Africa and Inner City Memphis

Today was one of those days. I have to admit that God has definitely been saying something about Africa in the past couple of months. If you know me, I've picked up the megaphone for Uganda. That's all I would talk about. One day I got a phone call from Courtney asking me if I wanted to go to Africa. My jaw dropped. Me? Africa? Are you serious!? I'm pretty sure I squealed out a "YESSSSSS" as soon as she finished the question. Today I've gotten more emails and messages about Africa than I have, well.... ever.

One from Jessica, my best bud, telling me to pick up a Vanity Fair because it was all about Africa. (Which I did, and plan to read shortly) One from Sarah about interning with Invisible Children next summer. *Insert high pitched squeal of glee here* Having a conversation with one of the youth group guys about GOING to Ghana. Courtney saying "Megan you're going to get Africa in your blood once you go there. You're just going to love it!" Receiving an e-mail from Moe about Invisible Children being on THE NEWS! MSNBC! A message from Will who works at Invisible Children saying that he LOVED my Facebook status about Uganda. To Lance coming into our office recommending a book about Child Soldiers in Africa (which I also plan to purchase and read). Then Courtney raving about a book I have called "Hope In the Dark" with photography from Africa.

Wow. All of that was today. Africa. I mean it's just - everywhere. I'm leaving for Ghana in just a few weeks and all of it still seems surreal. I have no idea what God is going to reveal to me in Ghana. My game plan: to be open to God's will for me and hug on as many children as I can.

Speaking of children we had PowerHour on Monday. We showed up at the DownTown Church and it was in "da ghetto" for sure. I have never seen a true "ghetto" before. I mean, Auburn has its rough side of the tracks but it's not like this. I haven't seen this kind of REAL poverty before. We came into the church which was basically like an empty warehouse. There were kids sitting in a circle playing duck-duck-goose while their laughter echoed throughout the room. I jumped right in and immediately I could see that these kids were STARVING for love.

There was one little boy who came in named LD. He was about 3 years old and refused to smile. After lunch we had a little VBS worship time. One of the guys who works at the DTC was dancing around with LD in his arms. As I looked over at LD slowly he started to smile. Instantly that smile turned into laughter and he continued giggled for a solid five minutes. He didn't stop smiling for the rest of the afternoon and I can't tell you how many times I've thought about that little kid with his bright smile.

I saw Jesus in the DTC. I saw people who LOVED these kids who really needed it. I didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay and hug and play and laugh with all of those kids who have a home life that I can't even begin to imagine. There are a lot of things that I do in life that just don't resonate with my heart. Serving these kids did and I simply didn't want to stop. Nick agreed when I said "Couldn't you just do that every day for the rest of your life?" Sign me up.

When I was driving home I couldn't help but think about Auburn. I know there are kids at home who need love. What I began to realize is that Memphis isn't the only place with kids who need love. Africa isn't the only place where kids need love. Auburn is that place too. Even in our churches and schools and homes there are kids who need love. Perhaps I'm stepping on some toes here, but just think about it. Pray about it. I will be too.

Well friends, thanks for checking in. I'm headed to bed because we're going to go feed the homeless tomorrow. Man that sounds surreal doesn't it? I'm sure it'll rock my world. I'll do my best to keep you updated! Pray continually!