Y’all know I like coffee a lot, right? I would probably go so far as to say that I love it. If you asked me to choose between going to lunch or going to get coffee, I will almost always pick coffee, especially because it’s bitterly cold outside.
But there are things I like more than coffee. For example, I like helping people. In fact, the very reason I changed my major from interior design to communications with an emphasis in public relations is because I felt I could help more people in public relations. I feel called to do something that will better someone’s life, and that’s why I’m writing this blog: because you can do something really simple that can better someone’s life.
There’s an organization called the Mocha Club that supports six projects in Africa: child mothers, education, HIV/AIDS, job creation, Sudan regrowth, and orphan care. For seven dollars a month, you can support one of these six projects and better the lives of people who need your help. I chose orphan care for lots of reasons. I work in education, and even though this is terribly cliche, I believe children are the future. I believe caring for children will encourage them to become successful. Successful children create and lead successful communities. It’s a big circle. Education and leadership are two things very close to my heart (and two things I had access to because of my alma mater), and the mere thought that I can help prepare children to become leaders in their communities is magical.
I don’t make a lot of money. I have student loans to repay. I have bills. I can still afford seven dollars a month. Maybe I have to cut out going to dinner once a month. Maybe I have to buy cheaper shampoo and conditioner. Maybe I have to avoid a trip to Target. Whatever I have to do, whatever you have to do, do it. It’s worth it because as important as it is for us to help, I think it’s also important to realize that we have a lot to learn from Africa, too. Matt Wertz, one of my favorite musicians and a major Mocha Club supporter, says, “We have so much to learn from these people who, somehow, in the midst of their circumstances have found a joy and a peace that sustains and gives them hope. I want that.”
I want that. Don’t you want that, too?
The website is www.mochaclub.org. Go and read about the different projects Mocha Club supports. If you’re passionate about orphan care and want to join my team, holler at me in the comments. I will totally e-mail you an invitation. Invite your friends, too.
I’m sorry this is such a soapbox-y post, but helping others has long been something on my heart, and I think this is a perfect opportunity to help people outside our community, outside our friends, outside ourselves. Besides, it’s Christmas, and wouldn’t it be nice if we could give such joyful people such wonderful gifts?
