Worth of A Soul.

I must have this painting by Liz Lemon Swindle.

Liz made a trip to Zambia, Africa in 2007 and met a little boy named Kennedy.

Kennedy is the boy in the painting. When Kennedy was three years old he lost both of his parents to AIDS and was later found struggling to survive alone with his older brother and sister.

Liz explains that while she was filming, she noticed Kennedy climb into the arms of the man who was portraying the Savior.

She explains, "As I stood watching them, Kennedy turned towards me and our eyes met. At that moment I knew it wasn't hopeless. I realized that the Savior could fix not only the problems of Africa, but of the whole world... and we can be His hands to do it.

For the first time in my life I felt what Isaiah meant when he said, "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces." To Kennedy and all who struggle to understand why, I promise that God has not forgotten you. "

- Liz Lemon Swindle.

Having similar experiences while meeting many families who have dealt with AIDS in Ghana, this painting really touches me. I can't stop looking at it. It feels a whole lot different when you have actually met these children. You have held their hands, they have played with your hair, blew you kisses and hugged you constantly. It's a different feeling when you have actually smelled the air in Africa, seen the destruction and poverty, seen the struggle and the trials that these people try to overcome from sun up to sun down. Discovering all of this hits you hard. You become one of them because your heart goes many places. I hated to leave Africa.

It killed me. Literally killed me.

I remembered my last day in Ghana I spent with my little crew of boys, Godfred, Issack and Jacob. They couldn't have been more perfect. They amazed me with the closeness and love they had for one another. They grew past being friends and became brothers. Even though they didn't have the best life at home, they knew they had it good because they had each other. They were such an example to me.

Before we all said our last goodbyes we got in a huge huddle and sat silent for a little bit while hugging. Very quietly, Godfred admitted, "I think I am going to cry." Right when he said it, I lost it. And they lost it. And we all just sat there crying and I felt so helpless. I have never felt like that in my life. I hated every moment of it. But at the same time I felt so grateful to have met these kids because is many ways, they have touched my life and changed me. And everything new and improved about me, I owe to them. I will never forget that moment we had on the side of the road in Africa. I will never forget my boys and thankfully I can't because they call me just about everyday thanks to their calling cards.

These people are special. They are worth everything. Even when at times you feel helpless and you feel like you are not doing enough. At least you are doing something.

so don't forget about them. And don't rely on others to doing the work for you.

You don't have to travel far to help. You can do little things right there in your very own home.

And that's all it takes.

And I promise you, it is worth everything.

everything.

p.s. christmas present ma and pa?