Do you Give a Damn?

Um yes, you read that right. Give a Damn (in case you haven't heard of it) is a "feature length documentary about an idealist activist who convinces his friend, who doesn't give a damn about the poor, to go to Africa and try to live on a dollar a day." We knew some of the guys from Chesterfield Pres and they are good friends with David's siblings. They raised money and up and went to Africa to film and raise awareness of the ugly poverty that still exists today.

We were all stunned to find out that, last week, while they were filming over Kibera Slums in Nairobi, Kenya, (pictured) their small plane stalled and crashed into a three story apartment building. Miraculously, Rob, one of the four on the plane, was conscious and pulled two of the other guys out, with the help of a by stander. The Give a Damn guys lived, but tragically, the missionary pilot, a father of four, died. Two brothers with the team, who were not on the plane, plan to stay and keep shooting (though much of their equipment was destroyed) while the other two come home. I can't imagine living through a plane crash! What a miracle. You can read more about the story here.

I wanted to share this because I think what they are doing is pretty incredible. I too often forget about the poor and go about frivolously spending my money-when the dollar that I wasted could actually save a life! My World Vision magazine that comes quarterly is definitely a reminder to me of how well I have it here in America and how much people are suffering in other parts of the world. The organization is doing great things to help combat poverty and I usually cannot make it through an issue with out being moved to tears.

The Autumn issue came the day that I had Blaise's birthday party. We had lavish amounts of food- sandwiches, fruits, veggies, cheese, crackers, cup cakes, and cookies, along with balloons, streamers, party favors etc... So many children in the world don't even know thier birthday, let alone get to enjoy a cake, party and presents! They don't even know where their next meal will come from or if they will have clean water to drink. In fact, in the developing world, about 4 million babies don't even make it past their first month of life. I am so blessed to even be able to celebrate my child's first birthday!

I don't think it's wrong to celebrate and enjoy a party, but I do think we all need to remember the poor and to do something. $1.50 can buy a mosquito net and save a life. There are other ways you can help. You can give a gift for under $20, or you can sponsor a child monthly (which you may already do!)

I just wanted to share that. I have a list of a all different blog posts and topics I'd love to write about, it's just a little hard to find (and justify!) the time. I thought this one was important enough to merit my nap time break. ;)