You changed my life
Many students have a life-changing experience after seeing the drawings and reading the stories of the children children who survived the tsunami disaster and children who endured rebel fighting in northern Uganda.
These messages reflect the commitments the students make.
“I will grow up to be a doctor so that I can help you. You will never be alone. There are people who care.”—Alex
"It’s people like you that God uses to change me. Your strength in the face of hopelessness, your courage, and your love that overcomes the unbearable inspire me. Rest in the ever-caring Father, who holds you near His heart.”—a changed life
Text on card: “You are the hope and the strength of the world’s heart. Maybe one day I will meet you, and we can walk together. I will bring you my smile, and I will learn from you.”—Michael
“Because of your strength, your will to survive. Because of your lives, I vow, I promise you that I will change. I promise you that I will try my best to help. I don’t know what that is yet, but I will. I promise you that much.”
“How can we ever be the same after seeing your pain? Lord, have mercy.”—J.
“There’s nothing I can put in writing to describe what I feel at this moment. I’m ashamed mostly, so many things in my life that I take for granted can’t make up what one child can lose in a disaster. How you all recover and keep being brave just warms my heart. I wish I can do everything to help. But I can when I get older, I’ll be a volunteer. I’ll help save lives. Keep on smiling, no matter what! Looking at this exhibit just makes me want to cry. Then I think of all the others, the ones who’ve lost everything and how much they should be the ones to cry. God bless all of you.”—Shannon
“If I could, I would ask you to come live with me. I’ll be your family. God bless you!”—Savanna
“I’ve never felt so shocked. I always thought these disasters were not that big a deal, but then I realize how selfish I am. I hope the best for you and your future. To think I am selfish because I wanted to commit suicide, then I realize your situation. I am truly sorry. You are all such beautiful children. The next time I think my life is so unbearable, I will think of you before I think of myself. I love you all.”—M. age 14
“I do not know you, but I beg for your forgiveness. Please forgive me for being ignorant of your struggle. Please forgive me for being so complacent. I pray that you never leave my heart, and that God can use me to help in any way I can. God bless.”—Spencer
Text on card: “I will continue to pray for you and everyone going through this tragedy. I hope to one day be able to personally help people like you. With love.”—Brittany, 17 years old
“Never give up and always be strong. Just believe in God. I will find a way to help you and I will never stop. I promise. I’m going to give my life to help you. With all my love.”—Juan
“Now that I see you’ve lost your house, family and friends, I realize I don’t need all the things I want or get mad about. I will never again be mad if I don’t get what I want. I will always have you in mind.”—Lon
Text on card: “I want to come over there and switch places with you. I don’t want anyone to suffer. I wish you could come and see what life could be like. I’m sorry for everything you’re going through. Have hope, believe, we’re here to help. We are willing to give our lives, so you can save yours!”—Zory
“You are loved no matter what anyone says. You are one of a kind! None of us here can begin to comprehend what you are going through. I will never, never, never forget you.”—Malia
“My heart breaks for you, as tears fill my eyes. I am reminded of each moment of my sheltered life, and I ache to offer the same to you. Your fight, your strength inspire me. Our God compels me to keep working, to continue school to have more resources for you. My heart and my passion above all else is to bring you life in our Lord. Every step I make from this day to the last, may it be in respect to your plight, that God’s truth and justice and love may overcome and be known more fully. I long to embrace you and extend, no, pour my strength out for your joy. In God, you are loved. In Him there is healing and promise of life and love.”—K
“I cannot imagine the hurt and the pain you are going through. While I stand here warm with a bed, you lie with none. I am sorry for the deep pain you have experienced. If I could but take it away for a moment, I would. Someday when you are older, I hope to be there helping you and your children.”—Mikayla, age 13
“I want you to know I will never forget. I will spend the rest of my life preventing illness, educating people, and volunteering my time to tsunamis and other disasters. Hope is coming. You have given me a life of love—without even meeting.”—Krisstina
Text on card: "I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry that this happened to you. I’m so sorry that I haven’t done anything, I’m so sorry that I’ll never have to fear what you’ve gone through. Just know that Jesus Christ loves you where I have failed to love you.”—Andrew
“I would give everything just to hold one of you in my arms and show you real love. I would never let go. My heart is breaking for you. There’s a God who loves you. If I could take your load and relieve your pain I would. I don’t want these to be empty words. I want to do something for you, but for now I can only pray and hope for you. You are always loved.”—Rosa
“I cannot imagine what you are going through. I pray for you and that you will have peace in your hearts. God is out there, and he wants you to trust him. It is my prayer that someday I can be a doctor so I can help people like you! I am praying.”
“I feel mad at myself for having so much and still wanting more. A good life, nice things, and no worries. What can I do? How can I help? I want to change.”—Brandon
Text on card: “You are the true heroes of the world. Your courage, faith, and patience astound me. I love you all. God loves you. Never ever forget that.”
"You are loved no matter what anyone says. None of us here can begin to comprehend what you are going through. I will never, never, never forget you.”—Malia
“I feel sick to my stomach knowing that people around the world are going through this and I haven’t done anything ‘really’ to help (worldwide). I am very sorry for the things that have happened to you. When bad things happen, get back on your feet and move forward best as you can. I work now, where I can help and send money. I have you in my heart. I will pray and keep praying. Love you all. God bless you.”—Yalonda
“If I could tell you anything, I would want you to know not a day goes by when I don’t think of you. And what I promise is that I will help make a difference. I pray for you daily and reach out to you.”
“I cannot believe what you go through every day. I’ll pray for you, and I want you to know that God is with you and never wants to hurt you. I feel so bad getting a shower every day, food, family, and health care. In Oregon, we do not get a lot of sickness and huge waves. I want to do the best I can for you. Just know I will pray for you every day.”—Jonah
“I will pray for you for the rest of my life. May God bless you.”
“I will pray for you day and night. From looking at all the images you drew, I can’t even imagine what you have been through. I would rather have risked my own life to save you than to see you suffer.”—Kalia
“I don’t know how to help, but I will find a way. Your faces are burned into my memory.”—Adam
“I can’t even imagine the pain you go through everyday. Being scared to live your own life must be awful. Please believe that life will get better. It will. Know that I love you and I promise I will help you somehow. I will raise awareness. I want to come visit. I will help you. Believe that God is with you. He is there when the war begins and ends. He loves you, and He made you special. Pray to Him in your time of need. Be strong and courageous.”—Meredith
“I will pray for you, every day, for the rest of my life. Don’t give up hope because there is always hope—matter what.”—Hayley
“We will never forget you. You deserve to be flooded with love and care. You have changed my view of the world around me. Please be strong. I will be strong for you.”—Cynthia
“I feel so bad for you and I feel so bad that I didn’t know that all of this was happening. But now I am aware, and I will try to do all that I can to help. P.S. Help is on the way.”—Maddie
“For all people who have ever suffered from anything like this, I want to say, I am sorry. I wish there was some way I could help you. I promise one day, I will help people in situations like this, and I want you to never give up. Even in the worst times, always know there are people who truly care.”—Sabrina
“Be strong, have faith, believe it will get better. I promise you I will come and help you someday!”—Kyleigh
If you wish to add a message expressing your compassion, e-mail it to us with “Postcard to survivor” in the subject line.
I'm only one person, but I can make a difference!