Trying to Tame My Inner Child

Trying to Tame My Inner Child

September 21st, 2011 @ 11:02 am by Miss Petit Four
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I have had a few people already ask me where we’re registered or if we have registered yet. With the wedding about 5 months away, showers, engagement parties and other fun stuff is right around the corner. I actually registered for some gifts online at Bed, Bath and Beyond, but there was something holding me back.

The place we are getting married is a beautiful, tropical island with endless turquoise waters and bottomless margaritas. It is also home to many people who live way below anything we would consider close to the poverty line. This past summer when we visited the island, I found an amazing organization called Peace Isla Mujeres. They do amazing things for schools, shelters and even animals on the island.

Image via Peace Isla Mujeres

Free spay and neuter clinic on the island

Mr. PF and I already live together and we have accumulated quite a bit of things in those couple of years. We have everything we could possibly need to (air quote) start our lives together.

I can’t help but think of all these amazing people we met this summer and how positive they are, even though they have nothing. I also can’t help but think of how much they need the money for medical supplies or books for their school. They need it more than we need a new toaster or another blender.

I know it’s going to be so hard to tame my inner child when it comes to receiving gifts. I can unwrap a present with the best of them, but this is my chance to make a difference in the lives of the people who inhabit this amazing island that we fell in love with.

I have already gotten some strange looks from my more traditional family members who insist on buying us fine china, but I think most people will be on board for our plan.

Did any of y’all go a different route on the registry front? How did you family react? Did you end up getting gifts anyways?

Tags: isla-mujeres, registry |

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11 Responses to “Trying to Tame My Inner Child”

Guest

Ashley

I think this is a fabulous idea. So many of us are in the same situation; we have been independent adults for quite a while and don’t really need new things, even though there are things we want.

I’m curious about the logistics…Will people donate at the website? Will they give you money or needed items and then you can make one large donation?

9/21/11 @ 11:28 am (reply)

Member

heather25 (message) 2,355 posts, Buzzing bee

Fantastic. Quick editing note, maybe it is just me but I don’t see in this post that you say what you’ve done (presumably create an alternative giving registry). You may want to update this to make it clear.

I can delete this post if someone directs me to the appropriate mod or section that should receive it.

9/21/11 @ 11:41 am (reply)

Member

Jessoverall (message) 221 posts, Helper bee

thank goodness! I loved reading this and i applaud you and the Mr. My fiance and I are currently in the same boat as far as not really needing anything new, but beyond that, we dont really know what foundations to support or what to ask of people. good luck with this, your hearts are in the right place

9/21/11 @ 11:53 am (reply)

Bee

Miss Aardvark (message) 636 posts, Busy bee

This is so beautiful! Good on you! Really really inspirational.

9/21/11 @ 12:12 pm (reply)

Bee

Miss Petit Four (message) 556 posts, Busy bee

Sorry I wasn’t more clear, y’all! We are still trying to figure out how to go about doing this. I was hoping to get some ideas from y’all if anyone has gone that route

9/21/11 @ 12:13 pm (reply)

Bee

Mrs. Teaspoon (message) 731 posts, Busy bee

You should definitely do this - I have no idea how to, but it is a really good idea!

9/21/11 @ 4:39 pm (reply)

Guest

Kelsey

I’m not sure if you’ve already considered this or not, and I know this doesn’t really solve the whole “don’t need any more toasters and blenders thing” haha, but perhaps in lieu of favors you could donate some money to them? Since also you don’t want to give your guests something to have to lug home on a plane…just an idea!

9/21/11 @ 6:26 pm (reply)

Member

Future Army Wife (message) 1,110 posts, Bumble bee

Good for you! I think I would rather ask for donations as a gift than instead of favors. And it’s unique because y’all are having a destination wedding (no hassles in customs).

9/21/11 @ 6:30 pm (reply)

Guest

Maggie Washa

I love this idea and your generosity towards others. There are a number of very worthy causes on Isla Mujeres that would be delighted to receive help who are dedicated to helping Isleños. Here is a beginning list of ones that I know of that are worthy of support. Maybe people could choose?
La Gloria English School (www.folges.org)
Peace Isla Mujeres (www.peace-islamujeres.org)
Isla Animals (http://islaanimals.org)

If you the bride have time to visit each of these places on Isla, you might choose your favorite?
In any case, I can guarantee that these organizations are doing a lot of good and definitely can use the financial help!!!

9/22/11 @ 7:49 pm (reply)

10.

Guest

Jana Epperson

As a fellow Isla Lover, I think this is a great idea and I echo all of Maggie’s suggestions above. You could send out the websites of the various organizations and let your guests choose the organization.

Each of those websites have a ‘donate’ button so your guests could donate online!

As an added bonus — they don’t have to haul wedding gifts down to the island.

Brilliant and generous. I wish you a long and happy marriage.

Jana

9/25/11 @ 12:12 pm (reply)

11.

Guest

went coastal

I wrote about you on the Isla Mujeres forum suggesting folks make suggestions in the comment box here. Two people replied on the forum instead. One suggested the Ron Brown scholarship fund. Another said they are honeymooning in Isla in Nov and used the travelers joy website for a honeymoon registry, saying it was easy to use “and getting our money was a breeze”. Looks like you got some good ideas here! Bien viaje!

9/27/11 @ 11:36 am (reply)