I have causes that I support. I think we all probably have those things that tug at our heartstrings and to which we want to give our time and money and love.

And this one got me.

Which means it must be pretty powerful because I am not known for being a sappy person. I don’t like movies that make me cry and I’d ALWAYS rather watch a comedy over a drama. But with Kisses from Katie, it was like the universe wouldn’t let me ignore it. Plus, it’s always nice when a local girl does good.

Katie Davis was born and raised in Brentwood, TN. Instead of going immediately to college after graduating high school, she decided to spend a year in Uganda, Africa working in an orphanage. She had originally planned to come home and go to college after that one year, but Africa grabbed her wouldn’t let go.

While working as a teacher, Katie ended up adopting fourteen (then thirteen) girls whose families had either abandoned them or had passed away. All of this loved ended up becoming Amazima Ministries that helps children in Uganda get the education they need to avoid a life of destitution and poverty.

Katie’s story is amazing. She felt called to serve in Africa and instead of coming up with a million excuses why not, she went. While being honest that parts of her journey were very difficult, Katie still made it seem almost effortless because she knew she had a solid support system – which included a very powerful faith in God. I found myself tearing up on every other page because it was just so moving.

I was sad when the book ended. I wanted to know all the details from 2011 when the book was published to today. Luckily, Katie still writes her blog and Amazima is going strong. You check her out here for the rest of the story. I hope that I can be as driven and as elegant with my talents and gifts as Katie was and is with hers.

Happy reading (but you might want to grab a Kleenex…just saying)…

:) Amanda