The Uprise

Repost from .schaack
•September 23, 2021
I’ve stopped posting about our fundraising campaign for The Center for displaced Haitians living in the DR. I’ve stopped for a few reasons. It’s very uncomfortable (like I hate it 🤦🏽‍♀️) asking for money, but mostly I have convinced myself it would be “tone deaf” with the current humanitarian crisis the US has been facing lately. What’s going on down in Del Rio has been gripping my heart and I’ve been listening and studying about how to seek asylum in the US, how to help, and Title 42. There is SO MUCH.

So in an effort to not add “more noise” to all the things that are happening in the world, I just stopped. But what I realized is, that it is NOT tone deaf or noisy to highlight something else where someone may feel pulled to serve and help. I truly believe we all want to rally and unite for the broken hearted and down trodden. To mourn with those that mourn. If you click on the link in my profile, your heart may be pulled into helping these children. They are creative and passionate children! Thank you for considering. We are so excited to go back in November and get this Center built for them!

Repost from
•
Confessions of a privileged white guy:

I have never known what it’s like to be hungry for more than a couple hours. The brief moments of prolonged hunger that I occasionally experience are only a result of my own choices of the timing and location that I choose to eat.

Before meeting these Haitian children in the Dominican Republic, I was told that these children don’t have enough food, and are actually hungry. Because I’ve never known such circumstances in life, I wasn’t able to comprehend that.

During our first day with them, we noticed ourselves feeling a little hypoglycemic as the afternoon passed. We were hungry, but didn’t want to leave the kids to go find food. Especially knowing that THEY didn’t have a meal to go to. But we knew if we were to effectively serve them, we had to keep ourselves fed.

As discreetly as I could, I was sneaking pieces of an energy bar to Jessica. I looked over at Myla and saw a fatigued and hungry look on her face. I snuck a small box of raisins out of my backpack and handed it to her. A few kids noticed and within seconds a group of kids surrounded me with their hands out begging for one. I didn’t have anything to give them, and had to tell Myla that she needed to just eat it anyway (in front of them). It didn’t feel right, but I knew she needed it.

At that point we decided that we might not be able to permanently solve their hunger, but at least while they were with us, we couldn’t let them go hungry right in front of our eyes while we ate. After inquiring with the locals, we found out that we wouldn’t have to brake the bank in order to feed the whole group of about 50 of them that day. The cash was given, and 45 minutes later, 50 box lunches were delivered by a guy on a motor bike. We were all able to eat and then resume our activities together with a full belly. This meal was in my opinion the least remarkable part of the day.

A week after our returning, we were informed that this meal meant everything to these kids, and that a box lunch like this was something they’ve never had before.

Because of my privilege, I still can’t comprehend that.

September 3, 2021
Their energy is contagious.
Their hopes and dreams are palpable.

There is a reality in the world that we don’t like to think about because it’s uncomfortable to sit with. Not everyone has the same chance in life that you and I have had. Human potential is based on the resources we have access to, not just financial, but our knowledge, education, our connections, social capital, etc.

Have you ever thought, what would it be like to have all your same hopes and dreams, but not have any opportunity to make any of them a reality?

If you are reading this, you have access to resources these Haitian kids have never known.

The good news is that there is a way to expand the potential for these kids. Please help by giving and sharing the link in the profile!