Brills in a Big World: TOMS Drop

Seeing over one thousand of the smallest, dirtiest feet leaves an impression. Understatement.
On August 24, we joined in a TOMS shoe drop with a Burkinabe church and our WIRED student leaders. We first visited a local orphanage and played with some babies. When the rest of the helpers arrived, we set off to the village that was 45 minutes on a dirt road from Yako. When we arrived, the villagers lined the road clapping. It was overwhelming.

Over the course of a few hours, we sized, fitted, and gave away over 1,500 pairs of shoes. First, the couple in charge of the distribution gave a health and hygiene talk with the children. Next, the kids lined up to have their feet measured. They were then given a "ticket" with their shoe size on it. They again waited in line to be fitted for a pair of shoes. When we fitted them, we called out the number and a runner gave us the right shoe size. Sometimes, we had to go up a size, but it was usually correct.

One of my favorite parts of the day was getting to share it with our WIRED student leaders. What an amazing group of high school students! They continue to astound me with their servant hearts and willingness to do anything! Sitting between two high school girls (9th and 12th grade), I listened as they spoke in Moore and French to the children they were fitting for shoes. I know that made the kids feel far more comfortable than my Franglais (French/English). The students were ready for anything, and we are so grateful to get to work with them this year.

Between Seth and I, we have had several pairs of TOMS over the years. The first pairs came in high school, and some resting in our Mississippi storage unit. Initially, we bought them for the purpose of charity; later, they became a fashion statement. After today, I can assure you that the “One for One” statement is more than a motto for a shoe sole. Children under 5 walked for miles barefoot to get a pair of shoes. Sizing twin baby girls for their first pair of shoes, I took in the sweet moment. Their tiny hands shook mine, and they held hands to leave. A great thing about the TOMS is that every 6 months until they are 18, these children will receive a new pair of shoes. That is countless soccer games, walks to school, and trips to the water well.

I write this today to acknowledge that we often do not see the fruit of acts of charity. However, I saw over 1,500 smiles because someone somewhere made a sacrifice. Before the distribution began, our leader told us the history of the village. Years ago, this village had a high rate of suicide and abuse. A local Burkinabe church began to do outreach in the village and planted a church. God is making a difference in the lives of this village. Continue to pray for the efforts being made!

Here are some pictures from our day: