When I was 19 years old, I read a book called Room to Read, and was inspired by John Wood’s story. He left his prestigious, high paying job at Microsoft to start a nonprofit.
I dreamt about building schools and libraries, having a fund for scholarships, and instilling a fiery passion for learning and reading in children.
…But that was future Kai’s dreams. At 19, there was no way I had the resources or funds to do such a thing. I mean, come on. I was still a teenager.
When I finished the book, a crazy thought popped into my head, “Why not start now? Why not help those who are already doing amazing work around the world?”
While I was pondering this thought, I found myself looking up different companies to partner with and lift up. Reading had always been a passion in my life and that was something I wanted to instill in future kids. I also have been on scholarship since I was in middle school, and I wanted future girls to have the same opportunity I had.
Then came the fun thought of how much I wanted to raise.
500 books? $500? 1,000 books? $1,000?
I started getting slightly overwhelmed just thinking about. But then I felt God ask me, “Do you really trust me? You aren’t thinking big enough.”
“Okay, fine, God, how much do you want me to raise?” I asked, slightly sassy and a little irritated.
“I want you to raise 5,000 books and $5,000,” He said.
Are you kidding me?! At 19 years old, I was a little taken aback. Not just because of that, but because I was also simultaneously helping start a for-profit business and in six months was leaving for Europe.
God and His impeccable timing. But that’s the fun part. I had to trust Him because there was no way I was going to succeed otherwise.
In the end, I ended up partnering with Room to Read, Better World Books, which is a for-profit social online bookstore on the mainland, and Friends and Family of Hawaii’s Public Library, which helps out public libraries all across the islands.
Then came the fun part of choosing which country to support!
I randomly came across Zambia. It was a country I never heard of before, but I knew this was the country I needed to support and uplift.
And so 5,000 Reasons was born.
God provided in incredible ways—from having a guy, named Kai ironically enough, who created a website for me, to having my high school and college participate in funding books, to raising $1,000 within the first week, to creating a bank account, to meeting other people just as passionate about education and kids, let’s just say God blew me away.
Fast forward 3 years.
I’m currently living in Lusaka, Zambia. I’m helping teach 4th grade at Destiny School.
Are you kidding me?!
It’s crazy to think in 3 years I’ve come full circle. To be able to witness, encourage, and uplift these incredible kids in-person brings tears of joy to my eyes. I’ve been able to see them learn and grow, to have a hot meal for lunch, and to have them teach me their songs and dances.
At recess, these kids shared their snacks with me. It brought tears again to my eyes. These kids who have nothing were more than happy to share with me what little they had.
It’s moments like these that make 5,000 Reasons worthwhile and encouraging.
It never occurred to me that God would take me to Zambia. And so soon at that. In some ways, I feel like I’m home.
…I never thought I’d say that about a country in Africa. All I know is that God is doing big things here in Zambia, and I’m blessed and honored to be a part of it.
It’s crazy to think that He would use me in such a mighty way and that He would love me enough to let me be a part of bringing His kingdom.
So whatever excuses you have, I challenge you to lay them at the feet of our Lord. You’re not too young, or not old enough, or not rich enough, or not influential enough.
You are exactly who God needs to further His kingdom. You just need to accept His call, and watch as He blows your mind.
All you have to do is say, “Yes.”
Will you?
