We were given this picture at orientation and it nearly took my breath away.
This is what was typed on the back:

THE WORTH OF A SOUL

Liz Lemon Swindle

When Mothers Without Borders approached me about going to Africa, I told them I was not interested. For me Africa was a world away, "and besides," I thought, "I am too busy." Imagine my surprise when I found myself on a plane to Zambia in June 2007.

One of the first children I met was Kennedy, the little boy you see in the painting. At three years old he has lost both his parents to AIDS and was found living alone with his six year old brother and ten year old sister. When I thought of those three children struggling to survive and the millions of others across Africa in similar circumstances, I felt an overwhelming hopelessness and said to myself, "No amount of money can fix this."

Later that day while we were filming, Kennedy jumped into the arms or the man portraying the Savior. 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 can fix not only the problems of Africa, but of the whole world...and we can be His hands to do it.

Looking back I realized that my reasons for not wanting to go to Africa are likely the same as yours. We are busy and feel like we cannot make a difference, but I know now that neither is true. We are never too busy to lift another and every good work is known to Him who said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of....these my bretheren, ye have done it unto me."

There is hope and I feel so blessed to be able to go to Africa to serve and become a tool in the Lord's hands. I know this is what He wants me to do and I already know that this is going to be a life changing experience. Our Heavenly Father has such a great love for us and all His children. The words "Because I have been given much, I too must give" comes to mind and I know that I have been given the means to do this small act of service for my brothers and sisters in Mozambique. Again, I couldn't do this without all of you so from the bottom of my heart, thank you.