In Reply to: I am aware this won't go down well posted by poteen on Monday, 24. October 2011 at 11:31 Bali Time:
I have been uneasy about this for some time. Surely true giving comes from the heart, and we shouldn't need to be present to receive 'thanks' for it.
I have sponsored 2 kids in school for some years, and never felt to need to visit them or their families - it smacks to me of "I am the great giver waiting to be thanked". If kids in our schools stopped their lessons to entertain every tourist visitor, no learning would ever get done.
Give because you want to give, not to receive the thanks and gratitude.