I’m back from Zambia…

And I am finding it very hard to answer that inevitable question from my friends and family, “Well, how was your trip?”

How do I find the words to describe the depths of poverty I have seen? How do I describe the feeling of looking into the face of a hungry child whose thin, tattered clothes are no defense against the bitingly cold wind.

How can I explain what it must be like for the HIV positive mothers who face the agonizing decision of whether to nurse their babies and risk passing on the virus to them, or watch them starve because they can’t afford baby formula as well as food for the rest of the family?

How do I portray what it must be like to assume the duties of “head of household” at the ripe old age of 8 or 9? How do these children manage to raise their younger siblings when they are still children themselves? How do they handle the grief of losing parents to AIDS?

How do I share the beautiful smiles that are instantaneous when we attempt to brighten their day for a few minutes with a jumprope or a bottle of bubbles?
How do I describe the magic of connecting for a few short minutes, and speaking the language of love.
How do I convey the joy that comes while holding an orphaned baby or toddler who clings so close and yearns for your warmth and comfort?

How do you describe what has happened to your heart in just these few short weeks? A heart that has been turned inside out with hurt for these kids, but the heart that has doubled in size as we receive love from these little ones that teach so much about unconditional love.

Words are insufficient to paint the picture I have witnessed in these past few weeks, but I must try, I need to share with you what I have learned and how I have grown from this experience. And I need to let you know what is happening to our brothers and sisters half a world away. I must describe it for you, and ask you not to look away, because together we have the power to make a difference, we can change the world. One person who is courageous enough to take a look and then take action can change the world.

Will you be the one, the one who is willing to step up and share a little of the bounties we have been blessed with? Will you go to www.motherswithoutborders.org and make a donation?

I hope so…