Step Into Africa

Jason and I had an amazing experience last weekend at church. World Vision brought an incredible program to our church called Step Into Africa - World Vision Experiences AIDS. World Vision has created an free exhibit that takes you through the journey of a child that has been affected by AIDS. They have four different child that share their story. When you arrive at the exhibit, they give you a MP3 player that tells the story and leads you through the "virtual journey" to Africa. The narrator tells the story, as if you are the child. The pictures on the wall are heart breaking and the items in the exhibit are truly eye opening. I walked through Emmanuel's story. His nine year old brother cared for him after they lost their mother and father. They lived in the banana groves of Uganda until someone from World Vision rescued them. Jason walked through Babirye's story. She watched her father die, saw her mother grow weak, and then wonders if she will be next. On the journey, they lead you to a clinic, where they stamp you hand with a positive or negative sign, that represents AIDS. Emmanuel was negative, but Babirye was positive.

After you walk through the child's life, you have the opportunity to look at pictures of people from all over the world. They lead you to a pray room and then a Hope Wall. On the Hope Wall, there are several child that are looking for a sponsor to provide their daily needs. Jason and I choose to sponsor an eight year old boy from Ethiopia. His name is Adimasu and is satisfactory health. He enjoys studying his native language and love to play soccer. Both of his parents are alive but struggle to take care of the household. Adimasu's father is a farmer and Adimasu helps out on the farm by taking care of the animals. It is only thirty-five dollars a month to sponsor a child. Jason and I thought this would be a great way to give back for all of the many blessing we have received. We will keep you posted on Adimasu. We should be getting more information in the mail about him soon. We will be able to write him letters and send him small items. Everything we send has to fit inside of a 6X9 envelope. The most exciting part is he will be able to write us back.

It is so easy to take everything we have for granted. We are extremely blessed. I am so thankful for our family, friends, church, jobs and home. I pray that the World Vision experiences stays fresh in our minds and hearts. It is truly amazing to see what God has provided us. I am continue to be in awe of his graciousness.