A Heart for Halloween

I don't really hold with Halloween. Sorry.

Not sure why, but I've never liked it. I do love to see decorated pumpkins and awesome fancy dress, because the creative side of me enjoys seeing other creative people 'doin' their thang' - but I've no desire to join in myself.

(When we first moved into our house, I admit we did have a Halloween Housewarming; we'd moved into the house on the 4th July, but it took us months to get enough furniture to invite our friends round... no other reason. If I remember right, I was a red devil...and one of our friends was the 'Not-so-grim Reaper'. Which is what you get when the black dye doesn't take on your nylon sheets...!)

Anyway, this Halloween I AM going to have a pumpkin light on my doorstep. Not carved with a scary face to encourage the ghosts and ghoulies, but with a heart in support of World Vision's Night of Hope campaign. You can find out more about the campaign and details of how to make a donation (should you wish to do so) here.

I sponsor three children through World Vision so I often get email or facebook updates and videos sent to me. I've been moved to tears by some of the stories they've shared, particularly this recent one:

Ahmed is the same age as my own son - 14. The contrast between T's life and Ahmed's is just unbelievable. It near broke my heart listening to him tell how he survives in the refugee camp - yet still manages to smile.  

Sadly, Ahmed's story is not unique. There are many more children throughout the world where life is constantly frightening for a variety of reasons. My £5 donation is just a drop in the ocean, but it will reach trained volunteers on the ground who can help these kids find hope again. 

Here's my pumpkin, carved with its symbol of hope for all the children for whom 'fright night' is every night... especially for the kids still living in war-torn countries and those trying to survive in atrocious conditions in Europe.

My hearty pumpkin.

I'll add another pic on Saturday, when the pumpkin's lit up...