Children in the Appalachians.

For my english comp class, I had to write a paper that pertained to my major (children's ministry) and since i think i want use my life to help the children in the Appalachians, i wrote my paper on that.

The poverty in the appalachians is worse there than any other part of the country.  the poverty leads to depression which leads to prescription drug abuse. the prescription drug abuse, amongst the half a million that live in the mountains, is higher than that of new york city.

But perhaps the saddest part of what these children go through is toothlessness.  The parents can't afford milk so they put MOUNTAIN DEW in their babies bottles! people are LOSING their teeth.
a local dentist has seen TWO YEAR OLDS with up to TWELVE cavities. he's seen teenagers that pull their own teeth out with pliers because of pain. this is so heartbreaking.

(credit)

which is why, this summer, i'm hopefully going to be working at a camp in the mountains and show these kids the love of Christ <3