<![CDATA[Life Choices]]>Life is complex, isn’t it. Red Crescent, World Vision, other non-religious NGOs, you and I think that we are doing the right thing by sending aid to one side. But the other side may consider that we are sending aid to terrorist, or parents of future terrorist.

People are complex. To me, I may look like a freedom fighter, a hero fighting to improve the lives of my people. But to the families of the people I fight against, I am a terrorist, a criminal.
The world is complex, especially now. But, … I would like to think that if we all could slow down, think a bit, try to imagine ourselves in another parson’s position, … and when I muck up I would like to receive some compassion, so I should also try to be patient when someone else mucks up and causes me hurt or inconvenience …
So, I hope that this festive season we teach our kids to embrace the complexities of life. That one solution can both solve the problem, but cause other problems; that one problem often seems to have one cause, but often has many other contributing factors; that things are complex, everyone will have a solution, but a different solution from the next person, and no one solution is perfect for everyone.
Unlike in exams, where there is only one answer, one 100% correct answer.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/104529/life-choicesRSS for NodeTue, 12 May 2026 01:36:13 GMTTue, 14 Nov 2023 13:58:16 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Tue, 14 Nov 2023 08:03:57 GMT]]>Sigh…it is not fair to put the World Vision which is an international Christian humanitarian organisation same as a love scammer in Facebook. It will hurt those volunteers working there.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122615https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122615Tue, 14 Nov 2023 08:03:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Tue, 14 Nov 2023 02:55:39 GMT]]>

Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=\"2122608\" time=\"1699924936\" user_id=\"195250:[quote=\"Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=2122608 time=1699924936 user_id=195250]
no.....no......鄙人不才, 请多见谅.
Actually nowadays, how many people will still trust those articles in the New York Times? :scratchhead:[/quote]
The NYT has a liberal bent but it’s as well-researched and factual as any of the mainstream papers. Definitely more trustworthy than many other news sources.

It’s up to the individual whether he/she wants to believe in mainstream media sources or other alternate news feeds (or even WA or WeChat messages). Just like how I warned my friend that her Facebook BF whom she had never meet in real person could be a love scammer, she initially disbelieved me and even showed me a black face.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122611https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122611Tue, 14 Nov 2023 02:55:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Tue, 14 Nov 2023 02:30:00 GMT]]>

lee_yl\" post_id=\"2122540\" time=\"1699754914\" user_id=\"17023:

Another inconvenient fact, there was a New York Times investigative article about how World Vision used photos of children to build a personal connection to the donors. However, the said children and their families did not receive the donation funds but the respective villages which the children reside in, benefited from the donations. World Vision did work with the villages’ administration to benefit the villages but therein lies a weak link, World Vision has to work with the local authorities and as we are aware, Hamas is the government in Gaza.

You have a kind heart to donate but the girl in Gaza may not have received a single cent all these years whereas the girl in West Bank may still have a chance to receive your donation (no scandal). West Bank side is still relatively peaceful so there is a good chance the West Bank girl is still alive.
I wasn't going to say anything, but since this has come up again, I don't think WV hides that this is their model. I was a donor many years ago, and also knew some WV staff in another country. Although donors are linked to a specific child/children, and they do get letters and annual reports, I always knew that the funds went to a project where children lived, not the to individuals directly. The reason was the not every child would have a specific donor, and it would be unkind that some kids got donations while their neighbours didn't. And some shared projects (in the project I supported years ago, it was water supply infrastructure), all the children and families benefited from the clean water.

For some countries, the only way they can enter to work is to partner with the local government authorities, with some restrictions that are imposed on them. They have to choose - accept the limitations, or not work there at all. While I no longer support WV with donations, I do believe they are still doing good work, and don't doubt their honesty.

From WV's website:
How does World Vision help children?
Child sponsorship is an effective and fulfilling way to help give a child from a vulnerable community the chance of a brighter future.
In order to thrive, children need to grow up in an environment that provides the essentials they need today along with hope and opportunities for tomorrow. Children need to enjoy good health and be cared for and protected. They need to be educated for life, be welcomed to participate in decisions that affect their lives and be free to choose to love God and their neighbours. Sponsors’ contributions fund vital development work in their sponsored child’s community, which over time results in a significant improvement in the children’s well-being..
World Vision works with community groups and the children themselves to plan and carry out changes so that more children will gain opportunities to fulfil their potential in life. Sponsors witness these changes through progress reports from the community and personal communication with their sponsored children. Sponsors can encourage the child they sponsor by writing or even visiting their sponsored child and his or her family.
By combining the donations given by many sponsors in a project area, World Vision works with a large community for an extended period – typically 15 years. This helps to achieve legitimate development objectives chosen by the community that will benefit sponsored children, their peers, all their families and the whole population. Typically, these activities relate to quality education, health, nutrition, and clean water.
At its heart child sponsorship is a relationship-building tool. The community, the organisation and the sponsors all have opportunities for growth as they unite in the struggle to identify and deal with the effects and deeper causes of poverty.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122610https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122610Tue, 14 Nov 2023 02:30:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Tue, 14 Nov 2023 01:22:16 GMT]]>

lee_yl\" post_id=\"2122540\" time=\"1699754914\" user_id=\"17023:

You mean my Chinese level poorer than yours hence the misunderstanding?

Another inconvenient fact, there was a New York Times investigative article about how World Vision used photos of children to build a personal connection to the donors. However, the said children and their families did not receive the donation funds but the respective villages which the children reside in, benefited from the donations. World Vision did work with the villages’ administration to benefit the villages but therein lies a weak link, World Vision has to work with the local authorities and as we are aware, Hamas is the government in Gaza.
no.....no......鄙人不才, 请多见谅.
Actually nowadays, how many people will still trust those articles in the New York Times? :scratchhead:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122608https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122608Tue, 14 Nov 2023 01:22:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Sun, 12 Nov 2023 18:48:42 GMT]]>

Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=\"2122578\" time=\"1699796617\" user_id=\"195250:[quote=\"Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=2122578 time=1699796617 user_id=195250]
My Christmas card is sent to the World Vision International, Israel office. Let's make it simple, if you have any doubts on the charity organisation, then better don't make any donations to them. To me, I have my trust to the World Vision International which is a Christian organisation and each year is only a few hundred dollars - may give a child hope....Good deal......[/quote]
That's what I would like to say too..

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122579https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122579Sun, 12 Nov 2023 18:48:42 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Sun, 12 Nov 2023 13:43:37 GMT]]>

MrsKiasu\" post_id=\"2122555\" time=\"1699769785\" user_id=\"43981:

If we want to analyse more can be quite a headache also eg. even when they send greeting cards..how do we know it is the real person sending? How do you send cards to them? Need to send to the organisation for it to forward the the girls?

Christmas is coming ..hope can get some news fm them.
My Christmas card is sent to the World Vision International, Israel office. Let's make it simple, if you have any doubts on the charity organisation, then better don't make any donations to them. To me, I have my trust to the World Vision International which is a Christian organisation and each year is only a few hundred dollars - may give a child hope....Good deal......

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122578https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122578Sun, 12 Nov 2023 13:43:37 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Sun, 12 Nov 2023 06:16:25 GMT]]>If we want to analyse more can be quite a headache also eg. even when they send greeting cards…how do we know it is the real person sending? How do you send cards to them? Need to send to the organisation for it to forward the the girls?


Christmas is coming …hope can get some news fm them.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122555https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122555Sun, 12 Nov 2023 06:16:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Sun, 12 Nov 2023 04:52:34 GMT]]>

starlight1968sg\" post_id=\"2122546\" time=\"1699762455\" user_id=\"14025:

LNW
Always think positively ...
Thank you Star,
It is difficult for me to think positively when you watch the news from Phoenix and see the real situation there. 😢

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122550https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122550Sun, 12 Nov 2023 04:52:34 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Sun, 12 Nov 2023 04:49:27 GMT]]>

lee_yl\" post_id=\"2122547\" time=\"1699764292\" user_id=\"17023:

Gaza/West Bank kids usually don’t understand English as the main languages they learnt are Arabic & Hebrew.
They wrote to me in Arabic and the world vision International has translated it into English for me.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122548https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122548Sun, 12 Nov 2023 04:49:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Sun, 12 Nov 2023 04:44:52 GMT]]>

MrsKiasu\" post_id=\"2122541\" time=\"1699755522\" user_id=\"43981:

Lnw, I m just curious, do they write to you?

Coz I read before those sponsors visited the kids after some time and also my impression was they correspond with each other.

Know you want to help. Hope your help reaches them.
Gaza/West Bank kids usually don’t understand English as the main languages they learnt are Arabic & Hebrew.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122547https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122547Sun, 12 Nov 2023 04:44:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Sun, 12 Nov 2023 04:14:15 GMT]]>LNW

Always think positively …

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122546https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122546Sun, 12 Nov 2023 04:14:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Sun, 12 Nov 2023 02:46:27 GMT]]>

MrsKiasu\" post_id=\"2122541\" time=\"1699755522\" user_id=\"43981:

Lnw, I m just curious, do they write to you?

Coz I read before those sponsors visited the kids after some time and also my impression was they correspond with each other.

Know you want to help. Hope your help reaches them.
Yes, they wrote to me with a Christmas card every year. Actually the World Vision International has invited me to join a trip to Israel and visit them but I didn't go because I think the trip is rather expensive. Now the issues is whether they are still alive not whether my money went to them or Hamas.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122543https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122543Sun, 12 Nov 2023 02:46:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Sun, 12 Nov 2023 02:18:42 GMT]]>Lnw, I m just curious, do they write to you?


Coz I read before those sponsors visited the kids after some time and also my impression was they correspond with each other.

Know you want to help. Hope your help reaches them.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122541https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122541Sun, 12 Nov 2023 02:18:42 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Sun, 12 Nov 2023 02:08:34 GMT]]>

Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=\"2122532\" time=\"1699723020\" user_id=\"195250:[quote=\"Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=2122532 time=1699723020 user_id=195250]
It seems that you have misunderstood what I mean, maybe it is because of our Chinese level is different.

I just wanted to express my sadness as my sponsored girls might die during the recent conflict and I am so worry on them and I hope the attention is not diverted to Hamas.[/quote]
You mean my Chinese level poorer than yours hence the misunderstanding?

Another inconvenient fact, there was a New York Times investigative article about how World Vision used photos of children to build a personal connection to the donors. However, the said children and their families did not receive the donation funds but the respective villages which the children reside in, benefited from the donations. World Vision did work with the villages’ administration to benefit the villages but therein lies a weak link, World Vision has to work with the local authorities and as we are aware, Hamas is the government in Gaza.

You have a kind heart to donate but the girl in Gaza may not have received a single cent all these years whereas the girl in West Bank may still have a chance to receive your donation (no scandal). West Bank side is still relatively peaceful so there is a good chance the West Bank girl is still alive.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122540https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122540Sun, 12 Nov 2023 02:08:34 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Sat, 11 Nov 2023 17:17:00 GMT]]>

lee_yl\" post_id=\"2122527\" time=\"1699718903\" user_id=\"17023:

Who are you calling 小人？If I were to use personal attacks on you, would you like it? 己所不欲，勿施于人。

In year 2016, there was a scandal, Mohammed Halabi, Manager of World Vision Gaza office, was alleged to have diverted donations from World Vision to Hamas. He was subsequently sentenced to 12yrs jail, whistleblower was his accountant.

https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/israel-sentences-world-vision-ex-gaza-chief-to-12-years-for-aiding-hamas
It seems that you have misunderstood what I mean, maybe it is because of our Chinese level is different.

I just wanted to express my sadness as my sponsored girls might die during the recent conflict and I am so worry on them and I hope the attention is not diverted to Hamas.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122532https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122532Sat, 11 Nov 2023 17:17:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Sat, 11 Nov 2023 16:08:23 GMT]]>

Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=\"2122525\" time=\"1699716112\" user_id=\"195250:[quote=\"Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=2122525 time=1699716112 user_id=195250]
The World Vision International has their own office in Gaza and West Bank, you may refer to the below for more details

https://www.wvi.org/jerusalem-west-bank-gaza

请不要以小人之心度君子之腹.[/quote]
Who are you calling 小人？If I were to use personal attacks on you, would you like it? 己所不欲，勿施于人。

In year 2016, there was a scandal, Mohammed Halabi, Manager of World Vision Gaza office, was alleged to have diverted donations from World Vision to Hamas. He was subsequently sentenced to 12yrs jail, whistleblower was his accountant.

https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/israel-sentences-world-vision-ex-gaza-chief-to-12-years-for-aiding-hamas

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122527https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122527Sat, 11 Nov 2023 16:08:23 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Sat, 11 Nov 2023 15:21:52 GMT]]>

lee_yl\" post_id=\"2122524\" time=\"1699715643\" user_id=\"17023:

You are right, that is why we only donate to local charity organizations like Club Rainbow.

Maybe World Vision did send your money to Gaza but once the money reached Gaza, the money could have gotten diverted left and right. After all, Hamas is the government in Gaza.
The World Vision International has their own office in Gaza and West Bank, you may refer to the below for more details

https://www.wvi.org/jerusalem-west-bank-gaza

请不要以小人之心度君子之腹.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122525https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122525Sat, 11 Nov 2023 15:21:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Sat, 11 Nov 2023 15:14:03 GMT]]>

Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=\"2122522\" time=\"1699713529\" user_id=\"195250:[quote=\"Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=2122522 time=1699713529 user_id=195250]
The sponsorship is made via the World Vision International Singapore. It is no way that I can know whether the money went to my girls or others except I personally go to Gaza or West Bank to supervise its operations. If you have this kind of doubts on a charity organisation, then better don't donate any money.[/quote]
You are right, that is why we only donate to local charity organizations like Club Rainbow.

Maybe World Vision did send your money to Gaza but once the money reached Gaza, the money could have gotten diverted left and right. After all, Hamas is the government in Gaza.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122524https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122524Sat, 11 Nov 2023 15:14:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Sat, 11 Nov 2023 14:41:26 GMT]]>

MrsKiasu\" post_id=\"2122502\" time=\"1699675634\" user_id=\"43981:

You feel good coz you have helped/able to help them. That is your return.
助人为快乐之本.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122523https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122523Sat, 11 Nov 2023 14:41:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Sat, 11 Nov 2023 14:38:49 GMT]]>

lee_yl\" post_id=\"2122503\" time=\"1699678557\" user_id=\"17023:

My hubby asked, are you sure your $6K went to the girls? Or the money went to Hamas?

There is a report about how lots of money had been pouring in to Gaza over the years to uplift the poor but the economy (and people’s livelihood) is still poor. On the other hand, Hamas’ weapons became more advanced and powerful.

I am someone who will also forego a tour to Europe and use that $6K to help the poor. But we have to make sure the money truly goes to actual beneficiaries and not be diverted by some other organizations.
The sponsorship is made via the World Vision International Singapore. It is no way that I can know whether the money went to my girls or others except I personally go to Gaza or West Bank to supervise its operations. If you have this kind of doubts on a charity organisation, then better don't donate any money.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122522https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122522Sat, 11 Nov 2023 14:38:49 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Sat, 11 Nov 2023 12:15:16 GMT]]>

Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=\"2122498\" time=\"1699672087\" user_id=\"195250:[quote=\"Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=2122498 time=1699672087 user_id=195250]
When I looked at the photos of my two sponsored girls from Gaza and West Bank last night, I assumed they might already have passed away during the recent conflict. DH said all my money (more than 6K) spent on them from Year 2012 is wasted. But why did I decide to sponsor their education at first? When I was small, I studied Bible and always remember the below until today.

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40)

DH said we should have spent the 6K for a European trip, actually I and DH have never been to Europe. But if I could choose again, should I go for European trip instead of sponsored these girls for education? I thought over the whole night and I still think giving people hope and let them know there is someone in other part of world is care their wellbeing - is more important than going for a European trip. How you think and what is your choices?[/quote]
To me, wealth/money is primarily about security and the nicer/material things in life that it can buy is a fringe benefit. It's true meaning is, however, making a change/positive impact in someone's else life.

We cannot divine what may possibly happen to the students you helped in the future. We can only do our part, to do the necessary to empower them so that it will make a difference to their lives and their society.

That said, am cautious about donations.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122514https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122514Sat, 11 Nov 2023 12:15:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Sat, 11 Nov 2023 04:55:57 GMT]]>

Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=\"2122498\" time=\"1699672087\" user_id=\"195250:[quote=\"Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=2122498 time=1699672087 user_id=195250]
When I looked at the photos of my two sponsored girls from Gaza and West Bank last night, I assumed they might already have passed away during the recent conflict. DH said all my money (more than 6K) spent on them from Year 2012 is wasted. But why did I decide to sponsor their education at first? When I was small, I studied Bible and always remember the below until today.

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40)

DH said we should have spent the 6K for a European trip, actually I and DH have never been to Europe. But if I could choose again, should I go for European trip instead of sponsored these girls for education? I thought over the whole night and I still think giving people hope and let them know there is someone in other part of world is care their wellbeing - is more important than going for a European trip. How you think and what is your choices?[/quote]
My hubby asked, are you sure your $6K went to the girls? Or the money went to Hamas?

There is a report about how lots of money had been pouring in to Gaza over the years to uplift the poor but the economy (and people’s livelihood) is still poor. On the other hand, Hamas’ weapons became more advanced and powerful.

I am someone who will also forego a tour to Europe and use that $6K to help the poor. But we have to make sure the money truly goes to actual beneficiaries and not be diverted by some other organizations.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122503https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122503Sat, 11 Nov 2023 04:55:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Life Choices on Sat, 11 Nov 2023 04:07:14 GMT]]>

Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=\"2122498\" time=\"1699672087\" user_id=\"195250:[quote=\"Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=2122498 time=1699672087 user_id=195250]
When I looked at the photos of my two sponsored girls from Gaza and West Bank last night, I assumed they might already have passed away during the recent conflict. DH said all my money (more than 6K) spent on them from Year 2012 is wasted. But why did I decide to sponsor their education at first? When I was small, I studied Bible and always remember the below until today.

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40)

DH said we should have spent the 6K for a European trip, actually I and DH have never been to Europe. But if I could choose again, should I go for European trip instead of sponsored these girls for education? I thought over the whole night and I still think giving people hope and let them know there is someone in other part of world is care their wellbeing - is more important than going for a European trip. How you think and what is your choices?[/quote]
You feel good coz you have helped/able to help them. That is your return.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122502https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2122502Sat, 11 Nov 2023 04:07:14 GMT