You’ll recall I came back from Guatemala with this notion that I had too much “stuff” in my life (see my post below entitled “Selling Stuff”).

“Stuff” can mean a lot of different things in our language. That word can refer to physical objects, social behaviors, attitudes and opinions, and on and on. Going to Guatemala earlier this year as part of a medical mission team certainly stirred my life in a way that made me aware of lots of different kinds of “stuff” that needed sorting out, rearranging, and in some cases, getting rid of.

John's Hoosier Cabinet

When I wrote the post “Selling Stuff” though, I was thinking about material possessions. Not only did I realize that I had more than I wanted to manage and maintain, I also realized that those things could be converted into cash, which in turn could be used to help the people of Guatemala.

If you’ve been reading this blog along the way, you know that the church people we worked alongside in Guazacapan, have welcomed me to come back and help start English classes for the city – perhaps even leading to starting a full blown school there. That sounds like my kind of assignment, given my educator’s background and my love for people. I’m praying about doing it – and that’s one of the things my “Selling Stuff” fund may well be used for. There are many other needs there, as I’m sure you are well aware.

So I dived into ebay, craigslist, the community bulletin board and my network of friends, to start selling stuff and to start a fund for my new Guatemalan friends. All this got off to a successful start. Then came Summer Break for my kids, and this and that, and here it is August. This morning I looked around the house, and there sets my beautiful antique Hoosier Cabinet – taking up space, not really used. Hmmm – how did that escape being sold a few months ago?? Could it be lack of diligence and follow through on my part? Or was it perhaps subconscious procrastination because I’m attached to it?

Well whatever, it’s got to go! I don’t want it just sitting there as a showpiece. And I sure don’t want to keep it if there’s some kind of emotional attachment. Sure, it’s special, but it’s also just a piece of furniture – and one that I’m not making good use of.

Sooooooo … here’s a picture of my Hoosier Cabinet.  It’s very old, very restored, very useful, very pretty.  The appraisal is between $1200-1400. Maybe this Hoosier Cabinet belongs in your house, where it will be used day in and day out. Where it will be useful domestically and useful in knowing that you contributed to the lives of some people who are desperately clinging to the bottom rung of life…

John's Hoosier Cabinet wide open:)