I wonder. I wonder a lot. I think of my life and wonder what it would look like if I were living it in someone else's skin. I think about all that I have in this world living in this country called America. I wonder if I am doing enough with what I have. Am I truly living a servant's life? If I was gone tomorrow would my life's work be done? Would I have used my time wisely? Would I have done enough to really make a difference?
I also think about the fact that when we strip away all that anyone has, we are more alike than we will ever be different. I am so much like so many other women across the globe. I have a sacred sisterhood, with these other women. A bond that I share with women I have never met. It is thicker than blood. It can not be measured with man's mathematical equations. It can not be understood unless you have traveled its paths.
It is called motherhood and it cuts to the very heart of our civilization on Earth. This sisterhood is rooted in the history of the world and sprawls across seas and sand. Its triumphs and tragedies zig zag throughout all continents and economic levels. We have stories that mirror each others' although our voices may speak different languages. Our eyes glisten with joy when our children accomplish milestones and our cheeks burn with pained tears when our children hurt. The smiles, silliness, and laughter our children illuminate transcend any language barrier. Laughter is universal. Smiles are the keys to connecting strangers.
Recently I was given the opportunity to help some of these sisters of mine in Namulonge, Uganda. A dear friend of mine, Catherine Keck, along with a plethora of others with servants' hearts, have established a Non-For profit called Project Restore. It is an amazing, blessed, organization that helps others to learn to be self sufficient and pulls communities together throughout the world. I learned about this organization from a student of mine a number of years ago whose father also started the organization with Catherine. My student presented a research project on clean water. Watching her presentation my heart was breaking. I thought of my young children and them having to drink dirty water, and deal with disease just because they were born in an area of poverty. Through the last four years I have seen Project Restore transforming of the lives of the children helped by this organization. But I have also been changed.
I have not physically traveled to Uganda, but my heart spends much time there. I think about the two children, Alex and Deborah, who we sponsor through Project Restore. As I read the letters they write to me, I wonder if they are healthy. Are they hungry tonight? Will they live to see their dreams of being a carpenter and nurse come true? And recently I was able to see the transformation of a building that perhaps these two children were born in. Here is the building.
Yup! This is the maternity ward in Namulonge, Uganda. This is it! The wall had been damaged by rains and poor construction. This dirt floor one room building was all that the women of this village and local area have in which to birth their babies. This is where their precious children come into the world when they need medical attention.
In stark contrast, this is where I birthed my babies.
I'm sure this picture looks much more similar to your birthing experiences. I don't know how your heart is feeling by seeing the disparity between the two, but I felt that I needed to do something. My heart literally ached with the need to make a difference in the lives of these children of my 'sisters'. But how? How do we move the mountains and sail the seas when we cannot go? What do we do when we are not able to travel the distance and hold the hands of those who are suffering?
After much prayer and discussion, I decided that I would challenge myself to something physical. I wanted to push myself to do something I hadn't done before as these women were challenged every day both physically and mentally. So last summer I completed my first triathlon and had people sponsor me to complete my journey. I was able to raise money for this charity as well as two others. I am into symbolism. Once my triathlon was complete the money I raised went together with other donors and we were able to give Namulonge this new maternity ward.
Today as I type, I can't help but to wish to travel to this part of the world one day. I hope to share the laughter and smiles with these sisters who I am bonded with. It is an odd feeling to have your heart in a part of the world you have never been to, and connected to a people you have never met. I think it is part of the grand scheme of things, that we are able to connect to perfect strangers if we just look past the differences and see all that we share. A desire. A desire for safety and security. An ability to provide and nurture those we love. Regardless of age, language, or educational level, as a mother there is that innate desire to protect. I'm glad that Project Restore has allowed me to help these sacred sisters of mine to do just that for their beloved children.
On the endless journey with you,
K
I also think about the fact that when we strip away all that anyone has, we are more alike than we will ever be different. I am so much like so many other women across the globe. I have a sacred sisterhood, with these other women. A bond that I share with women I have never met. It is thicker than blood. It can not be measured with man's mathematical equations. It can not be understood unless you have traveled its paths.
It is called motherhood and it cuts to the very heart of our civilization on Earth. This sisterhood is rooted in the history of the world and sprawls across seas and sand. Its triumphs and tragedies zig zag throughout all continents and economic levels. We have stories that mirror each others' although our voices may speak different languages. Our eyes glisten with joy when our children accomplish milestones and our cheeks burn with pained tears when our children hurt. The smiles, silliness, and laughter our children illuminate transcend any language barrier. Laughter is universal. Smiles are the keys to connecting strangers.
Recently I was given the opportunity to help some of these sisters of mine in Namulonge, Uganda. A dear friend of mine, Catherine Keck, along with a plethora of others with servants' hearts, have established a Non-For profit called Project Restore. It is an amazing, blessed, organization that helps others to learn to be self sufficient and pulls communities together throughout the world. I learned about this organization from a student of mine a number of years ago whose father also started the organization with Catherine. My student presented a research project on clean water. Watching her presentation my heart was breaking. I thought of my young children and them having to drink dirty water, and deal with disease just because they were born in an area of poverty. Through the last four years I have seen Project Restore transforming of the lives of the children helped by this organization. But I have also been changed.
I have not physically traveled to Uganda, but my heart spends much time there. I think about the two children, Alex and Deborah, who we sponsor through Project Restore. As I read the letters they write to me, I wonder if they are healthy. Are they hungry tonight? Will they live to see their dreams of being a carpenter and nurse come true? And recently I was able to see the transformation of a building that perhaps these two children were born in. Here is the building.
Yup! This is the maternity ward in Namulonge, Uganda. This is it! The wall had been damaged by rains and poor construction. This dirt floor one room building was all that the women of this village and local area have in which to birth their babies. This is where their precious children come into the world when they need medical attention.
In stark contrast, this is where I birthed my babies.
I'm sure this picture looks much more similar to your birthing experiences. I don't know how your heart is feeling by seeing the disparity between the two, but I felt that I needed to do something. My heart literally ached with the need to make a difference in the lives of these children of my 'sisters'. But how? How do we move the mountains and sail the seas when we cannot go? What do we do when we are not able to travel the distance and hold the hands of those who are suffering?
After much prayer and discussion, I decided that I would challenge myself to something physical. I wanted to push myself to do something I hadn't done before as these women were challenged every day both physically and mentally. So last summer I completed my first triathlon and had people sponsor me to complete my journey. I was able to raise money for this charity as well as two others. I am into symbolism. Once my triathlon was complete the money I raised went together with other donors and we were able to give Namulonge this new maternity ward.
Today as I type, I can't help but to wish to travel to this part of the world one day. I hope to share the laughter and smiles with these sisters who I am bonded with. It is an odd feeling to have your heart in a part of the world you have never been to, and connected to a people you have never met. I think it is part of the grand scheme of things, that we are able to connect to perfect strangers if we just look past the differences and see all that we share. A desire. A desire for safety and security. An ability to provide and nurture those we love. Regardless of age, language, or educational level, as a mother there is that innate desire to protect. I'm glad that Project Restore has allowed me to help these sacred sisters of mine to do just that for their beloved children.
On the endless journey with you,
K
You are such an inspiration!!! <3 you sister! Thank you for ALL you do!
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