A few nights before Christmas Eve, we asked the kids what we should do regarding the Advent Conspiracy at church. They both agreed to give the money from our coin jar, which was just about full.  Typically we cash out the coin jar when it is full and go do something together as a family.  The kids decided we should give the money away this Christmas. 

 

We then listed the different options of things to give too.  Immediately Grant spoke up, "We need to give the money to the Congo clinic."  We asked if he wanted to give all the money to the clinic or split it up between different charities.  He was adament that all the money should go to the Congo.  Grant remembered me telling the kids that Dr. Jim had said that they don't even have enough stethoscopes at the clinic. 

 

The kids went off to gather extra coins that they had to add to the jar (as well as look under the sofa cushions).  Without any prompting or words from Jeremy or I, Grant came back into the kitchen, dropped some coins into the jar and then stuffed 12 $1 bills into the jar.  He looked at me and said "I just want to add a little extra money to help the clinic."  He then went on his way like it was no big deal.  I, however, was very touched by his tender heart.  $12 is no small amount for an 8 year old boy who loves to save his money for Legos. 

 

Just to add a little fun, we had a contest to see who had the closest guess of how much money was in the jar. 

Total coins = $71

Plus Grant's $12

Total - $83