Our friends the Howertons (see: Sunbreaks in the Rainy City) are adopting a son! They’ve just found out that they’re going to pick him up the last week in March, sooner than they had thought possible. Read the whole story here–it’s awesome.
Another friend is doing a bit of a fundraiser for them–if you’re interested in helping them out, or if you just want a shot at a bag of sweet gift cards, head on over here to get tickets.
Howertons, we’re very excited for you!
..and I haven’t even come close. My parents always made sure we had more than enough food (even if it was meat loaf or split pea soup and I ended up at the supper table all night trying to finish-small bite, sip of water, small bite, sip of water, until it was gone). And thankfully, Jonathan and I have enough money to ensure that we not only have food everyday, but it’s pretty good, fresh and delicious food. Tomorrow is National Stamp out Hunger Day. Your postal carrier will pick up non-perishable food items when delivering your mail. Please, leave what you can. If you can’t leave anything, know that we’re doing it because I can’t think of any reason for someone to go hungry in America-the very thought of our neighbors struggling troubles me greatly. My pantry is full, how about yours? I’m sure there’s a box of pasta or a can of soup you can spare.
In our area, the donations will go to Food Lifeline if you’re interested in learning more, just click their name. If you forget to leave some food by the mailbox, I’m quite certain they’ll take an online donation. If you work for Microsoft I’m confident they’ll match that gift.
I read this article on cnn.com about a month ago. It’s about an orphan boy named Lin who lives in a garbage heap near the Thai-Myanmar border. Essentially, his life depends on another person’s wastefulness. When a truck arrives to dump a new load is when he and the others who live in the garbage dump have the opportunity to find some food or something else that may be useful or of value. He does not have any identification papers, which makes him essentially invisible. He is a refugee from Myanmar living in Thailand. He lives very close to UN camps set up for people like him, but he’s not able to receive the assistance they offer because of his “invisible” status.
Every time I have been to the grocery store since reading this article I have wondered, “Has Lin or children like him ever known what it’s like to have a crisp, fresh apple? What would he even do with a chocolate chip cookie? If he was given shoes, how long would they last on his feet before he gave them to someone with greater need?” And how has my lifestyle changed? Minimally. It breaks my heart to know there are people, not just children-people, who don’t feel loved, who don’t know what it’s like to be so full after Thanksgiving they don’t know what to do with themselves. How can I help? First, we are becoming more aware of the origin of the items we purchase. Who made our shirts and shoes and do they have shirts and shoes just like them? (It makes sense that they would in my mind) If I pay x amount for a bag of groceries, how much is going back to the farmers and how much is going to a store for marketing or plastic bags and other associated costs? There must be more. I joke with Jonathan about always wanting to give away our money, but it’s the truth. Regrettably, I’m pretty sure Lin wouldn’t have much to do with a few hundred US dollars. Afterall, what does that buy you in the long run? It would help for awhile, but sending money to one person is not the answer.
Here are a few things I know:
- God does not want people living in garbage dumps, living day to day without hope.
- I am rich. I’m rich not just because I don’t have to worry about groceries or if we can pay the bills, but because we have been given the ultimate and most overwhelmingly humbling gift in Jesus Christ.
-God’s timing is perfect.
-I’m praying dangerously. The Lord’s going to use this willingness and broken heart of mine. I’m a little scared about that.