Maybe we can't hide our hearts from the forgotten any longer...

Half of the population of Uganda is under the age of 14.

That realization just knocked me off my feet...that is absolutely ridiculous. Orphans are roaming the streets, and I'm living in the box of college life where the most daring thing I do around here is go skydiving.

Maybe it's just me, but doesn't anyone else ever feel strangled by the life we are told to live? By the life we allow ourselves to follow? Romans 12:2 says "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world", and we talked about this at Bible study tonight. We have to conquer our own path.

Sometimes I worry that I think more about groceries than the homeless digging through my dumpster. I get more upset about failing a test than about human trafficking. I have screwed up priorities. Maybe that's why people I met in Africa seemed to have nothing but still be content with their lives.

In Hohoe, the tradition is to ask every person you meet on your way to work "How is your family?". If any person replies that their family is not well, you don't go to work that day. You spend your entire day with that ill person.

Aside from the obvious connections we can make to the differences between this and honking at slow cars on your way to work...maybe, just maybe, this is a little glimpse of life through the lens God intended us to use.

It's who you strive to be that makes you who you are

We sang this song at Friday Night Praise last week. It's one of those songs that just digs deep into your soul. And just so you know...I'll do anything for you, too.


For The Widows In Paradise; For The Fatherless In Ypsilanti :

I have called you children, I have called you son.
What is there to answer if I'm the only one?
Morning comes in Paradise, morning comes in light.
Still I must obey, still I must invite.
If there's anything to say, if there's anything to do,
If there's any other way, I'll do anything for you.

I was dressed embarrassment.
I was dressed in wine.
If you had a part of me, will you take your time?
Even if I come back, even if I die
Is there some idea to replace my life?
Like a father to impress;
Like a mother's mourning dress,
If you ever make a mess, I'll do anything for you.

I have called you preacher; I have called you son.
If you have a father or if you haven't one,
I'll do anything for you.
I did everything for you

-sufjan stevens