I am rich.

I was at Pastor Tom and Gladys' house tonight with Austin and Jeff, and we were deciding where to go for the upcoming break. We want to visit some students' villages and do some other things. We were talking about who lived where and where we could stay, and there were some that they said we should not stay with. Why? Because the families are too poor, and it would just wipe them out to have American guests stay at their houses. I have such a hard time taking from them anyway (though I want to please them by accepting their generosity), but taking so much from their families just hurts. There are so many students with so little money. One family apparently had the door on their refrigerator break, so it was/is(?) leaning against the fridge for months because they couldn't afford to fix it. The dad works so hard for that family. Just thinking about how much these people need makes me embarrassed of how much I have. I want to give more than I receive. I pray that God would help me to be selfless. Who am I to be born into such a good family and to have so much? I have carpet, air conditioning, a freezer, microwave, bed, good pillow. I have lots of clothes, though it doesn't feel like a lot sometimes. I am so blessed, and that the realization makes me feel very restless.

Pastor Tom said that there is at least one person crying in his office every day about not being able to pay their school bill. There are so many people in need. If you are able to help anyone, let me know. I will give you information about the student and a picture. Even $20/month is very helpful. Feel free to email me.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks..." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18