When I was a child, I remember my mother sending donations to UNICEF to support children in Africa. They would send her a photo of a child who benefitted from her donation along with her receipt. The youngest of 5 children, I always longed for a younger sister so I took one of the photos to school one day for show and tell. I proudly shared that I had an adopted little sister in Africa until one of my classmates shouted, "that's a poster child and that's probably not her real name!" I was deflated, but a part of me knew it was the truth. Although my mother's benevolence was going to a good cause, it wasn't going to those specific individuals and the photos that came in the mail each month were a representation of a global, not individual need.

I was recently given the opportunity to cover the educational expenses for a specific young girl from Kenya. I have her picture. I know her full name. I receive her grades each semester, and most importantly, I know and highly respect the leadership of the organization that oversees the program. When I found out I can actually go to Kenya next February to meet my student and her mother, the little girl in me rose up, determined to make a real connection and make a real difference for not just one, but multiple students and families in Kenya who are affiliated with the Seed of Hope Project (SOH).

This trip to Africa is a long awaited dream come true. Like my mom, I have always felt a deep calling to serve and make a difference in the lives of others. I need your help to get there. Your support, whether through a donation or by sharing this message with others, will bring me one step closer to going to Kenya! No donation is too small! Thank you in advance. I can't wait to show and tell YOU all about this adventure when I return!