Biggest Fan: Carissa

This is my little sister. Well, she's actually several inches taller than me, but she's still my little sister. She just finished her first few days of college classes, and I'm so excited for her. Growing up, we were in each other's company a lot, though we didn't always get along like some sisters do. We attended the same schools - together in Elementary school for several years, and in High School for one. Each year for the last three that I've been in Salt Lake, she's come to visit and stay with me. Since moving away, we've become a lot closer. We've always been able to be silly together. I cherish memories of movie nights and laughing till we can't breathe any longer. I love watching her grow and become the beautiful young woman she was designed to be. She's a social butterfly and loves to be with people. I know she's going to have an amazing time in California and her college experience is going to be one that she'll remember for a very long time. This little sister of mine is one amazing woman, and she's got big things ahead of her. She cares deeply for every person in her life, and likes to help others feel welcome and loved. She is probably one of the silliest people I know, and I love that about her. Dear sister - you are SO loved and I can't wait to see all the awesome things you're going to do as you continue to follow Jesus and let Him lead your life. Have an amazing time in college, and I can't wait to see you in your new environment. I LOVE YOU!

Leaders, Leadership, Service?

This last year, I've really discovered what kind of a person I am when it comes to groups. I've never really liked group work because most of the time, I've been the one desiring to do the best job, which means I get put in charge of delegating responsibilities, and making sure everything's going smoothly. I've figured out, I don't lead that way. In fact, I am reconsidering my definition of what it means to be a leader.

I've always thought that to be a leader, you had to be part of the administration, you had to be able to make the decisions and lead a large group through something successfully. Now, I'm not so sure. As I went through last year, I discovered some things about myself and how I operate.

I like to help.

That's really what it boils down to. I just want to help people do what they want to do, and to help them do it well. That's why I loved being a stage manager. I wasn't out on stage with the attention on me (though I do love acting too), but rather, I was helping the director to see her vision fulfilled with the actors and musicians and technicians. I was helping to make it the best show it could be. I was helping the actors stay on time, and helping them with what they needed to give their best performances. Last year, I also had the opportunity to be the President of Chamber Singers. However, I discovered that that position was not a place I thrived. People tend to give me respect. They listen to me, Why? I have NO IDEA. But it happens. So people naturally assume that I would make a good leader in the form of a President. And so did I, for a while. But last year I had to re-evaluate what that position meant, and decided to step down from being a part of the choir's leadership.

Just recently, I was talking with my roommate and said to her..."I just want to support the decisions and actions of the leaders who are ready to be in place." That's where I thrive. When there's something to help with. Something to set up, something to send out, just some thing to do. That's why I love my job as an assistant, that's why I want to be a consultant for a bridal salon - I just like to help people find what they're looking for and to have the best experience possible. When my roommate heard me say these things, her response was "THAT'S that attitude that tells me you are TOTALLY a leader." Today she even sent me a link to a blog post she read. She entitled the email "You're a Leader I tell You!" (Find the post by Jon Acuff here).

I'm still not sure that loving to serve qualifies me for the term "Leader", but maybe I'm using the wrong definition. What do you think?

So, Swaziland

In February, I have an amazing opportunity to travel to Swaziland, Africa for 12 days to bless the lives of children in that country. The trip is sponsored by the church that I attend here in Salt Lake City (for more info on them check it out here), but it's not a trip where our goal is to convert the people and children to Christianity. No, our purpose is to bless the kids, to show them love, and to let them know that there are people who care about them.

The country of Swaziland has one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the world, with 26% of the adult population infected. The country does not have a lot of orphanages for children affected by the disease, so when their parents die or become too weak to get around, these children are essentially left to care for themselves. What the carepoint does in Swaziland is provides food and a place to learn for the children who have no other way of receiving a meal or love. Food is made twice a day by what are referred to as the "Mages" (mothers) and "Gogos" (grandmothers). Those children who go to school are only at the carepoint for one meal, while the younger kids (who walk themselves) will be there for both each day.

the one building on the carepoint facility in Mhkombokati, Swaziland

Above, you see a photo of the one building at the Carepoint. This is the only location where the children gather in the morning and are taught a simple lesson by a Mage who is not a teacher, but does her best to show the kids love and kindness while helping them learn a basic alphabet, numbers, etc. The rest of the carepoint is open space.

Just recently, water was discovered on the carepoint grounds, and our team is hoping to be able to do something to get the water pumping above ground  - giving the kids water and a way to be clean before/after they eat and play. We are also thinking about constructing benches for the mages, gogos, and children to sit on when they are tired. Right now, the only seating is around a tree, on the ground, and in some smaller chairs in the carepoint facility.

This trip matters. It matters because these kids don't know that there are people who love them and want to help them experience a better life, one free from hunger and disease. That is our mission and our reason for going to Swaziland. I first learned about the affects and issues surrounding HIV/AIDS when I was in 7th grade, 10 years ago. For the last decade, I've wanted to go to Africa, to go touch the lives of the people and the children affected by this ravaging disease and show that there is something beyond AIDS. These kids matter. It matters that they're going hungry and living without parents. It matters that there are a few wonderful women who've devoted their lives to helping these kids stay alive. But they can't do it alone, and that's why we send regular support to them. Not only in the form of monetary aid, but with physical teams to do projects and play with the kids, and supplies to help the kids with what they need to go to school.

I can't do it alone. the team can't do it on our own. We need your help. Our first deposit is due in two weeks, and there are three more deadlines after that. Would you consider partnering with me to bless the children in Mhkombokati, Swaziland by sending me a donation of $100 or a different amount that works better for you? By helping to send our team to Africa, you will be making a difference in the lives of these children and those helping them.

I would love to talk more about how you can help or give you an address to send a donation. Please send me an email at jnwilson@email.com, or send me a message on Facebook (link provided).

Thank you for your support. I look forward to partnering with you to bless the children of Mhkombokati, Swaziland.