Twenty years ago I saw an African children's choir perform on a Sunday night at my church, in Belleville, Ontario, Canada. I knew nothing about poverty. My only image of Africa, up to that point, were the devastating pictures from TV of babies with bloated bellies and flies that swarmed eyes and mouths. I knew nothing. I was ignorant. But these children before me were happy. No, not just happy...they were filled with joy. My heart raced as I sat through the performance, knowing that my life was never going to be the same.
Fast forward eight years...my first trip to Africa. I went for 4 weeks to the beautiful nation of Uganda. I met the most incredible people. I worked alongside women who had committed their lives to taking care of children who had been abandoned or lost their families to war and disease. At the beginning of the trip I battled loneliness. I was alone. I mean seriously alone. The only caucasion for miles and miles. And yet, the Lord was so present. While playing UNO one morning with a bunch of kiddos, I felt certain that in that moment my life had purpose. I WAS DOING WHAT I WAS CREATED TO DO. (Not sure that UNO was my life calling...but rather the being with children in Africa part!) When I left Uganda, I was sure I had left part of my heart there too.
Fast forward a little further...I am married to an amazing man and we have 2 wonderful children. We live in the US, Marc is a Family Life pastor and I am teaching in the public school system. We are living the "American Dream." Then God takes us on this incredible journey of faith and we quit our jobs and put our house on the market (a fantastic story for me to write about at another time). These steps of faith lead us to Seattle and an organization called Pilgrim Africa.
Pilgrim Africa has a Seattle office, but is based in Uganda. UGANDA! After years of watching my life head in a different (yet fulfilling and wonderful) direction, the doors open for us to go to Africa.
And we said YES. This time, I am not alone. I have a man of God at my side and two beautiful littles.
Below is a video we made this week that outlines what we will be doing in Uganda. If you would like to come alongside us on this journey, please follow the link at the bottom of this page to donate online to our "Primary Education" account through Pilgrim.
His providence is amazing. We look forward to more posts.
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