A Simple Way to Make a Difference: one pair of shoes

I believe some of the most powerful actions are simple.

In May 2013 I traveled with Soles for Jesus to Mozambique to help distribute shoes to Villagers living in poverty. The hope is to transform lives with a pair of shoes - shoes can prevent disease, allow school attendance, help people travel and work and support their families.

We visited people from several villages over a 5 day period. I personally washed hundreds of pairs of feet. But the journey started with donating one pair of shoes.

It is simple: donate a pair of shoes.

It makes sense: what to do with shoes your kids outgrow? Donate.

It's easy: find a collection, start a collection, or ship your pair to Soles for Jesus.

It's green: extending the life of shoes.

It's meaningful: giving health, education, work, hope.

There are many simple actions you can take that are powerful. Some every day, some every month, some once a year.

I hope the next time something simple catches your eye you will stop and think about it and take that simple but powerful action.

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The Villagers were overwhelmed with joy knowing that people from the other side of the world cared about them so much they sent their shoes and even sent people to bring the shoes to them directly. We were overwhelmed by their gratitude and hospitality. It seemed to me however that it was more than shoes being exchanged - there was a lot of love, hope, and faith being distributed both ways as well.

That's why when I find an organization like Soles for Jesus that is doing something so simple yet so meaningful I participate.

Alexandra Gnoske is a nature lover, writer, and environmental expert.