You’re so Fat!


It’s been almost four weeks since Africa.  That is kind of crazy to think about.  People always say that going to Africa changes your life and I agree it does.  For me, going to Africa was awesome because I had the opportunity to see the change we have been able to make.  It was motivating and inspiring, and I definitely needed that.  After six years have passed since I saw the Oprah special, it was awesome to feel that moment again.  That moment that hits me and lets me know that I am supposed to be doing this work.
I had great experiences in Africa.  Just to name a few:
•    Walking into Chikumbuso and seeing the African quilt I bought without knowing where it was from
•    Meeting the caregivers and learning about why Friday does what he does: “For love”
•    Exchanging words of hope with an HIV positive boy that was 15 years old and doing well
•    Meeting my sponsor child, Gertrude
•    Participating in a bike distribution and giving out bikes to 100 students
•    Playing netball: Team USA v. Team Zambia, and losing.
•    Learning how to dance- Zambian style
•    Attending church at the Orphan Care Center in Shoshanguve, South Africa
•    Meeting 7-year-old Gonsei, listening to her read to me and playing with her on the swings.
•    Witnessing possibly the best football game in American history: the World Cup Game U.S. v. Algeria.
•    Going on a game drive in South Africa and seeing animals closer than I have ever seen before.
•    Meeting the kindest, coolest and most amazing people ever.
•    Witnessing the smiles of hundreds of African children.

I love Africa.  For some reason, I feel like they just have a greater understanding of life than we all do.  I have never felt God as much as I felt Him there.  He really is with the sick and the needy.

I’ve learned so much.  One thing that has stuck with me is the fact that to people in Africa being called fat is a compliment.  It’s so ironic. I mean, we live in a world where we try every new diet offered to us and celebrate each run, or yoga session we attend, a world where 55% of Americans are overweight.

In Chongwe, Zambia, however appearing a little thicker is a blessing.  Fat is a sign of health and money.  Eating on average, one meal a day, the people of Africa are starving.  Thanks to new schools that are developing in the area, kids are provided with at least one full meal each day and we aren’t talking your typical PB&J sandwich.  One meal is a scoop of cornmeal mush and green mystery veggies along with rehydrated small fish.  It’s strange to think that something that we all try so hard to prevent, they strive for.

I just want to take a line in my post to thank everyone who helped make this trip possible.  I really don’t think I can name all of you, but you know who you are (World Vision, World Bicycle Relief, Lifesong for Orphans, Kerus Global).

Today, I am sitting in my dorm room at Northwestern University where I am attending their National High School Institute’s Medill summer journalism program.  I am with 83 incredible high school seniors and I love it!  I have had the most fantastic summer of my life and I am so sad that I will be leaving this in a little over than a week.

God Bless,
Kendall

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