A New Perspective of Life

Welp. Here's the blog post you've all been waiting for! Hahaha just kidding. But really. ;)

Coming to Africa has been the biggest learning experience I have ever had. It has changed my life, to put it simply. I've seen people going through garbages for food, grabbing something, and eating it..I've seen people without fingers, without a leg begging on the streets for money..I've seen people steal things, I've been stolen from..I've seen little children who were abandoned by their parents, or their parents died because of AIDS, and they didn't have a home..I've met two little boys who lived in a cave because their parents died. They would go into town and steal food because they had to eat somehow. and a lot of the time they would get beaten for stealing food..The village elders where these two boys were called Michael, who owns Osiligi Orphanage that we're working with, and told them about the boys. They were so afraid of humans that Michael literally had to trap them to catch them, and they were practically naked and severely malnourished. So he took them in. Today they're in his orphanage, healthy as can be, and I've hugged them, sang with them, played with them, danced with them, tickled them, and learned a lot from them.

It makes me think of how Heavenly Father created each of us individually, and had a perfect plan of each person when He was creating them. He gave us all different weaknesses, strengths, physical traits, personality traits, and families..and placed us in the world where He knew we needed to be, and where we would grow the most. And I just think of how strong these people where I am must be to have been placed here. I've only been here three months, and some of the things I have seen are heart breaking. Their lives are hard. but the people here are so grateful, helpful, giving, and happy. Even when they don't have much, they're willing to give what they have to make sure others are doing ok.

It's been cool seeing people who don't have all that I have, and helping them. But it's even cooler how I've helped the people here, but really..I'm being helped in return. Africans really appreciate the few things they have. And I'm making it my life goal to be more aware of what Heavenly Father has given me and cherishing it. I am learning so much from them! Their culture, their way of living, how they truly cherish what they have..It makes me a whole lot more grateful for the things I've been blessed with. For my family, my house, my job, my education, my car..I am one lucky person. And so are you! So next time you're feeling down or are in need of a pick-me-up, remember how blessed you really are! I know I will. :)

Thank you to everyone who has helped me come here, everyone that donated or even just supported my decision to come here..You guys are a big reason I am who I am! So thank you for bringing out the best in me :) I love you all! And I'll see you soon!