I recently shared an article on Facebook about rethinking Operation Christmas Child, and it created quite the conversation. Many people were upset … but one friend asked if I had alternative ideas. I do.
After living in Haiti for just a short time, as we worked with farmers, we learned more and more about the packed meals and how they affect Haiti (and countries like it). If we intend to help those who are in desperate need, it is important that we look at the whole picture and not just what is right in front of us or what our limited life experience tells us.
I think most, if not all, missionaries or humanitarians started out their journey because of a mission or service trip to another country. I know we did, as did many/most of our ex-pat friends living in Haiti. And so, when we give advice that is contrary to what we personally did, it seems contradictory. And yet, it isn’t …
… we live in the distance, between two worlds: Our roots are stuck in America, where we grew up with privilege and ease. But our hearts are stuck in Haiti, where we get the privilege of knowing the oppressed, developing our understanding of the world’s injustices, and deepening our faith.
I was recently accused of being anti-adoption. Anyone who really knows me knows how ridiculous that is to say. But have you noticed that these days it seems like if you are FOR this or that cause, somehow you’re automatically AGAINST something else? I don’t understand why the world today is so divisive!