So tonight is our 18th night at shelter 127 and I haven’t gotten much sleep. Not sure if it’s the coke I drank before bed or just the insanely loud vehicles as they are passing by. It’s raining which may have something to do with it as well, but ultimately I am unsure.

All that to say that I am glad to be here. Even though I have not been getting nearly as much sleep as I was used to, and even though the bed is pretty much a slab of plywood. Even though it has been remarkably inconvenient at times.

I have not yet been to Haiti, and to be honest probably saw less of the earthquake on tv then most people, but I have seen enough to know that every little bit that I can do will help. When 1,000,000 people do not have safe homes or places to stay I feel like God is calling us to do something. For me this means giving up a few of the comforts of home to draw attention to the problem. Sacrificing some of my blessings to help rescue someone else from the physical poverty they are stuck in.

It’s as easy as $1. It’s the widows two pennies given joyfully! It’s seeing a need and meeting a need.

The United States has been blessed immensely. Even during our economic crisis we are still at the top of the world.

Lets imagine for a moment that you have several brothers and sisters. We will also imagine that your father has enough money to feed and clothe all of you but has left on a trip. Before he leaves he hands you enough money to support the family while he is gone. He is counting on you to take care of everyone at home.

When your dad comes back from his trip he discovers that you have a new wardrobe, an iPod, all the latest movies, even a bunch of movies that you don’t really like, 18 pairs of shoes, 8 new video games, an xbox, playstation, and wii, and a bunch of new CDs.

One of your brothers starved to death while he was gone…his bones are laying in a chair by the kitchen table. Your sister was too weak to bury him because she hasn’t had a good meal in weeks, and you were too busy playing Mario Kart.

Don’t worry though…your sister has been eating a little better since she started working for the neighborhood pimp. Sometimes she even gets to keep a little bit of the money that guys pay to use her. You don’t see her very much anymore, she is in high demand because she is only 14. You can always check up on her on the internet though, all sorts of people have posted videos.

Your father would be furious.

Do you think he really cares how many times you prestiged at Call of Duty while he was gone?

Go look up the economic statistics for African or Asian countries…read about how girls are being sold for sex by their families just so they can stay alive.

Then realize that we can change this. I know I can’t do much, but we can do alot together.

Father forgive me for how I have lived so far. Give me wisdom to do better.