Stories told through the Agee's blog continue to inspire me. Lucky enough to see this love in action in person, Cheryl and Jeff returned home from South Africa viewing life through a different lens. Already a generous family, they are now even more passionate about making a difference. I am so thankful that a simple salsa sale will allow you to help them as well. Thanks so much, Salsa Mama friends!! Let's give hope to these children, feed them and nurture them.
Please take a few minutes to read Cheryl's words below and to visit the Agee's blog. It's emotional, it's inspiring, and yes, even difficult to read. I have to admit, this whole project has shaken me up in many ways. Seeing Cheryl's pictures for the first time brought waves of tears to my eyes as I allowed myself to truly process the stories she was telling me. We all have SO MUCH while some children in the world are THRILLED to get a fresh orange slice with their one meal a day at the soup club.
I know that we are bombarded daily with requests for donations, with our own hardships, and there are plenty of people in our own zip code who desperately need help. I have chosen this sale for this population at this time because, well... it's right in my heart. If you've read this far, it may be right in your heart too. And by the way, you don't even need to buy salsa to support this cause. The Oceans of Mercy website is just a click away!
Below are Cheryl's own words about her trip and some inspiring pictures of the work they did.
"I have to admit, I used to get irritated when our missions pastor would tell us, "You are incredibly wealthy!". Come on, I'm comfortable, Schaun, not rich. Until I spent three weeks in South Africa. An incredible trip. The physical beauty is breath-taking. Individual kindnesses are awe-inspiring. And the need is devastating. A whole generation of South Africans have been wiped out by HIV/AIDS. And their children will be the second unless we help. Grandmothers and twelve year olds are heads of house, with no income and too many to care for. Oceans of Mercy has developed Soup Clubs, where "Mamas" (South African term of respect for older women) volunteer to feed orphaned children. Oceans supplies the ingredients and these Mamas supply the love. A small initial outlay of $200 purchases a small camp-stove, large pots and propane tanks. $100 provides the groceries to feed fifty children every day for a month. Oceans also looks for other ways to invest in these children's lives. An increasing number of these Soup Clubs are located next to schools, so the children are encouraged to get an education, and they can stay and do homework in the safe environment of the Mama's home. One Soup Club is located in an area where it is not safe for an outsider to be in the evenings. We would like to provide books, very expensive in South Africa, for the Mama to have in her home for the children to read. If you have time, less than 5 minutes, go to www.CallHerMama.com and watch a short video about one of these heroes.