What Is Your Purpose?

Most of us have been told at one time or another in our lives that what we have and how much we have (speaking of material possessions) never really fills that endless, deep hole in our hearts. Some of you already know this from many of your own experiences of trying to fulfill the emptiness of your heart with stuff (I know I have). Our culture of America sadly flourishes in this mind set. The truth of the matter is that our hearts forever long to be seen by somebody…I mean really be seen! We want to know that we are enough, we matter, we are important. We all long for this in some way, shape, or form…whether we admit it or not.

As I was talking to one of the Mama’s at Hope Children’s Home today (Mama Beatrice) the topic of her living in America came up (you could see the stars in her eyes as she talked about it). A lot of Ugandan people dream of coming to America. To them it is seen as an answer to their daily challenges. America seems “the” place to be. Life would be so much better for them…if only they could make it there (we have so much money and so many things).

I began sharing with her that even if you were to live in America and had all the money you wanted, it wouldn’t really give you a deep fulfillment. She looked at me puzzled. Maybe my English accent stumped her or maybe she couldn’t understand why I would tell her this odd thing. How could that be true (money not being an answer)? I began explaining to her how months before moving to Uganda I had a lot of really nice things, big house, two cars…. but one thing I lacked, purpose. What was my purpose? What was God thinking when he created me? How was I to make a difference in this world? What was I born to do? I was missing pieces to a puzzle in my life.

I have found many pieces to my puzzle along this amazing journey. The most important and profound one is this. As I began to love, honor, adore and see the Children at Hope Children’s Home I found…me. What could be more fulfilling than giving yourself to somebody who needs to be reminded that they matter, that they are seen, that they are loved and truly adored? To me…nothing. I have found that there is a lot of buried treasure in so many people if we just stop for a moment and listen to their hearts and listen to who they are. Then we can help them see what a gift and treasure they truly are and that they have great value and purpose.

The one thing that I really love about SMI is that they truly believe that each one of us has a purpose(whether you live here in Uganda or the U.S.) They have encouraged the children who live at Hope Children’s Home in many different ways that they have a purpose, that they matter ,that they are loved and seen by God. Please join with Show Mercy International today. Help us as we help others find their purpose in life, you might just find yours in the process. Go to www.showmercy.org.

Life is hard, but God is good

It’s been almost 1 year exactly since God pulled off a pretty big miracle and sold our home in no less than 26 days which enabled us to make our way to Uganda to serve Show Mercy. I can’t help but think back at this 1 year anniversary and contemplate all that has happened since. Since this time last year our lives have changed so dramatically that it is difficult to put into words. As a family, we laid aside everything that was familiar and “normal” and ventured out into the unknown of Uganda. All we knew was that God had, without a doubt, called us to take this step and that He would fill in all the gaps along the way.

Taking that initial leap was a bit scary and as it turns out, a lot of work! As we settled into life in Uganda, however, the initial step that brought us here didn’t seem nearly as big as the reality of living, working, schooling our kids, and ministering to those in need around us. Lately I’ve been thinking about the Bible story where the disciples were trapped in a horrible storm out on the lake. Jesus came to them, walking on the water. Peter eagerly jumped out of the boat to join Him (a literal “leap” of faith) and quickly discovered that he was in over his head. As he began to sink, Jesus reached down and rescued him from the waves. In some ways I can sympathize with Peter, eager to jump out of the boat, then a little overwhelmed with the reality of my decision!

I think through all of this God is teaching me that that first step out of the boat, although extremely important, pales in comparison to the strength needed to stand in the waves that are crashing around us every day. To be honest, I don’t think those waves are any stronger in Uganda than in the western world (maybe just a little different!). The good news in all of this is that whatever steps of faith we have taken and whatever rough waters we find ourselves in, Jesus is there with His gentle eyes and firm grip to keep us afloat, just keep your eyes on Him.

Thank you so much to all of you who have stood with us through this journey in prayer, encouragement, and financial support. God has used all of you to bless our family so much.

Keith's Thoughts on Uganda

Have you ever been to Africa? Have you ever met a person born in Africa? If not, I hope one of these things might happen to you. You won't really know what it's like until you've experienced it for yourself, but I can tell you what I have experienced from the Ugandan culture. My dad and mom tell about many things in their blogs. I hope I can show you more of a teenager's perspective of life in Uganda.

I dearly love all the people at Hope Children's Home. I always find it so easy to love these people. It may be different for other people, but as for me God has placed a special spot in my heart for loving those who lost their parents, have no family, or are have been rejected. It is sad that these people live in poverty, but God's light is shining over Africa and making a huge difference in people's lives. Some may call them a lost cause or uncivilized people, but I see so much love and joy in those that find their true purpose that God has shown them. There is so much to know about them. If you get a chance to know more about God's love for Africa, or He has stirred your heart for Africa please make room in your life for Africa or other people in need of God's light.

I often miss my friends from back home, but I guess that's where E-mail comes in handy. My dad doesn't have to be at work all day, and we do school at home so our family is totally different now. We find opportunities to work together all the time. I have found that we are also closer as a family. I find it so amazing that while God sent us here to bless others He has blessed us so much. While in Uganda, Africa we have access to western food, internet, an awesome church, a wonderful house, and opportunities to love the Ugandan people at every corner.

A year really flies by when you have lots to do. Between doing school and driving to Hope Children's Home every day the weeks just fly past you incredibly fast. It’s hard to think that we’re already over half way through our stay! Often times I want to go home, but the next moment I never want to leave. There are things I will miss and things I won’t miss. For instance, I won’t miss the weird feeling of kids pulling on my arms to get my attention. I will miss the kids themselves, however. I think Show Mercy has done a great job at fulfilling their mission to reach out in love to Uganda.

Keith-