Children

I have always had a soft port for vulnerable children developing nations, especially orphans and street children. The strange part, especially for those who know me, is that those emotions do not extend to other children. I don't like to babysit... I am not particularly drawn to children... a lot of them annoy me.

For this reason I sort of denied my desire to work with OVC's (orphans and vulnerable children) assuming that it wasn't genuine. Then I went to Sudan and met some young boys whose faces still make me tear up regardless of distance. What does this all mean?

Pastor Mark talked about finding your passion on Sunday. He said we should all find that thing that makes us pound our fist against a table and do something about it.

I was reading the book Not For Sale and came to a chapter about Child Soldiers (mostly in Uganda). I could not believe the emotion that came over me. I wanted to cry, scream, and hop on a plane all at the same time. Now, this isn't some decisive moment. Time can change things, but it gives me a direction.

After a bad experience in a philosophy class this week, I scoured the course options in search of an alternative. I ran across a Children In International Development COurse taught by Professor Hanna who specializes in North Africa and the Middle East. I decided to attend the first class and see what I thought. Even the syllabus makes me excited! I can't wait to dive into the reading!! (I am on hold until my advisor approves the swap.)

Like I said before, time will tell what this all means... but one thing is for sure, pay attention to your inclinations. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to adopt and do something for all of the kids in the world who are without parents and/or subject of severe poverty, conflict, or horrible victimization by traffickers and rebel groups. God has a purpose in everything.

Keep me in your prayers as I continue to expose myself to all of the issues of children around the world. It will be easy to be weighed down with what has been. An entire class focused on how kids are used and abused around the world!? What a tragedy!

Professor Hanna happens to focus on a new process of thought in the development community: considering children as resources. It is a concept that I was introduced to through my work at United Way which I believe has great potential to change the outcomes for children around the world.

We often view children, especially orphans and refugees as a burden... to be taken car of and dealt with. Every child is a valuable resource! We can not forget that children are not only our future... but they make up the majority of the population, therefore they are our TODAY.

Stepping off soap box now.