As for OA’s, I have been doing some things that have lately become automatic. Little things, but the recipients really enjoy them. One is that I buy my newspaper from guys on the street instead of the machine. I always pay 50 cents more then the paper cost, too. I know with me if there is one kind thing done for me, well, the rest of the day just goes better. I hope that it makes a difference in their day.

I shop a lot for the Ark (Aaron and his wife Diane run an animal refuge outside of town called the Animal Ark), so wherever I shop I try to put the bar codes face-up where the clerk can easily scan them. With heavy items such as cases of sodas and building materials, I know it makes a difference for the cashier. They usually notice and say something which is a good chance to talk to them further. They are appreciative that you actually are thinking of them.

With three trips to South Africa under my belt, my awareness of the poor and what they deal with on a daily basis has really gone up. I even look at people at bus stops and think about them and pray for them. Most of us come from 2-3 car homes, and they (not all, some are saving gas) organize their life around bus schedules.

-Aaron