The least of these

This year has been such an amazing year in geography.  This year brought a small group of families to journey with us through the world... to study, discover, and pray over countries, peoples, and cultures different from our own through the eyes of A Child’s Geography by Ann Voskamp.  Together we studied, lesson by lesson, and memorized countries, capitals, and major bodies of water.

Last Monday, I gathered my precious group of 4 families: Dalbys, Lencs, Mabies, and Ryans... a total 15 children under one roof.  It’s loud, loving, and learning... I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.   We explored more on earthquakes and much on volcanoes.   Little did I know where God would take our study...

Mossy Foot Disease... have you ever heard of such a thing?  I shared with the children my discovery on this most terrible disease, which is a horribly debilitating and causes suffering physically, socially, and economically.  You see, as I researched this subject, I found very little, for very little is known about this ailment.  As a result, those afflicted are regarded as social pariahs in their communities, like lepers.  Many are disowned by their own families; their own blood.  Children with Mossy Foot disease are forced to drop out of school... then what becomes of them and their future?  No one wants to employ or marry someone with Mossy Foot.  Shunned and alone, many of them suffer and starve.  A horrible existence for one with a disease that is easily prevented and treatable.

Due to little facts, much fear, and sparse funding, Mossy Foot continues to be a terrible phenomenon in countries such as Ethiopia, Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Equatorial Guinea, Canary Islands, and Cape Verde Islands.  Affecting those residing in agrarian communities, people contract this foot disease when working barefoot in volcanic soil.  Microscopic particles of volcanic glass or silica gets caught in pores and obstructs their lymphatic system causing swelling, severe ulceration, and major deformity.  

My group of children were tugged by the plight of these precious people, and through the study of volcanoes, I introduced communities of those that needed our help.

So, the virtue of learning and discovering was found in helping and serving others outside of our familiar.  We are endeavoring to raise funds toward the Mossy Foot Project that raises awareness about this affliction and provides funding toward treatment and prevention in Ethiopia.

Visit www.mossyfoot.com

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'  Mathew 25:39-41