The inaugural Placemaking Leadership Council met in Detroit in April, with the city selected as the host for this first meeting for the thought-provoking setting it offered the subject matter. We were at the event, and here’s the first of our reports.

mwen renmen Ayiti
Ever since I have been to Haiti, my entire perspective on life has changed. Growing up in a very privileged household unknowingly shielded me from the heartache and need for help from other parts of the world. My family and I have always attempted to be involved outside of our little suburban bubble, but it doesn’t always work out that way. The truth is that I am very blessed to have the opportunities that I do, and this adventure in Haiti illustrated that clearly. In this picture I am with a little boy named Samuel that calls the Children Of Israel Orphanage his home. The Children of Israel orphanage is where my family and I volunteered while we were in Haiti. There are 25 kids at this orphanage and each one of them captivated my heart. All my life I never had to think twice about the possibility of my parents abandoning me or not being able to raise me. For these children, as well as many others living in Haiti, it is the reality. It breaks my heart to think that as I am here, living opulently, these children do not have a bed to sleep on or food to eat for days at a time. The thing that amazes me the most about Haiti is that despite all the strife, the people of Haiti are the most generous, kindhearted, God-loving people I have ever encountered. They go out of their way to help one another and give openly even though they have nothing to give. While observing these incredible traits exhibited by the people of Haiti, it placed guilt upon me and I began questioning myself about my own character. ‘Shouldn’t you be the more generous/happy/kind one? Aren’t you the one with the privileges and opportunities that these children could never DREAM of?” Should have, would have, could have. I hate coming to that realization. But the good part about my life is that it’s not over yet. I still have an opportunity to spread the word of God and to emulate HIm and do as He instructs me to do. I can no longer sit on the sidelines waiting for someone else to step up and lead by example. If I want to see generosity come from my school or my friends there is no excuse why I cannot be the one to break out and lead. The problem with our (the US’s) relationship with Haiti is that we want to make them more like us. We’ve got the technology, the knowledge and the industries to lead us into the future. But the one thing Haiti has that we don’t is character and integrity. And no matter what the future holds for anyone on this Earth, those things will remain important. Look around for people of integrity, they are hard to find. When they are found, they are treated like endangered species. It is sickening to me to think that no longer are people of character a common item, but a hidden rare jewel that is not displayed. We’ve got it wrong. I don’t know where this all started, but it’s not right. In order for our society to prosper, we need to embrace our character and not be afraid to do the right thing. Since when is that not a real possibility? This is just one of the evaluative things God has placed on my heart since my return from Haiti, and many of these topics are still continuing to be placed on my heart, as God leads me down the path that He clears for me.

weandthecolor:

Modern Architecture Inspiration
The creative team of Horst Architects designed the luxurious Strand Residence located in Dana Point, California. The courtyard of this luxury home consists of several overlapping ponds and and provides space to relax and enjoy the view of the sea. The architecture of the Strand Residence was awarded with the AIA award of The American Institute of Architects.
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My heart weeps for my generation. So many are lost and hopeless, thinking that they’re worthless and unloved. If only they realized that the Father loves them; so much so that He gave His only son for each and every single one of us.

(Source: oneforthemisfits)