So Iām wayy behind on writing about my summer. Letās start off with my life changing trip to Florida :) I know most of you wonāt read this whole post but it would be awesome for more people to learn about this amazing charity called Give Kids The World,Ā it was the whole reason I travelled to Florida actually.
My parents, Kendall, and myself went to Orlando, Florida for a week! While we were there we went to Disney World, Universal Studios, Boating, but the main reason we went was to attend a Black and White Gala for Give Kids The World! The day of the gala we actually visited the Give Kids The World Village and let me just say the few hours I was there my life changed instantly. Give Kids The World is a non-profit organization that exists to fulfill wishes of kids with life-threatening illnesses and their families to experience a cost-free visit for a week to stay at the village and visit Central Florida attractions. My experience was indescribable touring the village and seeing all the kids and their families! And I was on the verge of tears many times.Ā
It was really overwhelming seeing all these smiling young faces at the village, you donāt know whether to be sad or happy. I guess I was both; I was happy to see all of the sick kids smiling and laughing. But I was also sad because I knew this was probably going to be their last āhappyā memory until they couldnāt fight their illness any longer. Itās amazing how much these kids changed me, how they could be battling something so powerful, but can still have a positive attitude.
This beautiful little girl that was about five years old was just laughing and running around the village with one of those princess hats on and I didnāt realize it until she got closer that she was bald and the hair that she did have was attached to the hat. I couldnāt help but tear up when I saw this. She was so energetic and happy, and I think that more people need to be that way. If a little girl who is fighting cancer is so lively, thereās really no excuse on why you canāt be happy with the life you have.
I also met this other little girl who was about eight who was sick too, Iām not really sure with what but the village doesnāt allow you to ask because they want the child to forget about their illness while theyāre there. And she said to all of us āThis is the best day ever! I love this place!ā Itās amazing what the Village can do to these kids, how their spirits can liven up. Itās really eye opening on how great your life is and how thankful you should be to have your health.Ā
The last stop we went to was the chapel, which was not the best thing for me since I already wanted to cry but was holding it in. It was a small chapel with a few pews, the ceiling had cutout clouds, and there were books for people to write letters to God. I remember reading one, the only line that really stuck into my head was āI know you love all us, even the ones who are sickā It really breaks my heart to think that kids who are sick think that people wonāt love them. I canāt even put into words how much I care for kids who have an illness, theyāre so so strong and are truly an inspiration.Ā
So I wanted to share this story with all of you because I really canāt stop thinking about it and my voice gets so shaky every time I tell it to somebody. This lady told us a story about this little boy who was at the village. Unfortunately, he couldnāt make it any longer and was died at the village. He told his dad to take his blanket and bring it to the chapel and throw it into the clouds because he wanted the blanket to be there when he got to Heaven. By that time I just lost it and started sobbing and left the chapel. I canāt even imagine having a child and seeing them have to go through something as horrible as cancer or any other illness. You never want to see your kids go before you do.Ā
It took me a very long time writing this post with several breaks in between because it really touched me seeing these kids. I admire Give Kids The World so much and I plan on volunteering there for a week or two next summer. Iām really looking forward to it and getting to meet so many new kids who will inspire me each and everyday. It would mean the world to me if you checked out their website and maybe even donated money or anything else they have on their wishlist! Just click here!
