This time last year, I missed a week of class to travel to Liberia, the country. It’s in West Africa and if you don’t know, the country was formed for former slaves after the Civil War. The country was once a fairly successful country, until greedy warlords took over in the early 80’s and it went through several leadership changes. This continued until a civil war broke out. The war lasted for several years and ended once the women banded together and then elected the first African female president to office. The country is still in dire conditions. It is one of the poorest nations in the world, has one of the highest mother/ baby mortality rate, and child mortality rate. I’ve been to several poor countries; this was the worst, by far. It was heartbreaking. Believe it or not, this is only a part of my story of love for and focus on Africa.
Let me take you to the beginning.
There I stood with his picture in my hand, a tiny, quiet high school freshman. He was small, innocent, and thousands of miles away. I was at a Christian summer camp and they had shown a video of African child and I knew I could do something. I began sponsoring Musa in July 2004. Regardless of the fact that I did not have a job or any money, I agreed to pay $30 a month so this precious 3 year old could have clothes, medicine, and education. My love and obsession for Africa began that day and for the past 7 years it has only grown.
My senior year research paper in high school was on the HIV/AIDS epidemic. I spent all of my high school graduation money on a mission trip to Kenya. The learning community I took was all about the One Campaign and we focused heavily on Africa, which made my recent trip there impact me more than I ever imagined and sealing my commitment to this country forever. I hope to travel to Kenya and Uganda for two weeks following graduation, visiting orphans. I’m just trying to figure out how to pay for that. Experience after experience Africa etched itself on my heart more and more, not only because of the sheer need this continent has but the beauty I seen in its people. To say these people are all the same is an atrocity to their unique cultures and struggles, but there is a certain bond they possess.
So what exactly am I writing about? Well, it’s actually who I am writing about. I am writing about people who, like me, love this continent. I hope to bring to life that there are people out there for love this place, not because it’s trendy, but because they can’t help it. They are from all different walks of life and have a variety of experiences. Some will be heartbreaking, some will be beautiful, and all will be inspiring. I thought I’d start off with my own story so as you read, you know this is written by someone who loves these people, but has also spent time with them.
This is really touching and sweet. It's nice to see someone have such a passion for humanity the way you do! The history of Liberia was also really interesting. I look forward to reading these people's stories and getting a glimpse of their lives.
ReplyDeleteThat's such a wonderful commitment you made. I’m not saying that everyone should give up so much of their time for other people but for those that have vowed to do so I have noticed that many are lukewarm. They donate a few dollars here and there. They leave their wi-fi unprotected and consider that charity to the world.
ReplyDeleteIt is through action that we solidify our truest intentions and prove our love of others. Your work is truly inspiring. Anyone can speak the words that they love someone but with their motions and movements they show it in a language that is absolutely universal.
I’m interested in what donation programs you subscribe to. You’ve inspired me to sponsor a child but I’m afraid of wasting my money. I know that there are many shell charities out there that squander the funds on themselves and barely give anything to the children. I’m also not beyond the possibility of supporting criminals through internet mirroring and having my bank account drained for drug money.
For my freshman year I did an introductory year-long project on internet security and identity theft. Many of my studies showed that veteran cyber-thieves preyed on people with open hands who were willing to give. It is just terrible that one of the greatest traits a human can possess, generosity, is treated as a vulnerability and taken advantage of by bad actors in the world.
If you could share what charities you know to be trustworthy and reliable then I believe it’s something I could definitely get behind.
-Aus-B
That is really cool. I am automatically drawn to your blog because I have always and still do….. Have passion to visit many places in Africa. I think it’s pretty authentic that you save money and put it to good use. So far you have been to Liberia and Kenya? Or more? Do you still sponsor Musa? Through what organization is it with? I love when you said, “to say these people are all the same is an atrocity to their unique cultures and struggles, but there is a certain bond they possess.” It really is a powerful sentence because it true beyond belief. Most people don’t take the time to learn this and assume that everyone in the whole Africa are the same, speak the same language, and are all black. There is nothing worse than people categorizing you with a specific group of people based on certain characteristics. It’s great that you are this involved and educated about a matter like this. I wish you all the best in your next travels. Keep saving
ReplyDeleteI just want to first off salute you in your efforts doing something that most people don’t do every day. It takes a certain kind of person to go out of their way to impact a person’s life that is on the other side of the world. I am impressed with your courage and conviction to make a difference in someone else’s life and not just worry about your own life here in the US. Furthermore I am amazed with your passion of wanting to go over to Africa and helping them personally rather than just sending in money. To me this is what defines who a person really is and I just wanted to let you know that I applaud you and respect you. I went to a private school in middle school and high school and we sponsored children. But I can say I never was as passionate or devoted to a great cause such as this one. I think more people should be aware of the human suffering in other parts of the world. Your blog will make a positive difference, no matter how small. On a last note, I do hope you get the funds to go to Kenya and Uganda for a few weeks. Thank you for making me more aware of how everyday people can impact the world.
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