1,000 for HOPE

Today I was sitting in church, listening to people's testimonies, well I am a pretty good listener but I have to have something to do with my hands (perhaps that's why I knit/crochet?!). So I grabbed the piece of paper that had the stake announcements on it and folded it into a paper crane. After I made it, I got to thinking of the lore behind cranes. In Japanese culture, it is said that if a bride folds 1,000 paper cranes before she marries, it will give her luck and a long life. It is allowed for others to help her fold them and the more people who help, the more good fortune she will have in her life. It doesn't have to just be a bride, anyone who folds 1,000 paper cranes, can make a wish and will have luck.

Then I started thinking about making that many cranes. That would take a LONG time, but you start with just one crane. One crane isn't very intimidating is it? Then one more after that, then another..and so on. Then my mind translates cranes to real life. We can accomplish a lot that seems impossible if we start with ONE thing.

Then my "If you Give a Mouse a Cookie" brain started thinking about the place the 1,000 crane folklore came from, Japan. I can't even imagine the devastation that Japan is going through right now, the loss and the heartache, everyday I think of the people suffering over there and I pray for them everyday. My dad spent time over there when he served a mission for our church and we've had many exchange students stay with our family so I feel a little connected in a very small way, but connected nonetheless. I don't know what I can do to help them then I thought what their spirits need most is hope and courage to face the long road ahead of them. What if I made 1,000 cranes to send to them? To give them some light and hope, so they'll know someone is thinking of them.

I googled paper cranes hoping to find a kit or some way to buy origami paper in bulk and I found another lady who had written an article about her project of making 1,000 paper cranes. She had never made them before but her and her 13 year old daughter set out and have made over 500, and have gotten many many donations from around the country of others' cranes. She says with each crane she makes, she says a little prayer. How cool is that? One Thousand prayers from one little family for Japan. Her husband questioned her and asked why she doesn't just fold $1 bills. Some can't afford to send large amounts of money so what a cool way to still give back. Later on she found that an organization would donate $2 for every crane sent to Japan, so her project which started out as a way to give hope to the people of Japan, will earn them money as well.

My first. Only 999 to go!

SO, do I think I can make 1,000 cranes? Maybe but it will take awhile by myself but I can start, with ONE, then another. If anyone is interested in helping, leave a comment or email me and we can talk! If you only have time to make ONE, one makes a difference. YOU can make a difference.

EDIT: So I had a friend give me a good idea to go to a grocery store or some place that I could set up a table and sell the cranes for either a dollar or two or whatever people are willing to give then donate the money to the Red Cross to make sure the money really gets there. If you would like directions to make your own cranes go here.