Anyway, what I did read, I loved. I've wanted to visit Africa since I was in middle school, so reading about a girl from Tennessee moving to Africa was right up my alley. Katie kept talking about how much these precious children needed; things that I take for granted everyday. She talked about how it only takes about $20 to send a child to school. They need school supplies, clothes, food, and love.
The entire time I was reading the book I was thinking, "I am such a loser... I have done nothing to make an impact in people's lives or to show people Christ's love." While I couldn't put the book down, I wanted to throw it across the room because it made me feel bad about myself. She kept quoting the verse from Luke 12:48b, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more." This bothered me as I thought about how much I have been given from God that I don't do anything with. I'm hoarding my blessings. I have been given a lot of time, love, friendship and material items. I began to wonder, "What can I do? I can't go to Africa, so how am I suppose to help these children?!" Then God showed me the answer.
It was very clear, "Hannah, you have your own little Africa right here where you live. You don't have to travel to Africa to minister to people who are hurting and in need of daily essentials and love." I began thinking about just how similar my "Africa" is to Katie's Africa. While our public school system allows students to go to school, they often cannot afford school supplies for a basic education. Like in Africa, a lot of children live with their grandmas because there parents cannot properly take care of them. Some grandmas are raising six children, just like grandmas in Africa. Our public school system provides students with Free and Reduced breakfast and lunches because for most students in that area, that is the only meals they will get for the day.
I knew what I had to do. I have to get involved in this community. As I was talking with one of my best friends, who had recently been to this particular area on a mission trip, I was reassured as to what I should do; help. My friend Kristina told me that these kids would come to the Backyard Bible Club without shoes. I was blown away that some children here in Memphis do not have shoes to wear in the summer! I would expect this in a developing place like Africa, but not in a big city like Memphis!
In her book, Katie said something about now that people know, they have a responsibility to do something about it. That is how I feel. I know the need, and through God's help and grace I can try to meet it, even if it is a little bit. I am hoping this fall when school starts back, I will be able to tutor students in this area of need, love on them, and show them the love of Christ.
I have my own little Africa to love right here in Memphis, and a new journey to continue.
I have been given much, therefore I have much to give.
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