“Today in America, there are about half a million people who are homeless–they don’t have a permanent, safe, decent, affordable place to live. Around the world there are about 100 million homeless people, and many of them are women and children.”–Robert Alan
Today, I am thankful for my home. I am thankful that I have never been homeless. I am thankful that I have always had shelter from the rain, snow, cold and heat. I am thankful that my home not only offers shelter, but offers comforts that many around the world will never know.
Recently David W., (one of the contractors who works with David L.) and David J. (guy we know from Revolution Church) went to Haiti as part of two separate mission teams. During these trips the guys posted several pictures of the homes in Haiti.
In most cases these homes offered less protection from the elements than the average American storage shed. Most of the homes have incomplete rusty tin roofs, walls made of sticks that are sometimes covered with mud, and dirt floors. Many of the people of Haiti still live in tent cities or are homeless because they have been unable to rebuild after the earthquake that destroyed their homes in January.
Looking at the pictures of the conditions in Haiti made me really appreciative of my home. We have so much to be thankful for, yet often complain more often than we give thanks. I am ashamed that I often take my home, food, water, clothing and other material things in life for granted.
Please visit the links below to see what you can do to help others who are in desperate situations.
- Redeem Haiti – A long-term visionary group providing emergency response, restoration, and community investment in Haiti
- Haiti Cheri – Group David J. went with on his trip to Haiti that cultivates indigenous medical, educational, and developmental missions.
- Raincatchers – Group David W. went with on his trip to Haiti that provides and maintains sustainable fresh water supplies.
- Haiti Pictures – Photos taken by David J. During his trip to Haiti
What are you thankful for today?
*Photo by David W. Johnson- used with permission
Tags: thankfulness
I have been told that the house pictured above is one of the nicer houses, since it has a complete roof, mud covered sticks, 4 walls and doors.