Hand Up

What does a white lab named Thistle have to do with environmental refugees in El Salvador? Well, a lot actually. I got home from El Salvador a week ago. It was an amazing journey that gave me a new outlook on life. I examined the lives of a group of people who are living in horrible conditions. Habitat for Humanity El Salvador did a great job of taking me around and translating for me. I can't give them enough thanks for all their help and support. I came home inspired though rather than depressed. The environmental refugees of Santiago de Maria have been through so much, but they refuse to quit and are actually extremely positive. They tackle life with such joy and an internal strength that few could match. I worked long hours while in El Salvador so when I got home I took three days off to regain my strength. I was happily welcomed by my dog Thistle who I rescued a year and a half ago.

Thistle was a rescue dog who was a little shy and super kind. She had been neglected by her previous owners who had left her in a crate in the closet. But with time and a loving home, Thistle opened up and the love just poured out. She was so happy to live somewhere where she was safe and treated well. Everyone loved Thistle. One of my neighbors would even let her sleep in their bed when I was out of town. Thistle had a sweet spirit that made people just melt. She always had a smile on her face and when I walked her people would instantly get a smile on their face when they saw her. There's no doubt that Thistle was living in heaven. She even had an international reach. I would show people in El Salvador her picture and their face would light up.

The environmental refugees of Santiago de Maria have been neglected, but once we help them get out of their current living conditions, they're going to light up our world just as Thistle did. Their going to make this world a better place. When we pay attention to our surroundings, we see that we can have an impact on the present and the future. Our actions are the one thing that we have a lot of power over. We can make a choice to have an active role in the prosperity of the world. When someone is living in sub-human conditions, it's our responsibility to help out and give them a chance to thrive!

My three days of relaxation before getting back to work on Thursday were awesome. I felt so humbled and gifted to be living in a nice neighborhood with access to fresh water, tasty food and a well built infrastructure. I spent a lot of time with Thistle. We went on walks, explored the woods and watched a few movies on the couch together. She was really happy. Come Thursday morning at 1am, things took a quick turn for the worst. Unknown to me, Thistle had a tumor and passed away during surgery later in the day. My world was crushed.

Thistle recieved another chance and got to live a year and half longer than she was suppose to. I saved her life and gave her a home where she was loved. She brought joy to many people because of that second chance. We have a chance to offer a hand up to some amazing people who are in need of our love and support. The environmental refugees of Santiago de Maria are going to bring us a lot of joy. Are you ready to change their lives forever?