The thought of living in our mission-owned home does not sit well with me. It is a dangerous and unkempt neighborhood. But all of our kids would love to live there, with its concrete street and better electricity and water supplies. Few will ever see where they live.

The calls were animated and loud. There was no mistaking the emotions involved. With God's Grace, we'll provide more days like this down the road.

It comes naturally for me to treat women with respect and cooperation. But it is a new concept for too many of the families we minister to. It's important for our kids to know women can run things as well as men and should be respected.

Hardship doesn't get any easier based on aid programs and shelters. The pain and anxiety of being needy or homeless persists long after you share some food or a little cash.