"No. You misunderstand. I'm Jennifer."

Oh - Linda and Shawni had me laughing from the beginning of the day Saturday. I was with them, in the grocery store, in the home, cleaning the bathrooms, creating a family mission statement. Thank you both for your humor and wisdom.

I became so engaged in Richard Holzapfel's animated wisdom and the sweet, humble, moving sounds of Mercy River . But Mariama- oh sweet sister. Laurel warned us that Mariama's story would change our lives, and it did. i couldn't take my eyes off her. Her face shown, along with her beautiful dress. Her laugh bounced and tickled my heart, even as she shared with us the unspeakable tragedy of her young life. When Mariama held that hygiene kit to her heart, I felt my heart go out, lift up, learn. How could she cherish a shampoo bottle and towel as one of her prized possessions? Because she has lived a different life than me, with challenges I can't imagine, but that I can have empathy for, thanks to her willingness to share her story.

Thank you to every sweet woman who came and shared the day with us Saturday (and the 5 brave men). Thank you for shaking our hands and having your pictures taken with us. Thank you for putting together 350 hygiene kits, more than we ever dreamed we could share. Thank you for your laughter and tears and open hearts and arms.

Oh, and Emily , i walked by the Red Box machine yesterday, and I busted up laughing. A woman sneered at me. I wished I had been wearing my pajamas.

Stay tuned for great clips of these presenters in weeks to come. We can’t wait for you to experience this INFINITE HOPE in a city near you.