I live in a land of agriculture. The motto in Iowa is "we feed the world." Our crops here form the backbone of much of our country's food production. Living here has given me a great appreciation for farmers who work morning to night to plant, care for and harvest life-giving crops. I have begun to feel the emotion of the effects of what a bad hail storm can do to such crops. Imagine 90% of all the crops in Iowa being destroyed with no hope of replanting for months.
Flood waters have poured sewage water into drinking sources and what little bottled water existed has dissappeared in a matter of days. Those who were able to stock up on food and water are afraid to open their storehouses for fear of being mobbed. And as clean water runs out, people are starting to drink the contaminated water. Renee writes that in 2004 there was terrible flooding in a nearby city that caused over 5,0000 deaths from dysentery due to a lack of clean water and infected wounds.
As if it weren't enough, the medicine has run out, there are new outbreaks of cholera (a disease that draws fluid from a patient's blood into the intestines, killing in only 6 hours time without treatment), and there's no electricity, so communication is obsolete for most.
As Renee said, there is no food, no water, no electricity and no communication. The situation is dire and grows more grim as the days go on.
While thinking about what was to come after the hurricane last week, I had that motherly (or fatherly) feeling you get when your kid is in trouble and you just want to rush to their aid, except I had it for Haiti. Contemplating how I could get there in this rush of emotions, I stubbornly resigned to the fact that I'm pregnant and Zika virus would be a serious threat (although even that wasn't holding much of a candle to my feelings.) So praying I did and then as a family we decided to give. But with a baby on the way, school loans, and life changes, there isn't exactly extra money. I'm sure many feel that way but with different financial obligations, so here's what we did and what I would challenge you to do. Renee said, If you have the means, give big. If not give what you can as the Lord has provided.
This past week, we have cut our food budget in half. I'll be transparent here, we're foodies and spend about $100 a week on groceries. This week we spent $50 vowing to eat much more frugally and send the rest to Haiti. This is how we were able to give by what the Lord has provided us. Originally, I was going to document our week and write this post in an effort to gain support for MOHI's relief efforts. But this can't wait until the end of the week. Too many lives are at stake.
There have been several times already this week when I look at my "frugal" meal and feel overwhelmed and even ashamed by our wealth when I think of those in Haiti who have nothing. At one meal, I made a meatless dish (which isn't totally unusual for us) and I can't say we "liked" it, but with every bite I thanked God and prayed for those who will not see a plate of vegetables like this all week or maybe for months. And as I made our meal tonight, using two different types of pasta from our cupboard and mixing cans of whatever was "tomato-y", I considered that this might be a weekly quest. How much could we feed Haiti if we all cut our food consumption in half for one week?
Last Sunday, our pastor preached about our compassionate Savior. So many times in the Gospels, it says, Jesus looked on them (or him or her) and had compassion and then proceeded to feed, heal, and raise from the dead. I am challenged by Jesus' compassion this week in regards to Haiti and in the midst of a lot going right now I our country that I cannot control, I am more than ready to move on something that I can help control and that is saving lives in Haiti by donating. I am more than aware that there are MANY countries and places with similar desperate needs, so I am asking you as a personal favor to support Haiti today by praying, giving and spreading the word.
I have seen firsthand how quickly and effectively Mission of Hope International works to distribute food, water and clothing. They are able to respond as quickly as the financial resources are available to them. You can donate online at www.mohintl.org.
