Well, I never...

I never thought I would post a picture of 50 Cent on my blog.

I never thought I would learn from and respect a former drug dealer, rapper that uses foul language, man that repeatedly uses the "N word" and sings incredibly degrading lyrics about women.  I don't really approve of the persona that is 50 Cent, but...

Curtis Jackson does have a heart for Africa.

50 Cent has partnered with the UN World Food Program.  He launched a charitable energy drink called Street King (SK) Energy Shots.  His mission is to feed a billion people in Africa over the next five years.

It turns out that traveling to Africa in 2010 opened his eyes to the poverty and hunger across the continent.  

Through his partnership with the UN World Food Program, every SK Energy shot that is sold, provides a meal to a hungry child.  Huh.  Who would have thought?

(by the way, I've never even had an "energy" shot and probably never will, but if I did want to have one, this would be the one I would choose)

I recently watched an interview that Oprah did with Curtis (50 Cent).

The second thing that surprised me about 50 Cent, is that he has a faith in God that caught me a bit off guard.

I absolutely loved one of the things that he said in the interview...

" Either pray or worry...don't do both." 

 He explained that if you pray to God and then still worry, you are disrespecting God.  Huh.  Never would have thought that my current chalkboard quote would come from a hard-core rapper...another great example how we shouldn't really judge others without getting to know them.

Another fun thing that surprised me this week, was that I found super cool Ugandan paper beads at Target!

I actually came across these super cute sandals:

And they were on sale!

The company that makes them is called BuyumbaSoles.

The paper beads on the sandals are handmade by women in Uganda.  BuyumbaSoles has pledged to make a donation of $100,000 to support underprivileged children in Uganda.

I just love that there are so many products that consumers can buy that also help others in need.  

I think it is so much more fun to give a gift that is also part of a cause that is close to my heart (I've had so much fun giving Suubi jewelry as gifts, tiny TOMS baby shoes as baby gifts, many adoption fundraiser

 t-shirts and accessories as Christmas gifts, etc.).  

So, lesson of the week...keep your eyes open for companies that have a heart for Africa.  

You never know where you will find them!