One of our Hope Collection partners, Compassion International, currently has a team of people working in India, some traveling for the first time outside the U.S. Here is a guest post by Compassion Blogger, Robin Dance. Go here to read posts by all the Compassion Bloggers and see how you can sponsor a child.

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Standing inside their doorway, him dressed in stoicism and a stained white tee, her draped in demureness and a cheerful pink sari, they invited us into their home. It was the first time I’ve ever been invited straight to someone’s bedroom the moment I entered their house.

Then again, their almost two-room house would fit compactly inside my youngest son’s bedroom, and it was the only place that could accommodate seating for the five in our group.

After spending the morning first being entertained by children in a local Compassion International Child Development Sponsor Program, then playing with them, we visited families and children in their nearby homes, to learn from them how Compassion has impacted their lives. First was little Johnson’s family.

If I was a friend to Compassion before this trip, I’m an outright zealot for them now. Sponsoring a child doesn’t just benefit him or her, it helps the entire family; as my friend and trip leader Spence suggests, “by relieving the burden of one, you relieve burden for all”.

Hesitant at first, our hosts slowly warmed up to us. The question was asked “How has Compassion impacted not just your son’s life, but your entire family’s?” and Johnson’s parents told us about the material things Compassion had provided through the years: a colorful cabinet; a pitcher, bowl and pot for cooking; a table fan.

These are their most prized possessions.

When I asked if we could photograph those special things, I sensed a change in the atmosphere; maybe I was just imagining it, but I saw a sweet pride swell in Johnson’s mother as she located a set of keys, stooped to the bottom door of the cabinet, unlocked it and carefully shifted its contents until she pulled out the wrapped pitcher and bowl. She unwrapped them, placing them on the children’s bed, which had previously been our chair and was now serving as her table.

The most beautiful moment of our visit, the one that wrapped its fingers around my heart and clinched it tight, was when this precious lady offered us tea. There was simply no way we could accept it, knowing the havoc it would wreak on our digestive system; before we could answer, our interpreter quickly explained that as Americans, our stomachs weren’t accustomed to the water. I think she probably knew this, she knew we’d decline, and yet she still offered.

Her gracious intention when she had next to nothing to give is a gift I’ll carry much longer than a cup of tea.

By Erin, Jedidiah Rep

I’d like to introduce you to a great shop in Tampa, Florida which just started carrying Jedidiah! The shop is Surf Down Under, and is owned and operated by, you guessed it, Aussies! The staff here is so friendly and really have a great thing going with their attention to detail and customer service. Located in the happening, Channelside Bay Plaza, it’s a great spot for a shopping stop-over from the Tampa Bay metro area on the way to the gulf coast beaches. They are so interested in the meaning behind what we do at Jedidiah, and appreciate the designs and unique look given to the brand from our team of artists.

For a better idea of what this shop offers, we engaged in a little Q & A with them…

Jedidiah: How long have you been in business and what inspired your shop name?
SDU: The company has been up and running for 4 years. The name was inspired to try to bring a taste of Australia to the heart of downtown Tampa, FL.

Jedidiah: What products do you specialize in?
SDU: We believe in being able to express one’s individuality, style, and originality. At our shop we strive to bring in the most unique, trendy surfing brand apparel and accessories we can get our hands on.

Jedidiah: Describe your customer.
SDU: We are a one stop shop for the whole family. We carry sizes from 0-3 months and up. All items in the shop are hand picked in order to allow the customers to get items they won’t find at other retailers.

Jedidiah: Tell us a little bit about your employees.
SDU: Our shop is like the United Nations, our staff is diverse coming from all over the world including Greece, Australia, and the Philippines. We make every effort in giving people the best quality customer service.

Jedidiah: What is your favorite thing about your city?
SDU: The best thing about Tampa is that it is a hidden treasure filled with tons of friendly people, beautiful weather, and a laid back environment.

Jedidiah: Is there something unique about your shop or anything else that you’d like people to know?
SDU: The shop is family owned and run by Aussie’s straight out of Australia.

Surf Down Under’s first shipment of Jedidiah arrived a couple of weeks ago, and they have pieces from the HOPE Collection, Artists & Community Series and more…so go check them out! And look for the new Fall Collection coming soon…

For more info visit: Surf Down Under • SDU Myspace • SDU Facebook