Hugs & Kisses

    I never really understood the meaning of " the eye is a mirror into the soul" but when you take a moment and look at these kids, it begins to make more sense. Each person I encountered in Africa had a story. Each one of US has a story. Unfortunately most of their stories involve heart break and loss, simply because of the diseases and despair that affect so many people stuck in a never ending cycle. When deciding to travel to Uganda, I went to understand. To grow. To love.  To break. To learn. 

      And I went with the intention to find answers.  

      God allowed me to go and I grew, broke, and loved like never before. But instead of coming out with answers I came back with more questions. The precious kids in this picture with the exception of a few are supposed to be in school. Each one I saw everyday peaking into the classroom with curiosity, longing, and hunger. A hunger for learning. We would pull up and the kids would come running but I couldn't help but break for them. As much as I loved spending time with them, their education is vital. Why do I take school for granted? Thousands of children each day are desperate to be in a classroom. They want to learn and become vital parts of their community. They desire a future. Most importantly they want out. Out of the slums. Out of the bondage of poverty. And out of the only life they've known. Why is it that I take school so lightly? I'm a good student, but looking back over the last twelve years, I think of the times that I could have soaked up a little bit more knowledge. Taking every opportunity to learn without complaint. And why do I go throughout my day without a thought of their circumstances? 

      I am blessed. School is a blessing. Yes, I said it. HA! I have endless opportunities because of the hard work and education given to me. So when I have a hard test or late night study sessions, I'll think of those kids. The kids who would trade anything just to be in my spot. To have the same chance that I have in life. But instead, they will continue to wake up every morning while the others are off to school, just hoping that one day Mom or Dad can come up with money to send them as well. And I hate that for them. But I refuse to just hate the opportunities robbed of them. I want to help these kids. That is why OYE is in schools. To prevent this from happening to any girl because its incredibly easy for a young lady to have this opportunity and then drop out. Not because its taken for granted but because they have no other choice. 

So yes, I went with questions and returned with even more. But I also came back with some answers. (I'll save those :)  

    Yea I look like a goober when I laugh, but a sweet boy kind of captured the moment in it. I had no idea he took it! You would think that while being in the middle of the bondage of poverty and hurt I would be in a state of depression or something. Because I hurt along side the brokenhearted. But instead I find joy. Joy in the fact that they have nothing and will give everything. And despite circumstances we can not even begin to understand, they can still laugh and are content in the little things. It's infectious.  I love dreaming of the future of my girls. Yahweh has given me a beautiful adventure. One where I dream big and work hard. And He draws me in even closer. "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts." says Yahweh. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher that the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9. And HE continues to humble me. Constantly reminding me of how insignificant I am and how incredible He is. I pray that through this, maybe one girl is meant to see that too. Because His ways are higher than mine. 

Chanley