Then, someone posted a picture of a child starving in Zimbabwe. And, for the first time I really saw what I have heard about in the news and from my boss, a native of Zimbabwe. Children are starving. Really. I used to think that all the commercials were just a hoax to get my money. But over the past year, I have heard Dr. B. talk passionately about the need to help the children of Zimbabwe. I have listened to and been emotionally moved by his words, but until I saw the picture comparing the life of a child to that of a lion, it wasn't real. Whether the picture was real or not, God made it real, to me, in that instant.
I couldn't go to sleep last night. I kept thinking of my selfishness and the way I've turned a blind eye to problems that don't directly affect me. I am so ashamed. I worry about running out of creamer for my coffee and losing electricity in a thunderstorm (I don't want to lose my air conditioning in this heat wave!). But there are defenseless, innocent children, who are the victims of their country, who have no one to help them. Children who have never had a decent meal, let alone cream in their coffee. Children who have never had air conditioning and live in one of the hottest regions of the world.
I have heard the argument that we have starving children right here in the United States, so why would we help foreigners. Yes, there are children that go without in the United States. I have seen it in the classroom and I have fed many. We don't have to look starvation in the face on a daily basis. We don't see children dying of starvation in our schools or on our streets. The majority of Americans live in comfort compared to those in other countries. What it comes down to is this: Would you let a child starve just because they didn't share your ethnic background?
Zimbabwe is home to the beauty of Victoria Falls and Lake Kariba, but it is also home to children who live with the fallout of mining practices that have left toxic waste behind. Zimbabwe is home to orphans at the hands of AIDS. Zimbabwe is the home of people just like you and me. Well, maybe not just like you and me. They are happy with the clothes on their backs. They are content to have a cup of uncontaminated water. And, they are dying.
I am still appalled by the tragic shooting of Cecil. I still love animals. But, now I better understand the plight of children in Zimbabwe. Now, I will listen to Dr. B. more closely and ask how I can help.
I want to make a difference.
If you are interested in ways to help, send me an email and I will connect you with Dr. B.
Contact me at: kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com
Like my Facebook page: Chocolate 4 Teachers
Follow my TpT store: Chocolate 4 Teachers
Back-to-school sale: AUGUST 3rd and 4th
Privacy Policy
This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor
do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze
and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You
can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser
settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other
blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to
change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any
questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com
No comments