The distance between Florida and Haiti is approximately 838 miles. Those 838 miles make all the difference in the world though. Having been back in the United States for just under a week, I’ve been really cognizant of this.  We are so close together yet so different.

My first day back I turned on the shower and was immediately aware of how much water pressure there is in my shower. I had nothing to complain about in our hotel in Cap Haitien, in fact I loved it. However, the water pressure in the shower was more of a sprinkle than a shower. It got the job done but it was not what we are used to.

Later as I drove around town, I became aware of how clean and empty the streets were. There was still traffic but there were no close calls. No pedestrians of motorcycles with misses that were literally inches from my vehicle. There was no trash covering the ground like an unwelcome blanket of snow on a very warm day. There might be an occasional newspaper or bottle here or there, but it definitely was not anything like what we saw in Haiti.

Then there was the harbor. Cap Haitien has a harbor that COULD be beautiful. Unfortunately, it isn’t. Instead it is harbor full of sunken boats, garbage, and unrealized potential. As I drove through Huntington Harbor the difference couldn’t have been more stark.

Haiti is an absolutely beautiful country. There are some absolutely beautiful scenes and locations that look like they are straight of a movie. Then right next to it are areas scattered with litter and debris. It is amazing to me at how much of a difference can be found just within the country. Then move less than a thousand miles away to the United States and things are even more different. Technology is different. Transportation is different. Lifestyles are completely different.

Haiti is a country that seems to not be able to catch a break. However, there are organizations like the Reliv Kalogris Foundation that continue to make a difference, one person at a time. As they help one person at a time, they are bringing hope and change to this country. I only hope that someday all of these little seeds of hope will grow into something that helps Haiti realize its potential and help the people of Haiti live happier and healthier lives.

About Post Author

Robert A. Laird

Robert A. Laird is an entrepreneur and also Executive Director - Creative for Shepherd's Grove Presbyterian Church/Hour of Power with Bobby Schuller where he oversees the television show of the same name. He also works with the Reliv Kalogris Foundation as it strives to feed starving children around the globe.

robert.laird@dapsmagic.com

http://robertlaird.me

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Life’s too short to not make a difference. For several years not I’ve been supporting the Reliv Kalogris Foundation in its efforts to help feed thousands around the globe, mainly children, on a daily basis. As I’ve worked with them my eyes have been opened to just how great the needs are both nearby and further away. It also has brought me to Haiti now twice where I have met people who are changing the world and who I will never forget. I’ve also met the children who’s worlds are being changed due to the work of this non-profit organization. Because of that, my life has been changed as well.

We live in the United States of America, pretty much the most well-off nation to ever exist to date. We can sit in an air conditioned Starbucks and write a blog then post it via wifi, all while enjoying a fancy beverage that costs enough to feed a child in a third world country for the day… like Haiti. One of the lessons I’ve learned through the Reliv Kalogris Foundation is just how much we have to be thankful for. This realization has also led to conviction that I need to make a difference today.

So often in life we think, “I’m going to help out when I’m able.” I know there was a time that I thought this way. However, upon visiting Haiti and seeing the difference that is being made for those who are a part of the feeding programs there versus those who aren’t, I have changed my thinking. We need to help out in any way we can now, not later. While helping out when able might be a matter of convenience for those of us in the USA, it is a matter of life and death for those in Haiti. The same goes for other places around the world. An inconvenience for me today could literally create the possibility for a child to have a tomorrow.

According to the United Nations, approximately 21,000 people die of hunger or a hunger related cause on a daily basis. That is one person every four seconds dying because they didn’t have something to eat. The Reliv Kalogris Foundation exists to “nourish our world.” It exists to stop this exact problem and provide a tomorrow for those who otherwise wouldn’t have one. Life’s too short to not make a difference. Life’s also short to wait until tomorrow to decide to make a difference. So here is the challenge for you: How are you going to make a difference today?

About Post Author

Robert A. Laird

Robert A. Laird is an entrepreneur and also Executive Director - Creative for Shepherd's Grove Presbyterian Church/Hour of Power with Bobby Schuller where he oversees the television show of the same name. He also works with the Reliv Kalogris Foundation as it strives to feed starving children around the globe.

robert.laird@dapsmagic.com

http://robertlaird.me

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