Another Year

Sometime, the thoughts just spring to your mind, and you know there are things that you want to talk about. Sometimes this happens a lot, and sometimes it takes a while. And it wasn't until we logged in that we realized that it had been an entire year since we last posted. Wow! But guess it is better to write when there is something to say, instead of just writing for its own sake. Guess the rest is up to you to decide.

So much has happened in the last year. Some good, some disappointing, and some terribly sad. The only thing you can do is to try to get through the best that you can, keep your chin up, and walk towards the future, and whatever it brings.

We hated that we were not able to make our last trip. Things just didn't fall into place, and there wasn't anything that we could do about it. We missed not heading back to the location that owns our hearts, and we missed not seeing our friends. We hope that they understand, and we look forward to seeing them again very soon.

We are currently working on our next trip, in the fall. And soon hope to have more details regarding departure dates. But until that time, we continue to do what seems to be a neverending process, fundraising.

We are a small team. Any smaller and we wouldn't exist. We are a team of 4. 4 people who work full-time. 4 people with homes, lives, and responsibilities. 3 of us still have small children at home, and that means school and homework and sports activities to work around. And none of us are independently wealthy. We don't live in expensive homes, drive fancy cars, wear flashy clothes, or eat in 5-star restaurants. We live in comfortable homes, drive average cars, wear relaxed clothes, and usually have our eat out in fast-food or take out locations. For us, the joy in life revolves around our family and friends, not about being a part of a social circle. And our friends, well they are just like us. People you can count on in an emergency, who will hold you up when you are falling down, who will push you forward when you are trying to lag behind, and who will offer a shoulder when you just need to cry. That is our riches, and it is worth more than money can ever buy.

So we find ourselves always trying to find ways to make money to support our team. We don't have corporate sponsors. We don't raise millions of dollars a year (or even hundreds of thousands, now even I am getting depressed) and our CEO doesn't make a 6-figure income (more like puts into the funds a 3 and 4 digit figure each year.) We have a select group of people who support us each year, and to those we are so very, very grateful for their confidence in our mission. We do multiple events during the year to raise money, and if we clear $1500 per event we are excited! And than we move to the next one, and the next one, and the next one.

It so often feels as if we are "nickel and diming" what we do. Cause there isn't much we won't try to make some money. We make butters and jellies, we make scarves and afghans, we sew blankets and do custom baking. And we keep trying to come up with something that is new and will interest others. And sometimes it just gets to be a very heavy burden to walk under.

All of our projects require money. We managed 2 community service events last year. And we are planning at least 2 for this year, and hope to add at least 2 more before the end of the year. And the fear is that we won't make the necessary funds to do all we want to do this year, or next.

We have so many plans that can make a huge difference in the lives of others, and the thought of not being able to do them is heart breaking. And so you often wonder if it is time to just let it all go. To go back to the way we were, to a time when we didn't have this drive to help. When it was more about work and family, and sitting on the deck on a pretty afternoon. And maybe this would be easier. But is it something we could really do? Could we wake each morning and know that we won't make the trips, we won't do the community projects, we won't be involved in something greater than each of us? I don't know. I hope that it never comes to this. But also know that something has to give, and soon. You can't keep treading water forever. But for now, we will keep kicking, and keep planning, and keep hoping. Hoping that we can attract the attention of others, so that they become involved. That we can move forward with our plans, and can truly make a difference in the lives of others. And that we can pass this passion on to not only others, but to the next generation.

Spring Has Sprung, Kinda

Once again, the seasons have changed. The calendar says that it is spring outside. You can take a look around and see the green grass, the daffodils which have bloomed, the iris plants are peaking up, the daylilies are up and growing, the trees are budding, and the snow is falling. What? Snow? Yep. Colder temperatures are here again, and the snow flakes seems to be hitting the ground. It won't last, but brrrr, it does leave a shiver!

We hope that everyone has had a good year up to this point in the calendar. This week and weekend is one of the most powerful holidays of the year. The time where hope leads to tears, and than tears lead to the promise of a better eternity. Easter holds so much promise for the future. Jesus died for our sins, and arose for our future. He promised to always love us, and is there for all, regardless of where you live, how much money you make, or who you are. And no matter, His love is everlasting. That is so wonderful! And we hope that everyone celebrates this season of rebirth, of rejoicing, and of everlasting love. For Jesus Lives!

We are working on our next mission trip. We hope to finalize dates soon, but continue to work on the funds. We have been honored to give a couple of presentations over the last few weeks. We find so much joy in talking about the place that has touched our hearts so! The audiences have been interested, and have asked many questions. And that makes us feel so good, that they are interested in what we are doing. I guess it is because we speak from the heart, and it must show.

We recently hosted a bake sale, which was a success. We are thankful to all who donated, baked, bought, and offered prayers for the day. We have another bake sale coming up in April, with another presentation, and a 5K run. Wow, April is going to be busy! And we are working on our Golf Tournament in August. Lots on our plates, but the end will be so worth it.

Haiti seems like such a long ways away. Miles and an ocean away. Activities of every day life can sometimes get so overwhelming that there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day for doing what we do, let alone to work on the fundraisers, events, and details of the mission trip. Add in to that the plans for local activities we wish to do this fall. Sometimes it just seems as if it will all come crashing down and then what will happen? So many questions to answer....when, how, from where, who goes, who stays, how to pay.....it gets over powering at times. It gets to the point where you want to throw up your hands and yell....ENOUGH! To chuck it all, grab a bag of chips, and turn on the television and watch mindless channels and stories. Anything to reduce the stress and the feelings of not being good enough to do this, which has been given to you to do.

But then, you close your eyes and you go back. To the friends who greet you at the clinics. The smiles of the children. The sadness in the eyes of the mothers as they hold their sick children. The prayers that the Pastor says over the church, the gathering, the people, and even over you. The feeling you get in your heart when you arrive, and the sadness that is in there when you leave.  The looks in the eyes of the people who listen to the presentations, and to those that you talk to at work about this amazing experience you never believed you could be a part of. That whisper in your ear that He is proud of you. That He is there for you. And that He wants you to continue. And when you open your eyes, it becomes all so much clearer. And the goal which seemed so far away is now just beyond your fingertips. And you are one step closer to reaching it. His help is really all you need, you just have to have faith. Faith in Him, faith in your team mates, faith in yourself, and faith that spring will arrive each year and cause a rebirth in the world. And that some day, everyone will know the joy that comes with this kind of love that you can't see, can't taste, can't touch, but certainly can feel.

Year Almost Gone...Again!

Time seems to fly, each year going by faster and faster. How does that happen?

Next week, we will celebrate the greatest day of the year, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. When God gave us the person who would direct us on the path we need to follow, with the ultimate end of eternal life with Him. What greater goal could anyone have? But each year, there seems to be more and more which lead us down a different path, the one that will not lead to a happy eternal life, nor to the end gathering of family and friends. And an eternity without our Heavenly Father. How sad that would be!

Each year, it seems that Christ is being removed more and more from the holidays. People who are afraid of saying Merry Christmas! because it might offend someone. People who say Happy Holidays or Merry X-Mas. Those who demand the removal of the nativity scene from parks across the country. Not being able to mention God or Jesus in song or story, and who now have Winter Programs instead of Christmas programs. Those who act like the only reason for the season is a jolly, fat man in a red suit, bringing presents on December 25th. And what we need to do is to buy....beyond our means. To put on a "show" for others of how festive we can be. To purchase "things" which will be destroyed or tossed in a corner within a few months. And when the month turns over into January, the "good feelings" which so many have during the holiday season will also be relegated to a corner, as bleak as the winter sometimes seems outside of our doors. And for those who do not follow this crowd, you are made to feel as if you don't fit in, that  you bring others down, and that you are a Scrooge. And that you somehow just don't get it. And, after being told all of this, the season becomes even bleaker for you, as you feel more and more isolated from those around you.

But let us stop and really look at the season. It is not about Santa and a sleigh of reindeer. It isn't about spending tons of money on mostly useless presents. It isn't about all the bright lights, the ton of cookies, or the overloaded credit cards. It is all about a baby, and what He came to earth to teach us all. And what this is all really about.

Jesus was born on this day, and would ultimately die for all of our sins. And while He was here, He left a plan, which we all need to follow. How we are to care about others more than ourselves. That does not mean buying a $1000 worth of stuff, exchanging a 54 inch TV for a 70 inch one, or not being able to pay our bills to put on a good show for others. We care about others by giving a part of ourselves, and embracing the idea that if others are without basic needs, than we should help. That stuffing our faces while others go hungry is something that we should be ashamed of doing. That as long as someone is sleeping outside while we are warm and safe inside, that we need to be helping find a cure instead of ignoring. That pets are a part of the family and deserve to be loved and protected and not tossed out with the wrapping paper. That love comes from the inside, and from living the life for which Christ has given the blue prints. That signing a card is not nearly as important as giving to help others.

It doesn't take a lot to make a difference. Tossing a few dollars in the red bucket when you see one. Buying an extra blanket and donating to a shelter. Giving some canned goods to the local food pantry, or church mission group so that others can have food to eat. Donating to an organization which is trying to make a difference in others lives. Do something unexpected to try to make a difference for others. Make a gift instead of buying something, it means so much more. Give "coupons" to others, to be exchanged for "jobs" which they might have trouble doing, but which you can do with ease. Take the price of those cards you send out (and which ultimately end up in the trash) and donate to a church group, soup kitchen, or buddy pack group where those cards will really do some good.

Remember those that spend the holidays alone, and try to include them in the festivities of the season. Make a meal for a shut-in and spend the afternoon visiting with them. Visit someone in the nursing home that has no one, and brighten their day. Bake some cookies and drop off at your local police station, fire station, or hospital and let them know that you are grateful for their service to the community. If someone says Merry Christmas to you, and you are offended, just walk on by and leave that person with the sense of spreading the true meaning of the season.

Our team has had the pleasure of seeing just how blessed we truly are, by spending time with those that definitely have very little. We struggle to fundraise in these hard times and often don't know how we will meet the goal for the next trip. But struggle we do, because we believe that this is our part of God's plan. That reaching out to those in need helps us to walk a path that has been laid out for us, to help others in need, and to keep our eyes focused on the blessings we truly have in our lives. Not only with the family and friends but with the chance we have to help others. And by remembering that a baby is the true meaning of this holiday. The bright lights represent the star which shown over his crude cradle. The presents are for the gifts brought to the baby. And the love that radiates during this season is meant to be felt on every other day of the year. Our wish for all is that this love spreads from you to others, and that it grows and grows until everyone is embraced in the love of our Savior. And until everyone truly remembers the reason for the season. Merry Christmas to all!

Does It Do Any Good?

The following expresses the views of one team member, and is not intended to express the views of the team in general.

Good afternoon. We hope that everyone is having a great week, and has some amazing plans for the weekend. With the rain, so many of us have remained busy with yard work, but it has led to a beautiful, green end of summer.

Time is racing forward. And with it, there is much to look forward to. The kids back to school for some, the turning of the calendar to another month, another season, and another year. Won't be long before the nights turn brisk and that white stuff will be falling yet again. Time to recharge and regroup, and prepare for the turning to yet another January and another year, with its bright hopes and rosy outlooks. And for our team, the return to the place that owns our hearts.

We are working on fundraising for this trip, but it is slow. Seems that it is always this way, but maybe a bit more so this year. I read an article the other day, about short-term mission trips. And have you ever read something that instantly seemed like a road-block to you? Well, this is what it was like with this article. See, the comment regarding short term medical missions is that it is like applying a bandaid to a problem. And I guess it wouldn't have been such a statement if I hadn't heard those words from a person very close to me not that long ago. And it got me thinking..is this the truth?

We don't go on our trip with the thought of saving hundreds of lives, or turning a culture around in a few short days. Each trip is building on the past one, learning from it and working to make the next one better. Better with more staff, more supplies, more education, more medicines, and a greater understanding of the culture that these people live in daily. But are we actually doing any good long-term? Are we making a difference? Are we reflecting our Heavenly Father in our actions? Does anyone really even care?

I have spent the last few days rereading the blogs that we have posted. And the single theme that rings through them is...doing what we feel we are called to do, and what we are able to do within our limits. We don't have hundreds of thousands of dollars to build schools, clinics, or hospitals. And if we did, we wouldn't have the staff to work in them. We are such a small team, with such limited resources, that we struggle just to pay for a trip. We go with such good intentions, and return feeling a strong connection to the people we have just left behind. But are we just a bandaid to the problem? And are we really doing any good with these trips?

We work hard at fundraising. Sometimes the event is a success, sometimes it is a failure, but we keep working at it. But are we being fair to our families and friends? Do we spend too much time struggling to raise this money, that we leave other important things out of our lives. And how do we address those that totally do not agree with what we are trying to do, even though it is so dear to our hearts. When a friend won't support you in this task, how do you resolve that in your own life. This is helping someone who has nothing, who has little chance of ever having something, and often little chance of surviving in general. I know for me, it causes those heels to dig in, and really stop and think about it all. The battle inside wages over how to setting the fight, and live with whatever the decision is. That is one I am still dealing with.

Every time I log onto social media, there is yet another person or team asking for donations. Many to go to another third-world country to try to help those less fortunate. If a person tried to donate to them all, one would be broke! Yet, without donations, many of these people or teams would not be able to make the trip. So what makes our team different? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. We have goals set, and plans for into the future with our team, yet they probably do too. They have a passion for what they are trying to accomplish, just as we do. They look forward to making an attempt to help others, just as our team does. So how do you stand out from all the others? Well, if I had that answer, we probably wouldn't have so much trouble making our funds. And than wouldn't have to spend so much time away from family and friends. And maybe some of our friends wouldn't be so negative where our team is concerned. The only thing we can do different is to show people what we see while we are down there, what we do while we are down there, how hard we work to fundraise, and what we plan to do in the future. The rest is up to everyone else.

So does it really do any good? I guess that is still to be determined. I don't want to be a bandaid to a problem, I want to be a solution to it. And not one that will happen in 1 trip, or even 10. But one that will eventually make a difference to this country. All I can do is to continue to lean on our Heavenly Father, and try to follow where He directs me. Sometimes that is so very hard, but it really is all that there is. And hopefully others will see and understand, and decide to get involved. And that some day, everyone will stop looking only inside, will look up and will see what is out there, and how they can help to make a change, to make a difference, to make the world a better place to be. And that maybe someday, that bandaid will really be something larger that will circle us all and unite us back into the family that God has always wanted us to be.

Another trip....and what?

We want to start by saying thanks to all who were a part of our trip to Haiti this year. There is no way that we could make this each year without all of our family, friends, and supporters helping us along the way. And now that we have returned, we once again take time to reflect on our trip, what went right, what needs to change, and what else we can do to help those that we have come to care so much about, in a country so far away, sometimes forgotten by others.

We stepped up our team this year, adding one additional team member. For him, it was his first effort in medical missions, and we hope that he will be willing to write a little about his experiences, because the first one is always such an eye opener. Not everyone comes away feeling as if this is right for them, and that is ok. If your heart isn't touched, if you don't desire to return with a force that surprises you, if you don't wake and wonder how to make each trip better, and if you are not humbled by what you see, than this might not be what you are directed to do. Only each person can make that choice, only each person can do what they feel called to do.

Each year, clinics are different, for a variety of reasons. The situation changes, your outlook changes, your feelings change, and what you hear whispered changes. The goal is to take all of these things, to combine them into something which works, and to return to institute the changes, and hopefully make a difference in the lives of others. This year was no different.

We started by having a formula drive. So many of the children in the Carrefour area are malnourished, and so many of the mothers can not produce enough milk to provide the nutrition these babies need. We can't afford to buy a lot of formula, so we did the only thing we could do, turn to social media. We posted for donations of baby formula (powdered) to take with us on the trip. And the people around us didn't let us down! More than 40 cans of formula, some premixed formula, baby cereal, some toddler meals, some diaper rash cream, and some jars of baby food. All presented to Children's Health Ministries to help supplement their supplies, and to make a difference in these little lives. So to all who donated, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

But the trip is over, and we have returned. Returned to our lives where we are surrounded by the comforts lacking while we were gone. We can turn on the lights and not worry about the (solar) batteries running down. We can flip on the faucets and drink from the tap, not worrying about getting sick from parasites that might be in the water supply. We can sit around in our houses with the air conditioning running, and not sweat while watching the television. And we can take a hot shower without having to turn the water on and off, because we don't worry about the water running dry. Hot coffee, iced tea, cold water, milk, or juice. Oh ice! Such a simple thing, but so rare in a land where the temperatures rarely dropped below 80, and often were in the mid-90's.

And as I sit here thinking of all of this, I also reflect on what we left behind. Of the people we saw, of the lives we touched. Of what we were able to accomplish, and of what is left undone. And as always, I reflect on whether we are doing any good at all. Do we do these trips for the right reasons? Are we trying to make ourselves feel better? Or are we bringing temporary hope to a land where often there is none? Would our efforts be better served somewhere else, in doing something different, or by just donating the money to another charity and letting them worry about others in need? Sometimes my head tells me one thing, sometimes another. But my heart always leads me one direction. But is it the right direction? And is it something that I should continue doing? Or should I just let it go and go on to the "next big project in my life?" Does this take too much time away from my family, from my other projects, or from my life in general? Sometimes it is hard to decide what to do, which path to walk down, which way is right.

Our team has grown over the last few years. And in doing so, it gets more costly to send our team to Haiti. This means more fundraising, more events, more presentations, more thought and worry. Not to mention the recordkeeping! To try to promote our team on social media, on our website, and in our blog posts. These all also take away from life in general, time where we could be visiting with family and friends, sitting under the stars, watching a baseball game, or sitting around a fire at night. So much to think about. So many questions. So many decisions to make. Trying to know what is best is a hard task at times, so hard.

During this writing, I keep changing from I to we...there is a reason for that. These thoughts written here are mine and mine alone. But without the other members of my team, I am nothing. I can't do this alone, and wouldn't even try. No one is more important than the next person on the team. We succeed, we fail, we do it as a team. I don't make a difference, WE make a difference. For those that feel it in their hearts and souls, it will always be a WE.

We have started talking about another trip, but what would be the point? Would it make a difference in lives? Did this one? Everyone has to make that decision, and whether they will continue. We have been blessed to be a part of this medical effort, in conjuncture with International Medical Aid. With each person doing what they do best. They handle the logistics, we bring the muscle. And together we classify the clinics a success. But were they?

During the clinics, one thing became very clear. There is a need for education. In eating habits, in hygiene, in controlling chronic disease processes. We know this is a long-term plan, one that won't be accomplished in a single trip, or even in a few. But as healthcare providers, are we not suppose to try to make the attempts to educate. And by education, the future becomes better. And eventually things will improve for the next generation. So what is our plan? Only time will tell. See, told you there were a lot of decisions to make. But we know that God will lead us where we need to follow, of that I have no doubts.

And as for this trip, did we make a difference? There were not massive amounts of high fevers to treat. We didn't see a thousand patients. We didn't have a trauma patient come in, nor did we make any earth-shattering discoveries while there. We saw regular patients, with regular problems. High blood pressures, skin irritations, coughs, worms, malnutrition. So this was another trip, and what difference did we make? What life did we touch? What good did we do? If there was one person who experienced a difference for us being there, the trip was a success. The prayers over sick babies that one of the Pastor recited, the blessings that were given to the parents as well as the child. The knowing that someone cared for them, and that God is so aware of their pain and trials. And for one little girl, another chance at life. A child who, even though not out of the woods yet by a long shot, has a fighting chance because this clinic happened. Who would probably be dead now without God's intervention which brought her to us those days. And who remains surrounded by the prayers of thousands, that she will continue to improve and grow up into a beautiful young lady. And who we know will always be surrounded by God's love and His angels.

So will there be another trip? For this team member, the answer is a resounding yes. All the hard work, the worry, the efforts...they are all worth it. To make a difference in one life, to touch the lives of others, to remind them, and ourselves, that God is always in charge of what happens. To make new friends and to renew old friendships. And the prayer that some day, these trips will no longer be necessary. And that the families will have all the things they need to survive, and the added things we enjoy which make our lives so much fuller. To God is the glory, and to Him I thank for all He has given.-Sharon

Never Doubt

Seems so hard to believe, but 3 weeks from right now, we will be sitting in our house in Haiti, preparing for our first day of clinic. So many memories of previous trips, and so many feelings of wonder. For several of us, it will be a renewal of old friendships. Seeing those people who make our time in Haiti very enjoyable. Catching up on their lives, and working again with them like we had never left. For one team member, this will be a lot of firsts. First time flying! First time out of the country. First time on a mission trip. And the first time not having all the technology we are so used to right at our fingertips. Oh how spoiled we often are! Because this is "down and dirty nursing." This is "Florence Nightingale" nursing. This is using only your head, your heart, and your hands to care for people. It really gives you a chance to see what you are truly made of. And it gives you the chance to really make a difference in the lives of others. And that is why we keep going back!!

Seems, in some ways, that we just got back yesterday. And in others, we have been gone a long time. We have been fundraising almost since we return, and have been able to fund our trip for this year. We will admit, we are already working on ideas to raise the money for next year's trip...and don't tell anyone, but for the 2017 trip as well. Wait...tell everyone you know!!!! We never started this to be a one-time thing, and have looked to the future..and know what we must do. And so, even as we are preparing for this year, we are preparing for several years in the future. And for projects close to home, as well.

As we have talked about before, we in this country are really blessed in our lives. We don't often know true hardship, true hunger, that not knowing where you will be living or even if you will be living next week, next month, or next year. We often take for granted the little things in life, and focus on those things that, in the long run, will not even matter. Being able to wake in your own house, surrounded by family, and knowing that tomorrow that will happen again, and next week as well. And that there will be food on the table to eat, safe water to drink, and a future that is generally bright. But for many people, this is a dream that they have, and one that might never be lived. And this is especially true for the littlest ones, the ones with no choice, no voice, and often no hope.

One of the organizations we partner with works closely with the youngest and most fragile population in Carrefour, Haiti. And one thing that they see is hunger. Mothers unable to feed their babies. Babies not receiving enough nutrition. Babies literally dying of hunger. And our team wondered what we could do about that. Formula was the answer. But, anyone who has purchased baby formula knows how expensive it is, and that seemed so far out of our reach.

We worried about how to help with this situation. We talked, we thought, we prayed, and we thought some more. So we did the only thing we could do. We turned to Facebook, and sent out a plea to others. For those with access to formula that they were not using. To see if anyone would be interested in donating a few cans that we could take with us, to help feed the hungry babies. No baby should ever starve to death. And images of Ode came back to us. And we prayed some more.

Were we able to get a few cans donated? Nope. We received more than 30 cans of formula donated. All types, all brands, many sample cans. All ready to feed the hungry babies. And we have word that more is coming. More that can make a difference, more that can save lives. To say we have been over-whelmed with emotions is an understatement. We never expected to see this outpouring from our small community. And feel even more blessed to be living in our small part of the country, where people are willing to help others, even those they will never meet.

So as we continue to prepare for our trip, there are many parts we are still not sure of. Some questions we haven't had answered yet. Some continued wondering of how things will go. But there is one thing we are absolutely sure of....we will NEVER DOUBT the amazing things that our Heavenly Father can do. He has guided us to this point, and He will not leave us now. He is the reason so many people responded. Because He whispered in the ears of those amazing people to help out. Because He has a plan, and through us, that plan will be accomplished.

So the next time you have worries, concerns, trials, or tears, NEVER DOUBT that He is with you, and that He loves you. He will never leave you, nor will He ever stop loving you. Of that, you can be sure, and of that NEVER DOUBT.

Getting Closer!

Good morning to everyone out there! We hope that you have some outside plans for this weekend, because it is shaping up to be a beautiful day. Spring has sprung, and the trees and flowers are starting to show it. Buds forming, the grass is greening, and the air has a fresh kiss early in the morning. What better way to show God's love for us than the rebirth of the season. Everything is new, and it puts your thoughts to what can be accomplished in the following year.

We are less than 10 weeks away from our departure back to Carrefour, Haiti. 10 weeks! Wow, where has the time gone. But we are so anxious to get back down there, to renew old acquaintances, and to make new. And to introduce Dustin to what drives us so much. We pray that his experience will equal ours, and that he will strive to return with us yet again.

It has been a long winter, but it has been productive. We have done several events to try to introduce ourselves to the community, and to try to raise funds for our trip. We have done several presentations over the last 10 months, all which have been well received. We think that we have opened eyes to the problems that are there, and a way that we can help this nation get back on its feet. We would love to see the day when we can return to Haiti for a "vacation," where we can explore the beauty this country has to offer. But as long as there are people in need, children who are starving, people who can not obtain healthcare, and where there is such a large portion of the population in need, we pray to return each year to continue what we have started.

We recently held a spaghetti dinner fundraiser. We were honored to have the support of a couple of local churches helping us out. These wonderful ladies did the cooking and serving. The youth groups carried the plates to the tables, cleaned, and refilled coffee cups when needed. One young man even played the piano during the dinner, and it was absolutely wonderful. So to them, a huge THANK YOU!

We have a 5K run coming up in 2 weeks. We have been working hard to get this going, and hope it is well received enough to be able to repeat it again next year. Getting the chance to combine our efforts with the benefits of exercise and enjoying the day that God has given us. So much to be thankful for.

But is there another reason that we do this? The main one is the whisper that we have all heard in our ears. The one to help each other, to do good for others, to try to make lives better. Do you have to go to a third world country to do this? Absolutely not. There are needs here, in our state, even in our county. And we are working hard to be able to start doing things locally as well. Need knows no season, no area, and no age. But we had to start somewhere, and we choose Haiti. And we know that, as we spread the message to others, they will start to see, and than start to help. And that is when the change will happen. When we all start doing what we are suppose to do, to help.

Recently, in talking to a friend, the comment was made that people are still saying that they don't understand why we are spending the time and money to go to Haiti, that there are needy people right here. We thought about that, we have been thinking about that a lot over the last few years, and we know that there is. And we hope to be able to help.

So I challenge you this. We offer people the chance to help in what we are doing. We have never forced anyone to help. If you don't want to buy anything we are selling, you don't want to come to the dinners, you don't want to participate in the runs, that is fine, that is your right. But my challenge to you is this: What are you doing to help? Who have you given to this week, or this month? What have you done without to give to others? What organization are you supporting with your means? Where are you making a difference in the lives of others outside of your own family? Everyone has to follow their own heart. If your heart isn't with ours, that is fine. But please, find what is in your heart and help. Do what has been whispered in your ear, and reach out to help others. Just Do Something to make other lives better. Reach a hand out to help others up. Make your life an example for others to follow, and than lead the example. You decide which direction it goes. Make it the right one.