Today was special in that we got to step into the life of Andrea Sarahi to learn about how she is using her gifts to make an impact in the lives around her, Andrea is 17 years old. She graduated from high school and technical school for agriculture while at the same time going through the scholarship program. She embraces opportunity and finds a way even when life has dealt a tough hand. Andrea is a very intelligent, young woman that brings inspiration to all through her dedication and passion for the work she does. In every part of her life she strives to be the best. While she was in high school she participated in the scholarship program and was attending technical school for agriculture. She graduated as valedictorian and for the majority of her schooling she was the only female in her class. In her backyard, she has grown a beautiful garden. That has different types of corn, squash, and melon in it as well as lots of fruit trees; lemon, orange, and coco. Near her house she is also growing mint and cilantro. We were given a tour of the garden with detailed descriptions of what every plant was and how it will be used. We learned from Andrea about the various time of growth for each plant. For example, the mango takes 3-5 years to produce fruit after it has been planted. This short glimpse into her life does not do her justice for what she has overcome and done, who she is, or where she will go. It was a blessing and privilege to meet and hear her story. She is making an immense impact in her community by providing education and support to them through her knowledge of the land. It reminds me of the saying, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Andrea is literally growing her own lemons from scratch and making lemonade in the sense that she uses her education to outsource her resources to make a living and give back to her community. Her story will live forever as a person to look up to and to remember that it doesn't matter where you start, but what you make of what life gives you. We pray for all the lives God has allowed for us to get to know and be with during this time, especially, Andrea as she continues to make a difference in this world.
Blessings,
