There is an overwhelming, incredible feeling to look out on hundreds of items that have the potential to bring joy to many people...and then realizing you don't have enough suitcases to bring it all!
"It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)
When we actually take the time to stop and think about how easy it is to bless others, there is nothing that should stand in our way. All the things that we think can hold us back - time, resources, energy, pale in comparison to the return. We are made in the image of God and we are responsible for God's work; work that includes blessing others, not necessarily with material possessions but with hope and strength. A bar of soap can be used to bathe and give someone confidence. A soccer ball can inspire a child to dream about a future that might be very different from their current circumstances. A new pair of shoes can give someone the ability to walk to a place not previously accessible and start a business that will support their family and instill a sense of pride. It might be just me dreaming big that these small items can change a person giving hope to the sometimes hopeless but I really think I am on to something. I was always taught to dream and I think its something we could be teaching others. Every small thing we do can result in a huge change and most of the time it will be unforeseen.
There is a very interesting connection between the Haitian people and the American people that I failed to see when I went the first time. Americans have many material possessions but struggle to maintain their relationship with God, but Haitian people, as a whole, might lack things but have a relationship with God that is obvious even across the language barrier. When it comes down it, who is more blessed? It might be an easier question than we think...
