I need Africa more than Africa needs me....

I talked a little about Mocha Club last week. The slogan is, "I need Africa more than Africa needs me." Well let me tell you, after the onslaught of holiday shopping ads this past week, I feel it more than ever.

I had all of my Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving. Yes, I did. Because of that, I did not give the Black Friday hype any of my attention. That is, until I woke up Friday morning and everyone was talking about the deals they already got. So I looked. The more I looked, the more I wanted. I wasted two hours "looking". And then it hit me once again; I need Africa. I need to remember that joy is not found in things. My children need Africa. They need to see that what they have or do not have does not define them.

I am so excited that today is the official launch day for Mocha Club. The timing is absolutely perfect. Check out the website!

I NEED AFRICA MORE THAN AFRICA NEEDS ME

When I think of Africa, the following images immediately come to mind: Starvation. AIDS. Child soldiers. Genocide. Sex slaves. Orphans. From there, my thoughts naturally turn to how I can help, how I can make a difference. "I am needed here," I think. "They have so little, and I have so much." It's true, there are great tragedies playing out in Africa everyday. There is often a level of suffering here that is unimaginable until you have seen it, and even then it is difficult to believe. But what is even harder is reconciling the challenges that many Africans face with the joy I see in the people. It's a joy that comes from somewhere I cannot fathom, not within the framework that has been my life to this day. [read more]



Grace. Peace. And all of God's blessings....