It seems there is a book with that title or that phrase, but it has always stuck with me and surely is applicable to the people's lifestyle in many parts of Russia that we have run though, especially the Siberian area.

As I run, I have observed so many of the Russian populace working in the fields, riding herd over cattle, wood piled high gearing up for when winter cold returns for many of the log cabin village homes have no heat except the fireplace or woodburning stove.

Native Americans knew well this lifestyle of chopping wood and carrying water. My running friend, Victor from Guatemala tell his story of running with heavy water pouches as he delivers water to nearby villages in his homeland. The locals there have no access to safe drinking water so Victor runs it to them from his nearby village. But, with aid from the BPR Foundation and funds raised from our around the world run, new projects are springing up to remedy the situation in Victor's country as well as other areas of the world.

I wonder how many of us could handle this lifestyle of chopping wood and carrying water during a natural disaster. We take for granted our safe water from the tap, electricity, a.c., etc...

These Russians are one tough people. Yes, Americans and others are too, but, from my vantage point while running, what I have observed throughout Belarus, Russia, especially the beautiful Siberian area, is like going back in time when people walked, grew their own food, had one car if any, lived frugally and made a little go a long way. A hard life but for me kinda refreshing.

A side note: today I saw a man walking with his dog on the side of a horse-fly infested road. I was waiting my turn to run. I noticed he picked up a half-full jug of some drink and partook of it. He then kept walking up the long road. Later, our van passed him and I asked our Russian translator, Maria, to stop beside this man so I could give him my leftover sandwich and orange juice. I knew this guy to be homless. He was haggard looking, his dog, too needing water and food. He hesitantly took the offer and kept walking.

I only bring this up to say that before the grace of God go you and I. Each day is truly a gift to be embraced and celebrated and to reach out to those in need whenever we can. It is so easy to get caught up in our jobs, personal goals, etc. It, to me, is unacceptable that we have homeless living in our midst when there is the money, the housing, the jobs to help get people back to a lifestyle of becoming coping, competent and contributing members of society again.

Peace and blessings, daily.