Hi, everyone! This is Danika. This post is to thank everyone for all the help that they gave to help me get to Africa. I couldn't have done it without everyone's help. I also wanted to thank everyone for helping out my Mom and Emily by making or buying skirts to give to the girls in Kenya and Uganda. I cannot tell you how much the kids needed them.

While in Africa, I learned  how blessed I am. I learned not only to be thankful for the running and clean water, electricity, and availability of food; but also for the way God has blessed me and most Americans materially. It is easy to go to a country like Africa and feel guilty for all we have. We tend to do one of two things. We either try to forget about those who live in poverty, so we don't feel guilty. Or we complain about the complacency and selfishness of Americans. I think a better option is to be thankful and joyful for the ability and responsibility that comes along with the blessings God has given us. He blesses us so that we may bless others. I appreciate everyone using their resources to bless me and orphans in Kenya and Uganda.

I encourage everyone to continue seeking God for ways they may use their material blessings to bless others. It doesn't have to be in a foreign country, but maybe God will lead you in that direction. There are many opportunities with different organizations to sponsor orphans. I have seen firsthand what a need this is. There are so many orphans being fed and clothed, but there are also so many more that the leaders in Africa have no resources to care for. They are forced to give them the food they can and then send them off at night to find places to stay. There are more than 230 orphans at an orphanage in Nambale that one couple attempts to feed, but is unable to give a place to stay at night. Please pray about sponsoring an orphan, going on a trip yourself to love on these kids, offer your God given talents to bless others, and anything else God might lead you to do.  Who knows...maybe you will be led to adopt one. Just don't adopt Osiemo. I reserve him. :)