(June) Angel of Hope

When I was in high school, I discovered Lurlene McDaniel. She was one of my favorite authors, though her books were extremely sad. I haven't actually read any of her books in a very, very long time. About the time I gave up all books for basically romance books only. Until recently, romance books were all I read. Recently, I read Every Woman's Battle in that book a piece touched my heart about romance books and now I am branching out more.
At a yardsale about three weeks ago, I found Angel of Hope by Lurlene McDaniel. I wasn't sure if I would like it, but something drew me to the book as if saying read me.
The book follows a girl's sister, Amber, who volunteers to go back to Africa with their mother for her sick sister. Amber steps up but is not prepared for her adventure and unsure of what even to expect. She is unsure about her future, about why she is in Africa. During the book, she is introduced to different people who were touched by her sister's visit previously. As she attempts to make a place for herself, she finds several friends. Her impulsive nature bring her a few problems. As you read about Amber in Africa, you are always informed of how her sister is doing. (This is actually the second book in a series. The first book, Angel of Mercy, is about Amber's sister, Heather.)
This book struck a cord with me because I would love to volunteer in another county and give of myself to help anyone and everyone. So many dreams sitting on the side of the road, waiting for me to get myself together and take the first step. (ps If you are a praying person, please pray for me. Life is kind of confusing at the moment with no real sense of direction with so many possibilities. Please pray that God will show me the right way.)

Memorable quotes

"Well I'm not the same sister. I'm the one who watched babies die because they couldn't get to a doctor in time. I'm the one who saw mothers abandon their children because they could not take care of them. Many people in our county take life for granted. No worse, they think life is a guaranteed right. Of course we have poverty here but not as overwhelming and widespread." (pg16)
"This is the county my sister loves, she told herself. I don't think I can." (pg69)
"She looked into Sherri's eyes. "My sister once told me, 'Sometimes you have to do it before you feel it.' That's why I went to Africa the first time --just to do it. Now I'm going because I feel it. More than anything, I want to go." (pg224)