Taken for Granted

Oh how life has changed upon returning from a trip that has surely changed my way of viewing daily life. For all who helped and prayed over my trip, I am full of joy and thanks to report the Lord Almighty had his precious hand on each part of our(PFP's; Projects For Progress) journeys through West Africa. There were many things that stood out to me the upon interacting and embracing the people of Benin. Daily life for these villagers was quite astounding and made me realize how many things we take for granted and under appreciate here in first world countries.
Here are just a few: Stop signs, clean gas, clean clothes, more than one pair of clothes, clean water, bathrooms, beds, toothbrushes, shoes, medicine,healthcare, parents, clean food, toilet paper, soap, hugs, kisses, affection, gentle touches, smiles, high fives, fist pounds, stickers, beach balls, soccer balls, head bands, education, childhood, fun in the sun, soccer nets, lawn mowers, computers.

I am not here to make anyone feel bad for using/enjoying any of the above material items or actions. I would just suggest examining how we value some of the things in our life and what we could give up in order to further assist others in sincere need. There are people every where not just in West Africa who need these very basic things. So find a way to step out of your daily thought and show some love to someone you might not have before. It may sound cheezy, or even as if I am a good example for following these same principles(bc I am not) but I have really felt God calling me to care for not just the severe in need but those who feel as if they have it all together. When you begin to talk about true issues and hardships across the world people begin to open up and express ideas about there world. Please check out www.projectforprogress.blogspot.com for many updates with the outreaches we did in and around Parakou, Benin. Thank you again so much for the prayers and time reading my thoughts. I would love to answer any questions or more specifics about west Africa or the country of Benin.

Love