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The Best Gift When Time Is Running Out

September 18, 2023 by Kristen

It’s the clock I noticed first. It was the only thing hanging on the bare wall of the home I was visiting. It wasn’t ticking. The hands stood still as if it silently screamed for me to take notice… to see that time was running out.

It was my third home visit of the afternoon. My belly was full of chai tea, halal pizza and a spicy noodle dish I couldn’t name (the world wants to feed you) and if I’m honest, I’d lost all track of time.  I’d stepped over a littered yard, dodged mud holes, climbed stairs, and knocked on the doors of my refugee friends from Myanmar, Afghanistan and Nepal–all relocated to different pockets of my city of Houston.

I sat and sipped and savored the moments in each home with women who have lived such unspeakable horrors that the United Nations deemed them fit for refugee status. It’s not a badge any of us would want to wear, but don’t doubt for a second that it isn’t one of honor. In their countries, these families owned homes, drove cars, had careers and every bit of their lives changed over night when genocide knocked at their front doors.

They have lost everything.

Possessions have been burned, homes looted, husbands captured and killed. And now they are my neighbors and they are starting life over in a different country with a new language, different customs, and untold challenges. Simply put, it is overwhelming.

As I stared at the silent clock, it was a very present reminder that time is running out. As we prepare to run around and scoop up last minute Christmas gifts, hunting for unique finds that will feel just right, for many in the world, the clock is ticking and nothing is right. Women around the globe can count their remaining dollars on one hand, they can feed their children for a couple more nights, they are running out of food, clothes and money for rent. They are running out of time.

When I started Mercy House Global nearly a decade ago, I just wanted to help pregnant teens in Kenya. But I quickly learned that when you take a girl out of trafficking, you’ve also taken away her job, so creating dignified work moved up to the top of our list. We create dignified jobs for those teen moms and their families in Kenya and we do so for thousands of other women in more than 30 countries through our monthly subscription clubs at Fair Trade Friday because business is the best way to end poverty.

With just a click of your mouse, you can join a club and send a gift subscription this Christmas at the very last minute –it will not only provide a lovely, trendy, unique gift; it will provide a dignified job just in time.

I handed over a bag of supplies to my refugee friend and she bowed in deep thanks. We both knew that bag would provide needed money just in time. I glanced again at the clock on the wall and remembered it wasn’t working. Today, would you find the time to help us provide work?

Click to give the gift that gives all year long

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13 Comments Filed Under: My Life

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. NwoowNews says

    November 27, 2023 at 6:03 am

    This article on last-minute gift ideas is a lifesaver! Love the practical suggestions for thoughtful gifts, especially when time is tight. Bookmarking this for future reference—thanks for the great tips!

    Reply
  2. R.A Technologies says

    January 20, 2024 at 10:24 am

    The bow and ribbon on this gift are the perfect finishing touch. It shows how much you care

    Reply
  3. ryanrobbie says

    February 16, 2024 at 2:26 am

    I completely agree with the point above in the article. We can join hands to contribute to making the world a better place mapquest driving directions

    Reply
  4. Alice Bobby says

    March 13, 2024 at 11:53 pm

    The ribbon build now gg and bow serve as the ideal final touch for this present. It demonstrates how deeply you care.

    Reply
  5. Us says

    March 21, 2024 at 9:08 pm

    Explain how the ticking clock on the wall became Among Us Online a symbol of their limited time to rebuild their lives.

    Reply
  6. Rovey Family says

    April 10, 2024 at 1:21 pm

    the ribbon ❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
  7. Agata Cooper says

    May 19, 2024 at 9:09 am

    If youre a writer or creator working against a deadline, ensuring your work is original is crucial. I highly recommend using plagiarismchecker.bot to verify the authenticity of your content. This tool is efficient and reliable, giving you peace of mind that your work is both unique and high-quality.

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  8. bidisharay says

    June 12, 2024 at 12:19 am

    Supporting dignified work for women in need is a gift that truly makes a difference. Consider joining Fair Trade Friday.

    Reply
  9. bidisharay says

    June 12, 2024 at 12:19 am

    Thanks For Sharing

    Reply
  10. Kenneth Hall says

    July 4, 2024 at 2:58 am

    This dress chasing sunsets hoodie is the finest choice for me, and the beauty of the design is fantastic. I think you should add it to your closet as well.

    Reply
  11. maksromanov says

    July 14, 2024 at 12:35 pm

    If you’re in a pinch for a last-minute gift, why not consider something unique and forward-thinking? I’ve recently discovered https://icoholder.com/en/stos/past, which offers an array of tokens and ICOs that can make for an innovative gift. Their past STOs section showcases a range of completed projects that can give you insights into potential future investments. It’s a thoughtful and potentially lucrative gift idea for anyone interested in the world of cryptocurrency. Check it out!

    Reply
  12. Mamawithlove says

    September 4, 2024 at 4:25 am

    This post is a lifesaver! It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and realize you need a thoughtful gift at the last minute. I love the idea of gifts that are simple yet meaningful—those are always appreciated.

    Have any of these ideas been your go-to for last-minute gifting? I’d love to hear which ones have received the best reactions or if there are other favorite quick gift ideas that people recommend.

    Reply
  13. poetry analyzer says

    June 14, 2025 at 10:01 am

    thank u for sharing, and i hope i will have the best gift too

    Reply

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