Black Friday Rule

And for every tear that is lost from an eye 
I'd dig me a well where no man could destroy 
I want to believe in a freedom that's bold 
But all I remember is the freedom of old

– Flogging Molly, Black Friday Rule

Years past, I've spent much of the evening of Thanksgiving, sitting in van, with some friends just waiting for Best Buy and Target to be open. Nights spent drinking Mountain Dew and devouring Taco Bell. Us guys spent the night, playing video games and watching movies, until 5am came around. We, like all the Michiganders around us, stood out in the frigid air, hoping to score deals on games, DVDs, music, and electronics. What we purchased were gifts for ourselves. Selfishly we braved the cold weather and lengthy lines, in order to spend hard earned money on ourselves. But that was under the guise of "Christmas shopping." I was young and selfish. I understand that today.
 
Last year, I had the opportunity to spend three months in Kenya. My team and I spent the bulk of our time in the IDP camps, located in the Rift Valley. Three months were not nearly long enough. All that we experienced passed by in blur; leaving us with the memories of those individuals we had the privilege and honor of getting to know. These people shared their lives with us. When we spent days in their village, they would open their homes to us. They welcomed us to eat at their tables. To them, we were old friends. Such generosity was difficult to comprehend. 
 
I mean I had been incredibly selfish in the past never satisfied with what I had, entirely frugal and controlling with how I spent my money, yet I met those whom none of that mattered. Individuals who gave all they had and more to my team and myself. Honestly, how can you handle such generosity? 
 
On November 14th, 2010, it would be our last visit to the IDP Camp. We would be heading back to the States soon thereafter, to be home in time for Thanksgiving. One of the participants desired to bless a young boy she had grown quite fond of. He and his siblings had gone through a terrible predicament; both parents decided to call it quits and leave them stranded. He and his three brothers would now be raised by their preteen sister. This broke our heart, especially Lizzie. She decided to spend money on shoes for this young boy, so that he would have his first pair of new shoes, ever!
 
The video below showcases the entire fifteen-minute presentation of Otto receiving his first new pair of shoes. For the first time in his life, he got new shoes, not hand-me-downs. 
 
This circumstance has changed my perspective and my life. I hope you find it encouraging as well.