The Story

Christmas day of 2007 came and went. It was the typical American Christmas—gizmos, gadgets, whatnots, and an oversized helping of turkey. Two days and a transatlantic flight later I was standing in a small other-continental village, regretfully pondering my extra helping of Christmas turkey and materialism. I decided that things would be different in 2008.

During the Christmas season of 2008, my wife Amber and our extended families decided to give a Christmas present to that little village. We decided to spread the wealth, meager though it may be. Instead of purchasing presents, we created presents for each other and donated the difference to our the Yao. That is where you stepped in.

As my gift to Amber, I created the Mother Letter Project with your help. Simply stated, I collected about 600 “open letters” from you, and others. You submitted your stories—the raw and difficult ones. You shared you concerns. You shared your wisdom. Simply, you shared your mother stories.

The project was more successful that I could have hoped or imagined. You delivered, and we have been blown away by your generosity.

But what if? What if we could pick an initiative and raise awareness and support. What if we could pick an initiative and make a difference with these letters? We can.

Submit your letter before Mother’s Day. We will be compiling a second book–the Mother’s Day Edition. If you submit before Mother’s Day, you will get a complimentary copy of the Edition.  The only rules? Start your letter “Dear Mother” and sign it. Then, share a letter here or by email (motherletter@gmail.com).

As for those who would like to purchase this new Mother’s Day Edition?  Just pledge to donate $0.10 per letter to Compassion International’s malaria intervention fund.  Upon making the donation, we’ll send you a copy of the Mother’s Day Edition.

Our goal is simple: 1oo new letters and 100 donors.  If we achieve this goal, we’ll raise $1,000 for the malaria intervention fund!

Are you ready to get involved?  Write your letter; make your pledge. Let’s make a difference.