My story

Before you can ask anything of anyone, you must first ask yourself: would you do it if they asked you?
I have never asked anything of anyone that I wouldn't do for them in a heartbeat. But then, I make simple requests. A small loan for a fifteen dollar or less purchase that will be paid back within a couple weeks, help on a homework assignment, keep a secret (I won't tell, will you?) and some things I can't even remember right now. I have asked these things of friends.

Now I ask this of the world: What will you give to the poor and hungry who need our help?
My answer: My life, if I have to.

Yes. I would lay down my life for a perfect stranger across the world in Africa. Why? Because I care.
One thing you need to understand about me: I am an empath. I feel what others feel. I feel the pain and hunger and despair of the victims of war and poverty in Africa. If you could feel it, you would give your life, too.
I was brought up a middle class girl. Sure, my family went through some tough spots, financially, but I never wanted for anything (except maybe an iphone or some other outrageously expensive thing). I always had a roof over my head, plenty to eat, hot water, electricity. Heck, I've even had a computer most of my life (My parents are geeks, what can I say?). I do not know from first hand experience what many people suffer all their lives.
I think I was always an empath, and it just grew more pronounced as I became more aware. I am not the whole shut-away-too-much-angst type you see in shows like Charmed or Buffy, I can shut it out. I just find a way to distract myself. But if I'm reminded of it, I can feel it. And I don't want to just shut it out. I want to do something to lesser their pain. No one deserves to suffer, especially not innocent children who were born into poverty and fear. Quite honestly, my life isn't much. I don't aim to be great or famous. I don't want to be rich or powerful. I just want a simple life. An apartment with hot water, electricity, and a phone line, and a child. That is all I want and need. Since my life isn't going to be so hot, it's easy to lay it down, if that were the way. Well, I have to earn a living, since I'm no good to the less fortunate if I'm one of them. I'll support myself and my child (likely adopted) and the rest goes to those who really need it.

There are ways that are easier to give in this materialistic society. www.thehungersite.com is one of them. Just take a minute out of your day online to do the daily clicks, and maybe buy a cute necklace from them. Also check out the related sites linked to at the top of the screen of the hunger site. Same thing, click and maybe shop. It's a good donation going to a good cause, and you get something out of it yourself!

Anyway, I'm talking too much. Think about what I said and ask yourself: What Will YOU give?