I'm going on a MISSION! I'M GOING ON A MISSION!

As I was an EFY Counselor this summer and preparing to go volunteer in an orphanage in Zambia, I remembered why I love the gospel so much and how much joy came into my life when I was focusing on bringing myself and others closer to God. I started thinking about John the Beloved and the three Nephites and how they are still tarrying around on this earth until the coming of Christ. Their sole purpose in this life is to uplift others and proclaim the gospel. Honestly, that is ALL I want to do... even if it is just going about restoring hope that there is still good in this world, I want to spread that light...the light of Christ. One day I was so tempted to just get down on my knees and ask God if I could just be one of them. I thought to myself "Well, I'll do the closest thing that I can do right now!"

SOOOOO...

Family and friends, since I personally converted at age 16 to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have always wanted to serve a full-time mission. I tried going on a mission a couple of years ago, but the timing was not right. But after having been through life changing experiences, I have had an even deeper longing to dedicate my life to the Lord. When a woman marries a man, she takes upon the name of her husband. This symbolizes commitment, love, loyalty, devotion, eternity, united as one... I realized I already had a name! At baptism, we take upon us the name of Jesus Christ. When we are baptized, we are committing ourselves to Jesus Christ. We are promising to always remember Him and that we will be His disciple. I have been baptized and I took upon the name of my Savior. The most important relationship I will ever have is the relationship I have with my Father in Heaven and with my Savior Jesus Christ.

Many people have asked me how and why I am so happy and optimistic... It really is because I am a Latter-day Saint, a Mormon. Dallin H. Oaks, a modern day apostle once said: "Knowing what my Savior did for me - I feel privileged to make the small sacrifice in His service. I want to share the understanding He has given me." This is how I feel. The timing is finally right and I feel so strongly that I am meant to serve my God and my brothers and sisters. This is why for the next 18 months I will be serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Santiago, Chile!

For those of you who are not very familiar with my faith, maybe you don't really know what a mission is. A missionary's sole purpose for their duration of time (18 mo. to 2 yrs) is to preach the gospel and be a representative of Jesus Christ. As some of you know, I have traveled to several countries to teach English and do humanitarian work. This is different. I did not choose nor had the choice of where I was to serve. My call was assigned by God through inspiration and revelation through His living prophets. I know that where I was called is where God needs me the most and where I need Him these next 18 months of my life.
 

For more information on my faith, here are some awesome resources to turn to:

• www.lds.org
• www.mormon.org
• My personal profile on mormon.org
• Click here to receive a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon

I would love for my family and friends to write me! I will not be using Facebook, Skype, or a cellphone for the duration of my mission as I will be focused solely on the work of the Lord.
My only means of communication will be through letters and emails - I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

My contact information from September 2014 - March 2016 will be:
Email address: nusly.phillips@myldsmail.net
Letters & Packages:
Hermana Nusly Phillips
Chile Santiago East Mission
Cristóbal Colón 6824
Las Condes
Región Metropolitana
Santiago, Chile
CHILE


In my time in Zambia, I came across this quote that really touched me (tweaked it a bit to personalize it for myself):

"People talk of the sacrifice I [will make] in spending so much of my life in [Santiago, Chile]. Can that be called a sacrifice which is simply paid back as a small part of a great debt owing to our God, which we can never repay? Is that a sacrifice which brings its own blest reward in healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a glorious destiny hereafter? Away with the word in such a view and with such a thought! It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege. Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or danger now and then with a foregoing of the common conveniences and charities of this life, may make us pause and cause the spirit to waver and the soul to sink; but let this only be for a moment. All these are nothing when compared with the glory which shall be revealed in and for us. I never made a sacrifice. - Dr. David Livingstone, the first European to discover Victoria Falls

Kwathu & Samba Land

Samba Land: Heart for the Children

(A few last thoughts about my time in Zambia)

If you start reading this, I hope you will finish it. It is kind of long, but I needed to write out this experience. A humbling day that has shaped my soul. I can never be the same person as I was before… and I hope that as you have read this, something was able to touch your heart.

A friend of mine from Kwathu orphanage and I were talking a couple of weeks ago. I asked her questions concerning the background of the children. She told me how many come from vulnerable circumstances, abandonment, or their parents have passed away. She also told me of the development in Kwathu orphanage. Like how before more funds were able to come to the orphanage, the children just ate cabbage for months straight. She said something to me that I could never forget, “The kids here are very fortunate.” I’m thinking in my head, in what ways? They're orphans.... She asked me a question, “Nusly, have you ever been to the village?” I shook my head no. She continued, “At the village, there are many children there who have been abandoned or they are orphaned. Usually there is an elderly lady in the community who will watch over them, but she cannot give them the nourishment, care, and attention that they need. They have to in a way, raise themselves. Children are left to find means to survive. You should really go to the village sometime with my friend, Justine. He works there and you can see some of the places that our kids here have come from.”

Justine picked me up and we started driving down to Ngwenya village. The road we were driving on was not paved. On both sides, there is hut after hut – homes built out of mud and sticks with roofs made of straw. Some homes had more sturdiness, being build from cement blocks. This area had no electricity or running water. Men and women were at work, or just finishing up their lunches. Little children were everywhere, roaming the streets in their tattered clothes. Once they caught  a glimpse of me in the car, they stared at the “muzungu” (white person). I would smile and wave. They would get the biggest smiles and wave back. We passed an abandoned, small home. Justine pointed to it and said, "This is where two of your kids from the orphanage were from. Their parents died." It was really hard imaging two of the children who have become so dear to me, growing up amongst these circumstances without proper shelter, food, water, or education... I was starting to understand why my friend told me how fortunate our children at the orphanage really were.

Everyone knew who was in town for dozens of children would squeal, “UNCLE JUSTINE! UNCLE JUSTINE!” and they would chase the car in their bare feet . When I looked into the mirror, you could see them waving their dusty, little hands. Over 14 years ago, Justine first started off with saving up his own money and buying food to give to the children in the village. He said to me, “I live my life for the children. My heart belongs to them. They are like mine own. I love them so much.” Now, he organizes a feeding program called: “Samba Land: Heart for the Children” for the village because most of them do not have enough food or water. He holds a food line where hundreds of children, widows, and homeless wait in line with a bowl (pictured left). Through Samba Land, children are provided with food, clothes, and help with school fees. His goal is to be able to feed more, get a water system, and shelter for the children. (To learn more about this and how you an help, I posted a link at the bottom of this entry).

Justine told me that the first of his friends that we were going to visit was a 14 years old boy (name withheld for privacy ) As a small boy, he became disabled and uses a wheelchair to get around. We entered a small, one room home. To the side was an old, worn mattress on the floor with a young boy on it. Justine introduced me, but the boy was barely speaking. I was told he was very weak at the moment. Justine’s nieces and nephew (ages 8, 10, and 13) came in and after we had interacted with the boy, Justine announced, “We’re going to pray for this great man.” We all knelt down on our knees and Justine started praying first. After Justine, his nieces and nephew followed in turn . As they were pouring their souls out to God, I started crying because these prayers were filled with sincerity, passion, love, and gratitude. The Spirit of Christ's pure love for this young boy was overwhelming and it felt as if the Spirit and love was too much to be contained in this small home.

Our next stop, we met an elderly lady by her hut. She told us of her vision problems. She went to the doctors who had no explanation for her. Again, Justine said “We will pray for this woman.” We all locked hands together in a circle with the woman. Justine looked at me and asked, “Nusly, will you offer the prayer?” I was very touched that he gave me the opportunity to pray over this wonderful woman, a child of God. I thanked the Lord so much for the opportunity to come across her this day and be able to meet her and I prayed for her eyesight. Not necessarily for her physical eyes to have the ability to see, but that she may see through her spiritual eyes Jesus Christ and feel His love for her. She gave me a big hug afterwards. We were about to leave when another woman who was walking on the road came over. She told him how her leg has been bothering her for 3 months and has caused her difficulty in walking. We joined in prayer for her leg as well.

I was full of joy of the Spirit. I was continually reminded of Christ’s ministry as we went about doing good – feeding the hungry, healing the lame, the blind.. we didn’t “heal” these people physically in that very moment as Jesus had done, but I felt spiritual healing occurring – even for myself. I needed that healing and reawakening of myself; to strengthen my faith because of this: I am here to testify of God's goodness. I have come across so many people in my life whose vision have been clouded. They cannot see past what they perceive to lack or why God would allow such trials (whatever they may be) to come into their lives. For some, the conclusion comes to be that God doesn't exist or if they do believe in God, doubt comes in or the belief that it is not very important to involve Him in their lives. Wait a moment - hear me out here. How is it that I have met many people here in the most humbling circumstances (remember, no running or readily available water, food shortage, homes made of mud and sticks, have lost family members due to diseases and difficulties, lack of resources and finances for things such as education, health care, etc.) and yet, they find all the reason give praise to Jesus Christ? They credit their survival solely on their faith in God. Why is it that those with so little have the best vision? I have been one of those who has had their eyes clouded! These people have taught me so much within a short time-span.

Justine (pictured left holding the two children) is one of my heroes. He is a man of God who I am honored to call my friend. He will never appear in a history book and no monuments will be named after him, but the lives he has touched, his spirit has been connected with theirs. Him and his family give all they have to help save these children, widows, and the homeless in their community. He loves God’s children and he cannot bear living his life for himself. He believes he has a mission here on this earth and he is fulfilling it. The joy in his life comes from those smiles and renewed hope. The Spirit I have felt that day at the village is very difficult for me to put into words. I can never again in my life look at my life the same. In the Book of Mormon, it asks: "For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all....?" For all, meaning not just in substance, but spiritually and emotionally as well. I have been given so much...but I need to give. Let us refocus our priorities and what our hearts truly treasure.


What can you do? I'm not saying that we all need to go to Africa and be involved in humanitarian work. I believe God lead me in that certain direction for many reasons that are very sacred and personal. I needed this and I know it was the best preparation for me before I head out on my 18-month mission to Chile. I believe we can get involved in our own homes with our families, community, nation, and with the world. I promise you that as you pray and you actively seek ways to serve, God will lead you to the people who need some prayers answered. Our lives were never meant to be lived for ourselves. Live your life for others - it's the way TO live. Get involved!

*                         *                         *                        *

I cannot fathom how easily accessible water is in our very own homes. Let us count our blessings and if possible through you, help others have that blessing. If you would specifically like to help the children from "Samba Land: Heart for the Children" to GET WATER, here is their fundraising website: http://www.gofundme.com/d3zja0 and their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Sambaland 

Here is one of my favorite music videos by Zambian musicians. It gives you a little taste of what the wonderful people of Zambia are like! The chorus sings: "Change begins with us. Let's all put our hands together," - LET'S DO IT!

- Nusly

DEVIL'S POOL

I did one of the most exhilarating and TERRIFYING things in my life. Imagine this… being about one foot away from DEATH in one of the COOLEST ways!

We arrived at the Royal Livingstone and our guide came up to us and asked, “Are you ready for Devil’s Pool?” and we were all a bit stunned. A few of us replied at the same time, “No, we signed up for Angel’s Pool!” and he replied, “Well, we will be doing Devil’s Pool today!” and Allie asked, “We thought Devil’s pool was closed. Is it even safe right now?” and he answered, “We took the first group yesterday afternoon. You’re the second group, so we’ll just see how it goes.”....we'll see how it goes? WHAT?

We took a boat ride over to Livingstone Island, where Devil’s and Angel’s pool are located. When we arrived, we went on a small walk and once we passed these trees, out in the open space there was a large, full and vibrant rainbow. We walked towards the edge of the land and seeing the falls in this perspective is different. I remember Leone saying this when she went to Angel’s pool, “If I were to be a more religious person, I would say it was one of those moments where I felt close to God.” – that is what I felt.

We then reached the Zambezi waters and were instructed to get in. In order to get to the pool, we had to swim across to a small group of rocks that were about 50 meters away. While each of us were getting in, I noticed that the guide was fishing for rocks. As we was lunging three rocks it into the water ahead of us, he said, “We will first swim there, then there, and finally over there.” I got so nervous because he did it so fast and I was going to be the first one, and I didn’t want to misunderstand him AND DIE! I said, “Wait a minute, can you throw the rocks again??!!” and he did and he swam across to the first spot. It was my turn. I looked to my left and saw what could possibly happen. If something went wrong, I could just be swept away by the current and fall over the edge of a waterfall. For safety, all there was to possibly stop it from happening was a blue rope that didn’t give one ounce of reassurance. He yelled across, “Just swim straight!”

It’s not as bad as it sounds, haha! I dived forward into the water and kept myself focused: ‘Swim straight. Swim straight. Swim straight.’ I wouldn’t consider myself the greatest swimmer. I made it to the guide and I clung unto him, hah. I wouldn’t say the swim was difficult to do. The average swimmer could do it. Next, it was Ruth’s turn. We all saw that Ruth was drifting with the current at first and our guide started shouting at her, “WHY? WHY? JUST SWIM STRAIGHT!” hahahha – at the moment, it really wasn’t funny because of how dangerous it was, but now we look back on it and we laugh!

Once we get to the pool, we climb up this group of rocks and before we know it, our guide JUMPS into the pool. My heart jumped at the thought of him drifting off the edge. WHO in the WORLD was the first person to say, “Hey, I’m going to jump off this rock into a the EDGE OF A WATERFALL?” - seriously, who first discovered that?! Our guide pointed to the spots where we could and could not go. He then placed himself on a underwater ledge against the pool and invited us in. Not even going to attempt to sound brave here…I. was. TERRIFIED, hahaha. As I sat on the ledge, I kept peering over behind me. I could NOT believe how close to the edge I was and the disturbing idea of me accidentally falling backwards kept replaying in my mind! Our guide came and knelt close behind me and my other thought was, “Oh no, what if I accidentally knocked this man over to his death? I would be responsible for someone’s death! I couldn’t live with myself!” – I’m telling you, I had some disturbing thoughts on that waterfall ledge, hahaha. As terrifying as it was, it was also the most EXCITING! TOTALLY WORTH IT! I look forward to the day when I sit on my rocking chair and my grand kids ask, "Grandma, tell us a story," and their reaction will be, "DANG GRANDMA! YOU ARE SO COOL!" Ohhhhh YEAHHHH! You know, I do it for the kids ;) haha

BOTSWANA SAFARI!

SAFARI TIME! Chobe National Park in Botswana

One weekend, I was able to travel to Botswana and go on a river cruise and game drive safari! This was seriously a dream come true of mine!!!!

I come to recognize how such young at heart I am because for me, this was living THE LION KING – hahahaha. “The Circle of Life” and “Hakuta Matata” kept playing in my head… whenever I would see a warthog, I’d go: “PUMBA!” and whenever I would see this one bird with a long, orange beak, I’d go: “ZAZU!” and when I saw the beautiful male lion with its mane, “MUFASA!” One of my favorite moments was when evening was coming, the sun was setting and we saw the three lions out. One went off ahead and as we looked, we noticed that two zebras were drinking at the waterhole. The other two lions were getting low and slowly, approaching its prey, the zebras. I started FREEEEEEEAKING out (of course in the inside, hahaha!) The zebras started noticing something was going on, so they started to walk away, BUT there was still a giraffe. He, too, was drinking from the waterhole. He would slowly get up, look around, and then go back to drinking. As he would go back down, the lions would start getting a little more closer each time. Eventually the giraffe caught on to what was going on and just ran for it - WAY BETTER THAN TV! I had some serious adrenaline, haha!!!!

That night, we drove to our campsite. The guides told us that we needed to remove any foods in our tents like fruit because elephants will come and be able to sniff it. He also told us that if we needed to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, we needed to take someone with us because it is not safe to go out with lions out in the evening. Cheryna and Louisa were like, “Oh no, I am so not going to use the bathroom!” I exclaimed, “No, if you need to go, just wake me up!” Haha…I was getting so excited for it all! During the night, I could hear Louisa and Cheryna whispering to each other. I was thinking in my head, “What in the world are they talking about so late? Aren’t they tired?” and I rolled over. I was so tired and I knew we would be awaken by 6 am. It turned out, they were still awake because they could hear branches snapping and animals roaring, making noises… HOW in the world did I sleep through THAT??? When six rolled around and they woke us up, I decided to keep sleeping – even if it was just for 5-10 more minutes. Then outside the tent, I heard Louisa say, “There’s elephants!” ELEPHANTS?????!!! I quickly got out of my bed, put on my shoes, and jumped out of the tent. It was the BEST THING I COULD EVER WAKE UP TO!!!! There were around 6 elephants on our campsite just eating from the trees!

This place is a piece of heaven. It is evidence of God because imagine this: the magnificent elephants roaming, the hundreds of zebras running across these beautiful, green grasslands by the blue rivers and lakes…colorful birds flying through the sky and then the sun setting like a sapphire… the whole sky goes purple, pink, and dark blue. Once the sun completely sets, you can see all the stars and the milky way across the night sky. With all of this and then me watching it all, how can I say that this all “just happens to be”? It’s not just here. There is a God.

 Another beautiful spot? Victoria Falls - one of the World Heritage Sites. My first weekend here, I was able to go down to Victoria Falls to see the lunar rainbow - it is a rainbow in the night. I got a picture off of Google because my camera couldn't capture it. When I saw it, I gasped. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen with my natural eyes. As we walked by these gigantic waterfalls and pass the lunar rainbow, I remember turning to Rebecca and saying, "This is how I know there is a God.". We are so blessed to live in a beautiful world filled with beautiful people.

On Friday, I went to Victoria Falls during the day time with my kids and it was just as beautiful. Memorable moment of that hike at the falls? Some of the kids ran way ahead then the rest and at one point, they came running back, screaming, "SNAAAAKE!!!!". I ran to go find it, but it must have gone away by the time I got there. Then, a dozen baboons showed up and came unto our path. Francis kept walking past them and even started agitating them. I plead with me, "Francis, PLEASE stop! Don't die!" and then a couple of the baboons started walking past me. I got freeeeaked out as one of them turned to me and hissed. I just stood still and it eventually kept going. PHEW - I just had this image in my head that I would be the next one in the news about a monkey going berzerk and mauling a person's face off. I'm excited for this weekend! I'm going back to the falls, but this time, I will be ON TOP OF IT, SWIMMING IN IT! Hopefully I wont fall off ;)

Kwathu Orphanage

Seriously... these kids have stolen my heart. Can I take them home? I am getting really attached to these little ones at the Kwathu orphanage. I love the fact that there is only 12 of them because I have been able to start getting close to each one of them and know them individually by name.

I am so exhausted when I wake up in the morning and when I start thinking about the hour walk I have to take to get to the orphanage, I sometimes dread the idea of getting up to be honest with you. But once I reach the gate of the orphanage after that hot, lonely walk..I immediately smile when I hear those children laughing and shouting. I walk inside and they exclaim, “AUNTIE NUSLY!”, but then they try to give me the gum that was in their mouth as a gift, hahaha. 

The children washing their clothes

What I do at the orphanage may not seem like a big deal to people. Mainly, I play with them! These kids have house mothers, but they are always busy planning, cleaning and cooking.. there is a lot to do for 12 children and it seems to never end. Due to this, the children do not get much individual attention. I interact with the children and help them keep on track with their chores or help them with their chores, teach some who have gotten behind in school (like with their reading), play games with them… it is that nourishing and love parents would be giving them if they had some. Through this experience, I have come to understand how important having loving family around for the development of a child. No, these children situations are not ideal – but it is definitely better than them being on their own or remaining in an abusive/neglectful circumstances.  They come from either abusive families and are considered vulnerable and that is why they are at this children’s home or both parents have passed away.

Rozaria & Purity and my "cake" 

haha

I LOVE these kids… what do we all do for fun? When I first got here, I thought, “Man.. there really isn’t much for them to do.” They live in what I would consider just a dirt field. They do not have very many toys or supplies. However, they have been teaching me how much fun DIRT can be, haha! Well to give you an idea, yesterday we played tic-tac-toe and hangman in the mud and then Rozaria, Purity, and I played with the mud and they made me a “cake” and I “paid” them in the form of leaves haha. With the boys, they have a traditional African game that they play with a hole in the ground with nuts and rocks and.. yeah I always come in last place but I am getting better and better at this game! Let's just say, I'm SO bad that Peter gives me 4 chances per round and I end up getting 0-2 nuts per round while he gets around 10-15, hahaha...BUT I am determined to beat Peter before I leave Africa! (Peter NEVER loses…but he WILL, haha just kidding) and then I remember on my first day, Marantha and I found a lizard and we ran around all over the dirt compound to catch it – “we”, ok no sorry I really should give ALL the credit to little Marantha!!! I gave up after 5 minutes, she finally caught it! That lizard was so dang FAST, haha!

On my first day in Zambia, I was sitting on the steps outside where I stay and I looked down because something kept brushing up against my ankle. I looked down and it happened to be 50 kwacha (around 8-10 USD). I looked around and there was no one in site. I put the bill in my pocket and thought of who in need I could give it to. As I was laying in bed that same night, the kids kept coming into my head and I think I'm going to go to the local market and try and get a few things for them with that money I found... maybe like a couple of jump ropes, balls, maybe even supplies that we can practice English and math with. (If any of you can think of great group activities, please let me know!)  

I am humbled. For these kids, this is their reality.. I do not know what is going on in their hearts - the loss they have experienced regarding their families but they are strong. It really puts things into perspective, doesn't it? I go on my knees every night and here, it is easier to count my blessings. I need to take this home with me: to be continually aware of my blessings, the tender mercies, and miracles that God puts in my life. I still cannot believe I am in Zambia... my dad pointed something out to me from my patriarchal blessing: the blessing of enjoying the beauties of this earth. He said, "Nusly, you have experienced the beauties of this earth." I never thought of it that way before and it is so true. I have been blessed and so far, in my short time-span of 23 years, I truly have seen and met the people who make this world turn. They are the "true beauties" of this earth and have caused my soul to stretch in magnitudes of love and charity. My spirit keeps getting edified in my journey and I know that is just the beginning of it all. I cannot even imagine what else will come and who else will come into my life. I do know that I feel the still, small voice of the Spirit telling me that much is expected of me. I do not know all that will come to pass in my life, but I will say this: without my Heavenly Father, I will fail. With Him, I will succeed in everything and I am determined to do the will of God. As this is true for you, it is true for me that GREAT things are to come...as long as I follow Christ, I have nothing to fear.

Reasons to DANCE

“It’s everybody’s responsibility to give the world a reason to dance.” 
– Kid President 

There are many children within the town who do not have the opportunity to an education due to lack of room. Today was a special day! It was the opening of a brand new school in Livingstone!!! HUGE CELEBRATION! As guests (parents, partnerships, workers, volunteers, etc.) were being seated, music was playing and there were children at the front. I wanted to go dancing with them, so I went up…I was literally treated like a human jungle gym. I had around 8 children crawling all over me, hahaha. The African ladies kept saying to me, "MOZUNGO (white person) CAN DANCE!" YESSSSSSS!!!

The ceremony started off with a prayer and speeches were being given. Each speech was talking about the blessing of the school and the key to success was education. They mentioned how over years, they have had troubles with lack of capacity for children in the classrooms, elephants passing (what??? I’M JEALOUS! haha), hardly any food to feed the children, and water pumping problems.. The teachers were filled with immense gratitude and out of nowhere, tribal yelling could be heard and drums being banged loudly. Making their way to the front of the crowd, there was a group of traditional tribal singers and dancers. THEY WERE MY FAVORITE!!! They would take people from the crowd (or people from the crowd would come up themselves…..Africans? Not shy at all! MY KIND OF PEOPLE!) and they would start dancing together…and oh no, not just “dance”, I mean they get DOWNNNNNNN. Their dancing involves getting really close to one another, moving every muscle in their body – body rolling e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g….I can’t even explain, hahahaha. As they were ending their dance and rushing through the crowd to make their exit, one man picked me up and carried me away!!! I was a little scared because I wasn’t sure how far away he was taking me, hahaaha. He eventually put me down and asked me, “Do you love me baby?” and I was like, “Oh, uh…I love ALL you guys! You were all so awesome!” and he asked, “Can I have your number?” and I replied, “Oh.. I don’t have a cell phone, I’m sorry,” and he said, “Oh why not? How are we to continue communicating with one another?” – hahahaha!

One of the new students, a little girl named Grace, gave an amazing memorized poem to the public. It was all about how she is a future leader and how she could make a difference due to education. She had so much passion at such a tender age of nine. You could FEEL how much education meant to her. You could tell the whole crowd was moved by her message… let’s think about ourselves (as I write this, I am mainly directing this message to myself – but go ahead and think about this too): What does education mean to you? How are you meant to be a leader? How much effort and hard work do you put into your education – even if you are done with school? How accessible is it to you? Do we take the access we have to education and the education we have obtained for granted? How will you make a difference? 

You know who made this whole school possible? A 12-year old boy from Holland, Xavier. He is another volunteer here and he learned about the situation in Zambia and he decided to put together a fundraising event at his school and community to help raise the funds necessary for a school to be built. Xavier was there today and I was very inspired by this humble kid. I was thinking out loud and said, “Man, I want a son like that someday,” and another one of the volunteers standing next to me said, “You will because you are here right now. That’s where it all starts and they will definitely pick it up because of who you are.” I wondered if there was any truth to what she said. When I think of my life… I know people might think I’m weird, but I don’t imagine a huge house with a large yard in the suburbs with a nice car, luxuries, just staying "put" in my "own little bubble"... I really don’t. In fact, the idea makes me feel incredibly uncomfortable, HAH! I can’t exactly paint out what I imagine my life all to be except I just want to go about doing good – I want myself and my family to be involved with this world. I want to make a difference in this world.. starting with myself (as Michael Jackson states, "I'm starting with the man in the mirror" - amen, brother!) and then within my own family, and spreading goodness to all we interact with. I want to help restore HOPE within people! It may sound cheesy, but it's really what I want!

Just as Kid President tells us is our responsibility, I just really want to give the world a reason to DANCE!!!!!! Just as the teachers, children, and community did today in celebration for education! Another step in making this world a better place!