Shoes for Africa!!

I am starting to go through the packing list of things that I can have ready to take to Africa.  We have to have shots, lots of hand sanitizer, dresses, pants, bug spray, etc.  I mentioned to Ally that we needed to get our shoes early so that we can break them in before going.  I certainly don’t want to get blisters over there! 

I have never been a shoe hound!  Maybe it is the fact that most stores look at you funny when you ask for a size 11 WIDE!  My favorite response is when they tell me they don’t carry them in the store but you can purchase them online.  Grrrr, that really makes me angry!  Anyway, we shopped for shoes yesterday and actually had some luck.  Ally purchased a new pair of Asics and I walked out with a sturdy hiking shoe made by Merrell.  I have never owned a hiking shoe so I am in hopes that they will be comfortable and no blisters appear.

The purchase got me to thinking about the orphans.  Who buys their shoes?  Who do they turn to when their shoes break and they have nothing on their tired and dirty feet?  We have had many people ask us what are some things that they could donate and we take to the orphans.  Our team leader told us they are always in need of flip-flops.  So, my sister, Tammy, has been on the hunt for end of summer clearance on flip-flops.  She found a great deal at one store and when she told the clerk what they were for-the clerk gave her money towards the purchase!  Those $1 flip-flops will mean so much to the orphans.  I can’t wait to put a pair of shoes on a child!  What pleasure that will bring to the both of us! 

We take so much for granted!  Some people have enough shoes to fill a couple of totes and yet the orphans are lucky to have one pair.  We get up in the mornings and think which pair should I wear today and the orphans are lucky if they have anything on their feet. 

I challenge you to think about the less fortunate after reading this.  What can you do to help someone out?  Maybe you know someone that is in need of something that you have extra of.  Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and were thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “

Blessings to all of you!