Tuesday, July 31, 2007
- Joi Moton
Dear Friends,
I, Joi Moton, went to Africa expecting to change someone else’s life. I went with the expectation of feeding the children, helping the ill in the hospital, and maybe even teaching a little English. I went hoping to give a little support and possibly a little hope to some people that I expected would be sad about life and the way things had played out within their lives. I thought I would be going to help the less fortunate. Little did I know I would receive more than I had to offer.
I found myself in Africa and contrary to my expectations I received the greatest gift of all. Africa gave me understanding. Ethiopia taught me to be grateful. And a small town in Ethiopia call Yetebon, which is home to the Project Mercy organization, taught me how to love. Now all the little things that I used to put at the head of my life mean nothing.
I met the most amazing kids in the world who are all incredibly smart. I talked to them about themselves, anywhere from their favorite color to the things they felt needed to change in Ethiopia. We talked about their plans for the future in education and as leaders of tomorrow. They are brilliant and despite the fact that they have been through more trials than tribulation they felt like they had so much to smile about. They were happy to be alive and their Christian faith assured these orphans that they would some day see their parents and other deceased loved one again.
I only aspire to be as intelligent, spiritual, and most importantly loving as these children. They gave me a new outlook on life. They taught me appreciate the country that I live in and the unnecessary possessions I wake up to on a daily bases. They showed me to love my fellow man just because he is man like me. We are all a part of a whole. The same but still so very different. The lessons they taught me can not be learned from a book or even the wisest man. You have to experience it. You have to look into the eyes of the children and let them touch your heart.
I entered this country in tears because I though I was the more fortunate one. I saw the poverty and was afraid that I would not be able to make a difference alone. I left in tears because I realized I wasn’t the fortunate after all. I saw the love and the smiles and realized I alone would not be able to make all Americans love in the way my new friends did. I have come to the conclusion that we are all lacking and without working together the world will never truly be free or happy. I may not be able to save all of Ethiopia, but like the man on the beach with the determination to save the starfish, I know that I have made a difference in the lives of many. And the kids in Yetebon, Ethiopia can say the same about me.
I challenge everyone to save one since you can’t save all.