I care

These words of love and care were written by students who visited the REAL. LIFE. Exhibit and learned about children who survived the tsunami disaster and children who endured rebel fighting in northern Uganda.

These profound messages reflect the compassion of thousands of students who opened their hearts to people in need.

“I hear your cries and I can only say, that I would give my life to save yours. Someday, it will all be better.”—Kassandra

"I cry with you today. You are not alone.”

“I may not know you, and you may not know me, but know this, I love you.”—Kallua

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

“I cannot give you much. Just my love, my thoughts, and my prayers. Someday I hope to give you more, when I am older and can travel to see you. Until then, my faraway brothers and sisters, I will give you my love. With this message I send a piece of my heart, a tear, and a prayer.”—Kate

“We will never forget you. ‘There are reasons that reason itself does not understand.’ I don’t understand. I’m 13. This is the closest I’ve ever come to realizing the pain of this and other tragedies, and it’s not even a taste. I don’t know you, but I love you. God knows and loves you. Have faith, have love. You have each other, and you have God. Keep praying. That’s all you need. HELP WILL COME, I promise. It already has. A word to the wise: ‘Courage is not the absence of fear but the realization that there are things more important than fear.’ Be strong. Be courageous. You already are. I love you. Keep praying. I will pray for you. I love you. Help one another as you would help yourself, and the world will be a better place. You will have Joy! Give lots of loving every day, and every day you’ll be okay. Keep praying. Keep hope, and keep loving. God will provide.”

“Dear children, I am so very sorry for all you have experienced. Everything you have had to see is just unimaginable for someone like me. But, don’t worry, we are giving you the tools you need to rebuild your life. This is not something you can run away from, but instead something you will get through. I know it is hard for you, but I also know you can make it through to live a new life. Don’t look at the past but instead look toward the happy times you can have in the future. It is important to remember there are people all around the world who think you are the bravest person in the world. You are truly amazing. Remember, the future is always brighter.”—Hailee, Girl Scout Cadette Troop 41054 

“We remember! We will not forget that you still need help. We remember the pain and tears you went through, the fear you have had. We care about you! We are praying for you.”—Timelle

Text on card: “No matter what I say, my words will not completely understand the depth of your pain. But without any words, I give you my love, for it is the one thing I can totally understand. I love you, and God loves you too.”

“I care about you. I love you. Do not give up. Trust Jesus, and he will take care of you. I wish I could be there to hug and comfort you, to hold you when you’re hurt, and to dry your tears. But I know if I can’t be there, God still is. He’s always with you.”—Ashley, age 17

“I would do anything to save you.”—Meghen

“Whatever you do, don’t lose hope, because when you feel as if you have nothing, you need something to cling to. I promise things will get better. I am praying for you. I wish I could be there for you right now, but even from here, know that you have a friend. I will be your big sister. I will watch over you.”—Kaylie

“I cry for you! I am so sorry you have not been safe. Cling to your Heavenly Father. He loves you! I am praying for you! There is hope. Jesus will never leave you or forsake you.”—Angela

“The things that are happening to you are wrong. You do not deserve to be treated the way you are being treated. I’m sorry. I am so helpless. I want to bring you home with me, get you away from all that you are going through, and love you and just let you be a child again. May God empower those able to come to your rescue. May Jesus come to you.”—K.

“I’m so sorry! It makes me want to cry for you, but you don’t want my pity; you want my love. Here it is: I love you.”—Chelsea

“Never feel ashamed of who you are. Many people care. I care. God cares. You are all children of God, and he loves you. I am so sorry for everything you have had to go through. Please remember that somewhere, someone does care. As long as some one in the world cares, there is always hope. Hold fast to hope.”—Jessica, age 18

“I am lost for words at what has happened in your life, and I can’t imagine even just trying to cope with such a disaster. My heart breaks for you, and I hurt because of your hurt and broken heart. I am grieved for your situation and will not forget about you. I will pray faithfully.”—Emily

Text on card: “I am praying for you. You are loved. I will never forget you. Remember that you are always loved. God is watching over you. You are His child, and He loves you.”

“I will never cease to be inspired by your courage and your strength, and I hope to lend you mine as you rebuild your lives. With great love, and much prayer.”—Kate

“If I had gone through what you went through, I would have given up all hope of anything. I admire you so much for being so strong. You are a special part of this world, and have a special purpose being here. Never forget that, although I don’t know who you are and where you live, I’ll be thinking of and praying for you. So tonight as you go to bed, know that someone is thinking of you. You are loved.”—Sunnie

“Just to let you know, when I get married, I’ll adopt 4 to 6 of you.”—Yana

 “A lots of hugs for you. We love you so much. I want you to be safe and play a lot like all the children are supposed to do. I want you to feel a deep warm love from people you love and love you. I want you to enjoy your life and smile a lot. I wish I would take all of you to the world you could have a healthier, safer life. Please do not forget: we are always with you.”

“People here are praying for you. I weep as I see the pictures and hear your stories. My heart is overflowing. I don’t know your names, but I will never forget you.”—Meghan

“You will never be far from my thoughts. My heart goes out to you. I have faith you will be all right. I love you. Someday I will come to your home and shake your hand and show you the love you may not remember.”—Anna

“I think about your situation often. I want you to know that you aren’t forgotten. You are heroes. NEVER GIVE UP. We hold you in our hearts.”—Danielle

“I can’t even imagine the pain you go through every day. Being scared to live your own life must be awful. Please believe that life will get better. It will. Know that I love you. I care, 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 am thinking of you everyday and hope you find the strength, courage, and support you need to return to everyday life. We love you, and I hope one day I can help so you can know how much I care.”—Megan, age 19

“All I can say to you is that I’m sorry. Don’t lose hope in the world. So many people care about you and want to help.”—Dennis