my birthday wish...

So today I was asked what I wanted for my birthday from a good friend. I thought for a few minutes and couldn't think of anything. I can think of nothing I really 'need' and though there are always wants, those wants are far beyond any physical thing I really need and amidst a life transforming weekend at a conference with Lou Engle and Dutch Sheets and currently listening to a set at the House of Prayer on adoption I thought of something I'd really like for my birthday. I'd like for anyone who was thinking/wanting to get me anything to take just a few mnutes and think about our luxurious lives. Think about the bed you have to sleep on. Think about the shoes you have to wear (most of having many many more than we need). Think about how many meals you eat in a day where you have food leftover. Think about the car you own. Think about all the 'extra's' you have and don't even think about. The decorations. The cable tv. The cabinet full of food. Think of all those things that are luxuries to you and then think about all of the people in Haiti who have nothing. They don't even have necessities!

My favorite thing about my birthday is the quality time that I get with all of my friends and family! It's a special time to let the world revolve around me for just a short second :), but as much as I love this time, my heart is heavy and burdened for all of those who can no longer have quality time with their close friends because they didn't make it through the earthquake. So give your money to someone who really needs it and just leave me a little encouraging note (since words of encouragement is my second love language after quality time).

I am donating money to an organization that I know personally and as much as I wish I could go be a hands-on solution in this enormous crisis (which I'm still trying to do) these are people I know who are doing just that. They are taking supplies to meet physical needs, but are also taking spiritual food. So as a friend of mine who maybe wanted to get me a little something for my birthday, I'm asking that you change the life of someone else in Haiti in honor of my birthday. I will be turning 28 years old in 5 days and whatever you can give is awesome, but I'm suggesting you give at least $28. THIS is how I would like to spend my birthday money-partnering together with friends around the globe to give out of our abundance and watch God work.

This organization is called R.U.4 Children and they are on the ground in Haiti right now and need our help for the overwhelming needs they are finding everywhere they go!