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Up in the trees of the Australian forest did two koalas reside. The mother, Kozue, which means tree branches, was feeding her baby, Kirabo, eucalyptus leaves. "We are so blessed, Kirabo, to be given such a beautiful earth. Thank you God for giving us a safe place to live in."
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Later that night while Kozue and Kirabo were sleeping in their tree, a loud, rumbling sound woke them from their slumber. They were so frightened. All of a sudden, the tree began to shake and slowly started to sway back and forth. "Mum, what's happening?" cried little Kirabo. "I am not sure," said Kozue.
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Within minutes of Kirabo asking her mother what was going to happen, the tree fell down. A man had cut down their home! Thankfully, Kozue and Kirabo were okay during and after the fall. As they safely landed on the ground, they saw more men cutting down trees all around them! They quickly ran into some brush so that the men could not see them. Koalas are rather small animals which makes it easy for them to hide.
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Kirabo started crying. "Do not worry my little gift from God," said Kozue. "Did you know that is what your name means? You are my little gift from God, which I thank Him for everyday. We have nothing to worry about. God is always with us. He will protect us, just as we need to protect our home, our earth." Kirabo started to settle down. "What can we do to protect our earth?" asked Kirabo. "Pray," said Kozue. "We need to care for our earth with the same care God had when He created it."
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"Let us pray that what these men are doing to our home is a part of God's plan," said Kozue. "Mum," said Kirabo, "what is it that these men want with the trees?" Kozue replied, "They use our trees to make items for their people."
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That night, Kozue though about what could be done about not having a home. She prayed. Finally, at peace with her decision, she fell asleep and was determined to tell Kirabo what their plans were tomorrow morning. Kozue woke up early the next day. Kirabo jumped out of Kozue's pouch and said, "Mum, what are you doing up so early?" Kozue replied, "We are going to find another forest in which to live." So, Kirabo got back inside her mother's pouch, and they headed north in search of a new forest.
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As Kozue and Kirabo were heading to the forest in the north, Kozue turns to her little one and says, "Do you remember what your name means? Little gift from God. I thank Him every day for giving you to me. Remember, my little gift from God, although we go through hard times, God always takes care of us. When we lose our homes, our loved ones, our earthly possessions, we can know that God will always provide for us. We can show our gratitude to Him by taking care of His earth, His gift to us.
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The End
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