Wildflowers Book Review: 'Kisses from Katie' by Katie Davis

'Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption' by Katie Davis is a memoir of the author's time founding non-profit Amazima Ministries which provides children with education and healthcare in Uganda. Katie Davis adopted 13 orphaned daughters and welcomed many more children and families into their home who needed care.

"This house has become a home, not just to me but to hundreds. It holds my heart. It holds so many lessons. It is a place where children can be children, where people can know that they are important and special and loved. It is a place where people accept Christ and learn about Him and grow in Him. It is my house. But mostly, it is a house of the Lord". (Page 67).

Katie Davis' story has been controversial for several reasons and there are key concerns which need to be highlighted when reflecting on this book. It is important to consider the impact of intercultural adoption and the vital importance of keeping children with their families, communities and culture whenever possible. Furthermore, it is essential that investments should be made in local expertise and services, instead of outside visitors, for sustainable solutions. For further information on these issues, Ridley College has created a free online module 'Mission Mindest' about cultural competency in mission work which you can enrol in here.

Katie Davis describes how she arrived in Uganda as a young woman with limited relevant skills, resources and planning, and without any knowledge of the local languages. Katie Davis acknowledges her unpreparedness and frequently states the importance of having faith and building partnerships with locals. The author often refers to having learned more from the children and community than she could have ever taught them. Katie Davis is aware of her privileged upbringing and her network of support from her financially stable family and friends in the USA. The book includes extensive focus on global wealth disparity and the author strongly urges readers to consider how they can donate their time or money to help people experiencing poverty.

Katie Davis recounts providing hands-on care and genuine love to children in need. The author describes the hard work involved with cooking, cleaning and homeschooling when looking after so many children in her home, with help from treasured local friends. Katie Davis describes each child adoringly as individuals with unique personalities, interests and quirks. Katie Davis highlights her focus on meeting the children's physical and emotional needs, as well as spiritual needs. There are many references to Bible stories and relevant Bible passages included throughout the text.

The publishers recommend this book for teenagers and adults. Some of the story involves mature themes relating to experiences of poverty, illness and war which may be confronting for younger readers. The author is open about the heartbreak and hardships experienced during her mission work.

"My life was being filled with unforgettable experiences. Every day something happened, usually something more heartbreaking or appalling than anything I had ever encountered. I was growing accustomed to it, and I knew it was what I was created for. The sense of purpose and fulfilment I felt was nothing short of amazing, and I wanted to immerse myself in this life for the rest of my day". (Page 76).

Katie Davis demonstrated persistence in building authentic and reciprocal relationships with families and communities. Katie Davis remains working in Uganda after 15 years and has since written a follow-up memoir 'Daring to Hope: Finding God's Goodness in the Broken and the Beautiful', and two devotional books 'Safe All Along' and 'Our Faithful God'. You can read more about Katie Davis' work here.

Non-profit Amazima Ministries continues to provide access to education, healthcare, food, clothing and financial assistance for children and families in Uganda through a sponsorship program funded within the USA. You can read more about Amazima Ministries' programs here.

You can order your own copy of 'Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption' by Katie Davis from Koorong here.