Where is our money really going?

Imagine, who would have such taste and live in such opulence?

                                                                    An American Billionaire?

                                                                  Saudi Prince?

                                                           Louis XIV of France?
 
 
 

This Mansion is in Harare and belongs to:

Presiden Magabe of Zimbabwe

                                               
And while he and his family in this mansion, his people live like this...

 


Mugabe, the president of Zimbabwe, is one of many African leaders who are corrupt. These men were not always rich, some of them grew up in abject poverty and when they came into office, they had every intention of relieving the poverty of their countrymen; and they promised to do so. But once they tasted power and wealth they became intoxicated by self indulgence.
The pictures we see of poverty on the news pull at our heart strings and compel us to want to dig into our pockets to help. It also compels governments in countries like ours to allocate enormous amounts of money to help these needy people.
As long as there are corrupt leaders in developing countries, it is pointless to pour money into those countries because it never trickles down to those who really need it.

There needs to be strict accountability in how foreign aide is so distributed so the people who really need it actually get it!
Sad pictures arouse our compassion and sometimes we give money without thoroughly investigating the entities to which we give. Tribalism, corruption, greed, and endless bureaucracy prevent the money from going where it was intended to go. As long as these things exist unchecked, the real needs will never be touched.
I have some very dear friends who live in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. Levi has been unemployed for two year along with 40% of the population of city. The average wage in Kenya is $1.25 a day, and has been for 20 years even though the cost of living has risen steadily. Meanwhile government leaders drive Mercedes and BMW’s, live in mansions and are some of the richest men in the world.
I’m not telling you all this to make you feel sorry for the Africans. I’m telling you this to inform you and beg you to be responsible with where your money is going.

We can make a difference in this cycle of corruption.

"What are your favorite things? Are they the first snows of the year, the fragrance of the air after a summer rain, curling up with a great book after a tiring day? These are all whispers from the Lord, notes sent to awaken your hearts longing.
Every song you love, every memory you cherish, every moment that has moved you to holy tears has been given to you by the one who has been pursuing you from your first breath in order to win your heart. Gods version of chocolates and flowers and candlelight dinners come in the form of sunsets, falling stars, moonlight on lakes and cricket symphonies; warm wind, swaying trees, lush gardens and fierce devotion."
-Captivating


That is such a great concept to ponder! God wants to bless us with the beauty He has made, instead of seeing it all as 'mundane'. So take a moment to pause and gaze at a sunset, smell the fragrance of a freshly picked flower, and observe stars in a midnight night sky as diamonds on a velvet blanket...seeing the world as it was meant to be seen. In GLORY!!

Trip around the world; London

In January/February I had the privilege of going to London, Dubai, Kenya, and Sudan. I kept a journal for my English class and I'd like to write a few entries on here.


Entry Date: January 11, 2010

 Today was my first day in London and it was amazing. The sights, the smells, the people. I could hardly believe I was in LONDON!! At first it didn't seem any different than Portland or San Fran. But then I heard something. "Dong" and when I rounded the corner I saw something I've wanted to see my whole life. The most beautiful image...Big Ben. There he was, in the middle of the huge city, standing so ginormous. Telling me not only what the time was by his huge face but by the magnificent bells that go off every hour.

The buildings in London are breathtaking.

My very first train ride...in the snow...in London!

London at Night

Now on to the most important part....the people. I have never seen so many nationalities in one spot before. The men and women are gorgeous and so much more ahead in style than Americans. Everyone wears fancy boots and long trench coats.

Its freezing here. This morning when I went outside my heart almost stopped beating. The chill literally took my breath away.

Ive been talking in an English accent all day. I sure hope this continues.

Till next time, Love..