Simplify

A recent visitor and I had a conversation about simplifying life. Though I try to live a simple life, I often have to face the fact that I have so many more luxuries in my small home than most of my neighbors do. The mere fact that only Flannel and I occupy this little space makes us different than probably every other person miles around. You simply don't live alone our here!

So when I became aware of a really bad situation nearby, of a young prostitute who have twins and who has no food, so she cannot produce milk for the 6-week-old babies, I caught myself actually thinking about helping in a way beyond simply giving towards getting her food and thus saving the twins' lives. Someone asked, "Why don't you take the babies to live with you." My immediate thought was, "You've got to be kidding!" Maybe the person was kidding. But maybe not. It's not unusual in this culture to raise others' children since they cannot afford to do so.

I know I won't be able to get much work done if I have a child. My world would, in fact, become much more complex rather than simple. As it is, it's hard enough to arrange for a cat sitter when I leave town to meet teams or to go for some time away. Taking in a baby is far, far more complex. I have no illusions about that.

Yet it haunts me that just a mile from here lives a mother whose babies may die any day unless they get help. And yes, I know helping doesn't necessarily include me actually taking in a child to live with me. There are many, many, many ways to help!

Tomorrow, I go on a journey with a team, and will stay an extra day in Nairobi to receive the next team. I hope to get my old phone number back while I'm in the city. Still haven't been able to do that. And hopefully I can get a haircut. And some good rest.

It's been a full few days, but ones filled with incredible opportunities to share Christ's love in very tangible ways. And for that, I thank God.