Moving experiences

Today we had church in a tent at the back of the parking lot. According to Pastor Dave it's quite a way to celebrate FMC's 25th (from the YMCA to a tent!). But it was a neat service. We sang a song in Swahili. The "My Journey" part of the service was the Ehlers' story and expecially Mesfin's journey. It was sad to hear him, around 9 years old, talk of wanting to go back to Ethiopia to see his family and to see if his mother is still alive.

So the reason we were out in the tent is that we had a World Vision Experience: Step into Africa going on in the gym. I was able to be there some on Thursday night, helping to get ready, and training. And then on Friday night I volunteered. It was quite a sensory, emotional experience. You put on an iPod and step into the life of one of four children, listening as they guide you through their struggles, and the exhibit. Not only do you see photographs of them and their world, but you smell the stench of the area, you sit in the health clinic waiting for test results. It really makes you think about how much we have to be thankful for, and how little others have, especially children. 90% of those living with AIDS in the world are living in Africa. Many children are the head of their household because they have been orphaned due to AIDS. Many sad and startling statistics. We cannot sit by and watch.

One thing I was made aware of at the marketplace part of the exhibit was the (PRODUCT)RED brand and how it works. Created by Bono it's a brand that donates a portion of the sales to African AIDS programs. Many well known brands are a part of (PRODUCT)RED. Check out the Manifesto...interesting!

On a lighter note...yesterday I finished an IWU course (with a knock-out presentation, I might add). Next week I begin a new, and my final course in the program. Only 5 more weeks of the program before graduation!! I never thought I'd make it to this point. Oh, how I will celebrate when I am finished!!