How can we thank you enough?

Posted byMarkus + MicahPosted incommunity, Experiences, Food, Life, tiny house livingTags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

On behalf of the 70 families who received our Christmas food bags last night, we would like to thank everyone who supported our annual community outreach project. You have given these people a meal to share for Christmas, and more importantly, hope that their situation can improve and the assurance that they are not forgotten.

These underprivileged families live in Pag-asa, Bagac, Bataan, the fishing village where our tiny house is located. Each has around eight members at least and the entire family lives on $4 a day – if they are lucky to have work on that day. But this Christmas, and for a few days after, they will have food to share and warm drinks to enjoy.

Many thanks from the villagers!

Our individual contributions were enough to share 5 sacks of rice, 70 packs of spaghetti noodles and spaghetti sauce, 21 kilos of corned beef and meatloaf, 144 pieces of instant noodles, 140 packs of coffee and malted chocolate drink, 140 bags of bread, a medium box of apples, and 70 pieces of processed cheese and powdered milk.

Many thanks for the support of both of our parents and friends, particularly Carsten, Jonathan, Nils, Cassidy, Thomas, Valentin, Jonas, Chris, Audrey, Pi, Maja, Abe, and Rem. Your generosity helped at least 500 individuals. Christmas is definitely on!

The supplies were delivered in the house of Micah’s parents. Also, we are aware this created a lot of plastic waste and will do better next year.

We are definitely not rich, but that is the good thing about sharing: we do not have to be rich to make a difference – we only have to care.

Thank you very much and happy holidays, everyone!

Published by Markus + Micah

We are Markus + Micah. We live in a tiny house by the sea, grow our plants, cook plant-based food, travel, and design wellness retreats and mindful programs so we can all live meaningful lives.

70 thoughts on “How can we thank you enough?”

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  3. There are not enough words to describe what a fantastic initiative this is Markus and Micah. I believe what you are doing will have a big impact down the track. From little things, big things grow!

    I have included a link to just such a song below:

    The above song is one of our most beloved songs and is a healing song. Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody performed the song together at the public memorial service at Sydney Town Hall for a former, great Prime Minister: Gough Whitlam, who is the “tall stranger” referred to in the song. Gough started the process of handing back traditional lands to our aboriginal peoples.

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    1. Oh, I know this song but did not know the story! Thank you for sharing, really appreciate it. And we really don’t know what to say apart from thank you when people commend us for our community work. Truth is, this will not be possible without the help and support of family and friends. We are just organizers, I suppose, and we are just grateful for every person who decides to help others, too, and see the value in it. Because it does not take much to help and make a difference – the challenge is in starting and taking action.

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      1. Community is so important – we need organisers like the both of you to help build the social capital to keep the social fabric alive and well.

        You both do far more than you realise. I speak from experience here. And, yes, the challenge is always getting started. Once underway, you begin to realise that so much is possible 😊

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        1. Thank you. Yes, right now we are working to save our nesting turtles. They returned for some reason! We are now at 102 nests and 92 have been adopted. It is a privilege to work for the turtles. This work is larger than us. If just one turtle lives for the next 100 years, then my life would have been worth it.

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    1. We are grateful for family and friends who see the value in reaching out to the community. Our individual efforts will have a bigger effect when we come together. It is what we try to do. Get organized and take action so we can live our values and not just say them. I hope you had a lovely holidays!

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  11. This is so very cool! You sound so happy and open after giving so much to so many families. Isn’t it so interesting that giving can fill us with such joy? Happiest of holy-days to both of you!

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    1. We hope you had a lovely Christmas. What did you serve? Every year, we reach out to these community with the help of our families and friends. They really need it. If we wait for the government to help them, it will be too long. With our little efforts we can make a difference.

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    1. Thank you for your generosity. We did not post a donation link for this project. We will definitely let you know of the next one before this year ends! We appreciate your kindness and trust. Much love!

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    1. Hey, congratulations! So the job is working out? Thank you for your kindness. There is no donation link. We have yet to involve blog friends in our community projects, but will definitely let you know of the next one. Thank you, much appreciated. Again, happy holidays!

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    1. It worked out because our family and friends helped us! The people were grateful. This small gesture really means a lot to them. Next year we hope to reach more families. Happy holidays! What are you cooking?

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    1. Thank you. We cannot celebrate without our community celebrating, too. It really does not take much, and we are happy to know they will have food on their table this Christmas. Happy holidays! How are you celebrating?

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      1. In my own little ways! Take pictures with the family and of various landscapes on our holiday escapades, eat a rich dinner, watch Christmas movies. I’m glad I was able to help protect 160 kids from polio through the Rotary’s Christmas card fundraising program. I’m also glad I was able to participate in my blog more this December. Last year I only posted once. 🙂

        PS- I remembered expressing some interest in one of your sustainability (not sustainability) posts. But, having trouble recalling your question as I’m digging back. I’ll try to circle back when I can.

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        1. Sounds fun! What an awesome project with the polio fundraiser, too. Did not know polio is still a big problem. Glad to know it is being addressed. And yes, we can all work towards a more regenerative and sustainable future. It is not easy but we can do it!

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    1. Thank you. We cannot thank our family and friends enough for their generosity. Sometimes, the negligible amount of money we have, when put together can truly do big things. It is lovely to experience and share it. Happy Christmas! How are you celebrating?

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    1. Thank you, Janis. As you know, there are too many families here in The Ph that live below the poverty line. If we wait for others to help, then nothing will be done. Of course, the sustainable solution is to help them help themselves. We will keep working to make that happen. It is all about intention, right? Happy holidays to you and your family! Are you having noche buena?

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      1. You are absolutely right about helping them help themselves but truthfully, they still need this kind of boost… and I am happy that your community has taken part into such projects… it’s inspiring and certainly brings a smile to lots of people…

        Yes, we are having a Noche Buena. At 7 PM here, we are celebrating with my folks and on zoom as we are having a videoke family reunion… (singing contest lol)

        and @ 12 mn.. will be celebrating with my own family at home… as my mom in law and hubby wont be coming with us to my folks since they’re having their own zoom with their own family.

        We are scattered… hehe

        Nevertheless, I am sure it will be a happy one!

        God bless you Markus and Micah! Regards to your parents and sisters!

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        1. Yes, we are lucky to have generous family and friends. The future will be kind if we take care of our actions today. Good luck with your singing contest – I hope you win! And I hope all the celebrations are lovely. Blessings to you and your family. Much love, Janis.

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    1. Thanks, Jan. It is a joy to have family and friends who are so generous and caring. Our budget was a little less than $600 and it reached over 500 individuals. The impact of a small act of kindness cannot be underestimated. Hopefully next year we can do better. Happy holidays to you all! How are you celebrating?

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      1. That’s such a great deed. Good on you.
        I’m celebrating with family and friends. And each year we anonymously help few families in need through the church. We try to do what we can and give back during Christmas. Stay safe.

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    1. Thank you, Shelly. It really does not take much to make these people happy, especially the kids. And of course, this happened because of everyone who helped. The magic of small things combined did it again. Happy holidays!

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