Shoes

In America, we take many things for granted.  In recent years, our sense of entitlement knows no bounds.

About a year ago, my friend Justin posted this picture of four homeless Haitian boys sleeping on the streets in Cité Soleil with this commentary…

“…are they the ones who make the choice to live like this?… children don’t deserve [this] treatment.”

The picture and Justin’s commentary altered the course of my life.

The picture came to mind again last week as Justin and I discussed priorities for his organization in Haiti, Guepard Boxing Club of Cité Soleil, GBCCS.  “The children need shoes,” he said.  “Many homeless kids will not come to training because they do not have shoes.”  The previous week in a video chat, our friend Benoit focused his camera on the feet of the children in training.  Those that had them wore ragged shoes without laces.  They are the lucky ones, I thought, and my mind returned again to Justin’s photo.

With Christmas approaching and a small but positive balance in our GBCCS account, we decided to get 150 pairs of shoes.  Justin was able to negotiate 200 pairs in all shapes and sizes.

Justin, Benoit, and their friends distributed the shoes over the weekend.

The pictures speak for themselves.  I hope they encourage you to count your blessings and not to take anything for granted.

 

Mitakuye Oyasin.