I was a Brownie once. I loved it and vividly remember many of the details of Brownie life. I can almost smell the shoe polish as my dad polished my had-to-be brown shoes. And the smell of Brasso as I insisted on polishing badges and buckles myself. I was definitely an OCD Brownie. Everything had to be exactly right!
One Brownie event I loved was 'Thinking Day' when we were encouraged to think of Brownies all over the world, and in the case of my Brownie pack, generally think good thoughts all day. As part of Thinking Day we had to shine a penny, along with the badges and buckles. I'm not too sure what that was all about, but I loved the shiny pennies. I'm just realising that I have no idea what became of them!
Sally and I get lots of pennies. They come in bags and jars and boxes from so many people who save their small change or ambush family and friends for theirs - all for Rwanda. Just today The latest box arrived. I can't tell you what joy these pennies bring to our house. People often half apologise for what to them seems so little, but those pennies mean a lot to us. They speak of commitment to our work, love and concern for the people of Rwanda who receive help as a result, and I can't put into words how much all this encourages us. Every penny counts and every penny is precious.
Today I also remember another penny from childhood. A boy knocked me over in the playground and my very favourite teacher gave me a cold penny to hold against the bump on my head. Don't think anyone had heard of A&E and concussion! When I went to return it to her she said I could keep it. She may as well have given me a thousand pounds, it was so precious. A little girl who rarely had money for sweets (violins out!) didn't even spend it for a very long time. I treasured that penny so dearly. That was largely because of the person who gave it to me - the giver made the gift special.
So to everyone out there who continues to give me pennies today - thank you. They are precious, yes, because of how much stuff they turn into in Rwanda, but also because you, the givers are precious too. Never underestimate the value of the penny - each one counts and is much appreciated.
And the bump on the head? Some would say that explains a lot! it was almost worth it for that very special penny.
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