
This student has a smile that hits you straight in the heart. You know that he’s got to be a bundle of fun to have in class and oh so charming.
He is 7 years old and his name means “it is well”. I could learn a lesson in just his name. He’s the oldest in his family and has a little brother. I can’t wait to meet him some day as well. They MAKE cars and enjoy playing with them. (Notice the artwork in his thank you note below….I think that’s a car on the right.)
He also enjoys playing ball. Maybe a future soccer star?? He owns a cat and was so proud of it that he ran to get it to show Laura (from our charity Love Alive International) when she was in town.
If he got to pick his favorite meal it would consist of rice, macaroni and cassava. When he grows up, he wants to be a driver. I hope he’s a good one (at least better than me).
Thank you all for the part you play in making his education possible. Have a great day knowing he’s happy in school today because of you!
Love – Leslie
PS – The only reason we exist is to help Little Gems like this. Please stop by our store to help keep him in school next year.”
More stories from LittleGemsUSA: Little Gems, Big Heart
Carina says
Dear Allie, sorry to hear that you guys have been under the weather. That can put a damper on a get- away, for sure. Hope everyone is feeling well soon.
The bracelet is beautiful. It is inspiring to hear about people working to help others, as you said, “…how one caring heart can make an incredible difference in the lives of others”.
Take care. Hope you have a good weekend and everyone is on the mend. Xoxo
Allie says
Thank you so much Carina, it was great to hear from you. Unfortunately, even a week later, the sickness has unfortunately continued traveling. Summer can only improve things and I am ready! xo
Julie says
“It is well” has put a smile on my face…and a reminder in my heart. I know those words are what pull you through disappointments as well (like vacation plagues 😉 Get well…Be well. xo J
Allie says
Thanks friend. xo
Leslie says
What a treat for me to see my post here! Thank you Allie for your love and support. That little cutie is in school because of you. Thank you!
I never wanted to go to school and now I help send them. Poetic.
Anyway hope everyone in your household is back in their feet soon!
Allie says
I love what you’re doing Leslie and it’s always a pleasure to share how you’re making an impact with LittleGemsUSA!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says
Beautiful pics! Hoping everyone gets over the crud and gets healthy. Enjoy the rest of your vacation!
Allie says
Thank you so much Kathy!
Tracy says
I am so sorry to hear that that virus spread. I’s been around for awhile now! Better weather and health are right around the corner. Allie I really enjoyed learning about Leslie and all that she is doing for those little gems. What a wonderful charity! I will most definitely look up her site. Feel better Taylors?
Allie says
Thank you so much Tracy!!!
Susie Mandel says
I hope you all are feeling better! So sorry you were sick on your break. 🙁 Little Gems USA has some beautiful things! I might just find something for both our moms.
Allie says
Thanks my friend, hope all is well there!
Linda Jenkins says
There has been so much of this bug going around. I hope all in the family are on the mend. I know how much you love Vermont, so I am glad you were able to visit some of your favorite haunts. It is well is such a beautiful child and a definite reminder of the gratitude that results from the caring of others. Your friend at Little Gems is a remarkable woman, leader, and inspiration. By the way, the bracelet is lovely. It suits you perfectly; it is a reflection of your signature style. Praying that good health will reside in your home forever.
Allie says
Oh thank you so much Linda. The bracelet was actually a birthday gift for a friend who lives in the south. But I really love it. Thanks for the prayers, friend.
Aunt Pinkie says
What a bummer to be sick on your vacation-rats and double rats! Thanks for sharing about Little Gems.
Allie says
My thoughts exactly. RATS!!! Thank you Aunt Pinkie.
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Not sure if you guys are still there, but I hope you are enjoying your time in Vermont! And I certainly hope everyone gets better soon!! I remember when you talked about Little Gems a while back! So glad you decided to do another post on it, because a gift from there would be perfect for Mother’s Day!! Beautiful pieces for a beautiful cause! Cheers, dear – to rest, relaxation and good health for the ones who are ill!! xoxo
Allie says
Thanks my friend, hope all is well where you are. I so appreciate your thoughts as always, many thanks for dropping by. XO
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
Oh Allie – to think we could have actually met in the flesh – I was supposed to have been in Vermont to run the Maple race this past weekend but due to some scheduling issues/daughter being adultless etc I chose to stay here in Atlanta – it would have been a pleasure to have met had things been different – but maybe one day soon eh?!
I hadn’t heard of Little Gems USA before – I just checked out the site and there are some gorgeous pieces on there – so glad to know that there cause is so wonderful – thanks for introducing me to them!
I hope you and your brood have a wonderful time in Vermont and the plague doesn’t derail y’all too much – to all that are infected – I wish a speedy recovery.
xx
Allie says
Hey Shashi, I cannot even believe you were almost in VT two weekends ago. Crazy for sure. If you had made it, you would’ve been greeted by the white stuff, but also by me. 🙂 That and th emaple syrup would sweeten the deal. giggle. Seriously, what fun that would have been. Our day is coming, that’s for sure. XO
Eva says
J’espère que tu as eu des belles vacances dans le Vermont. J’en suis sûre que tu as bien profité avec ta famille.
Litte Gems c’est une très belle initiative et voir les sourires de ces enfants n’a pas de prix ! C’est vraiment très bien c’est que vous faits pour eux ! xoxo
Allie says
Merci mon cher ami Eva . Vous aimeriez Vermont. J’espère que vous obtenez visite ot un jour. XO
Mandi Korn says
Hey Stranger, what a sweet post, I just went to the Compassion Experience, which tries to inspire you to give them money for children in need. It was a great place to take Boo, but as I walked through this very elaborate set-up, all it made me wonder was how much of the money that others send funded this, instead of helping the children, they claim that they do. I would love to learn more about the organization that your friend goes through. I am also taking my Boo out to volunteer tomorrow, hoping she will learn to give to our community, and see me helping and hoping it will inspire her to want to help others too.
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