By Kelsey Graeter, Staff Writer
“People who really want to make a difference in the world usually do it, in one way or another,” said Katie Davis in her book “Kisses from Katie.”
In the memoir, Davis makes a difference as she tells of her life in Uganda at the young age of 21. Her story has influenced readers’ lives and empowered them to pursue a life like hers.
Davis seemed to have it all until a mission trip changed her life. In “Kisses from Katie,” she tells the story of why she left her comfortable home in Brentwood, Tenn., to pursue a life for Christ in Uganda.
Davis first traveled to Uganda in 2007 for a mission trip and was so changed by the people and culture, she decided to return the next year to become a kindergarten teacher at an orphanage.
Sarah Helton, sophomore nursing student, heard about the book at a church service and through Davis’ blog, which she reads regularly.
Davis’ blogs are exciting and encouraging to read, Helton said, and that is why she decided to read the book. Helton also said the book helped her think more about what she wants to do after college.
“I wrestle a lot with what I want to do with my life,” Helton said. “Hearing that Davis literally gave up everything just to go overseas and love children because that is what she felt God was calling her to do, I thought that was awesome.”
On the ministry’s website, Davis said she “had absolutely no desire” to write a book about herself. She explained how she wrote the book so people could catch a glimpse of the life of her family. She said she hoped it “will remind readers of a living and loving Christ and what it means to serve him.”
Claudia Chace, senior Christian studies major, said she was challenged after reading “Kisses from Katie” because she is also called to missions with children. She said even though she does not know what is coming for her after graduation, she learned God is in control.
“I was challenged right off the bat with the book just because you hear that ‘you need to follow what the Lord is doing,’ but most of the time it is hard because it might be something that is outside of your comfort zone,” Chace said. “At first you’re nervous and timid and might not want to do it, but Davis was literally like ‘OK God, I know you are in control.’”
For Chace, the book taught her not to worry about the small things because they will not matter in the end.
“Every day I am looking for ways to serve other people and for them to be able to see God in me,” Chace said. “I’ve learned not to worry about the small things, because it does not matter when we leave earth or Union.”
For Helton, the part that stuck out the most is when Davis talked about how she is more fearful of living in the U.S. than in Uganda because of the many distractions that make it hard to fight for one’s faith.
“It was challenging to read that because in Uganda, they have nothing,” Helton said. “They love the Lord because that is all they have to rely on.”
Helton said “Kisses from Katie” is the perfect example of what love looks like and how people can portray God’s love on Earth.
Davis is now the mother of 13 adopted children from Uganda, and recently announced a plan for an Amizima Ministry school in Uganda that will open in the next year.
