Author Archive

The year was 1982.

I was seven years old when our church sponsored a family of refugees from Laos. At my young age I really had no concept of what a huge act this was. I had no idea of the conflict that they came from. I new that they were different from myself. From the way that they spoke to the things that they ate.

That made no difference to me.

One of the little girls, Maya, became my friend from day one. We were the same age and she spent a lot of time with my family. Years past and they moved to Wisconsin. I thought of them often. Just a few years ago I got a phone call from my dear friend that I had lost contact with through the years. We spoke like we had never lost touch. Her sweet spirit and memories that were vivid in her mind touched my heart. She remembered so much more than I did. But she brought it all rushing to the forefront of my mind.

I know this was the first seed of compassion that was planted in my soul.

Among the number of things that we instill in our children, I feel that this should be on the top of our list….Compassion. With the holiday season in the air, there is no better time to start. It may be having your children go through their toys to give to those less fortunate or visiting the elderly in a local nursing home. Such simple acts will be tiny seeds planted in their hearts.

And a compassionate heart will help to change the world.

Wandering through life without a passion is like wandering through the wilderness without a compass. You may find some direction but you will probably end up at the wrong destination.

I lived the better part of my life as I knew it lacking passion. I loved a lot of different people, places, and things. But where was that feeling? The feeling that gets you moving, keeps you thinking and helps your heart to sing. I knew that it existed and I was bound and determined to find it.

I spent the better part of my teen years and early twenties trying to figure life out. Where did that get me you ask? As far away from anything spiritual as I had ever been. I was divorced and sad.

I will never forget a conversation that I had with a close friend of mine. She was one of those always upbeat personality types. I envied her zest for life. I recall crying to her saying that I wish I could feel the passion for life that seeped from her soul. I wanted to feel that even just for a moment!

Fast forward eight years. Now, I am happily remarried and I have two beautiful children. I am as spiritually connected as I’ve ever been. I am for the most part happy. What changed? What did I find that I did not possess all those years ago? There are a few things. Along the journey of life experience, I started to find out who I was, what I was here for, and who I was meant to be. It is an amazing experience when things start to fall into place. It is especially interesting when I started to hear the song in my heart sing.

At first, it was nothing more than a gentle hum. People started coming into my life. Individuals with the passion that I was lacking. I found Rocky many months ago on Cafemom. Her inspirational words and heartfelt deeds intrigued me. I was in awe of her strength and wisdom. I had Africa in my heart for years, but I didn’t know what to do with it. This women was acting out and pursuing her dream. I wondered if that would come to fruition for me?

Little did I know it was right around the corner. Mid-summer I was informed that the African Children’s Choir would be visiting our church. This in itself was huge. Then I learned that they need host families. We signed up immediately. This experience was life changing for my entire family. An instant connection was made with the three lovely girls and their chaperon. They were a ray of light that penetrated our home with joy. Not a month after their visit I was asked by Rocky to join Mothers Fighting For Others. I was in disbelief at first. What could I possibly offer this wonderful organization? I never professed to be a writer. But I was so honored to even be considered. I knew this was somehow part of my life plan. Not even a month after that, I receive a phone call from my mother stating that her church was headed to Africa in January 08′ for a missions trip. Before I even knew the details I knew that I was going! My life over these past few months have been a rather wild ride to say the least. I have grown more than I ever thought that I would. And I am still growing. So much lies ahead, and I am excited to see the rest of my life unfold.

The friend that I spoke of earlier? I emailed her a few weeks ago and I shared with her about Africa and my life in general. I was happy to close the email with this,

“Do you remember our conversation many years ago? When I was down and out about life and desiring to feel the passion that you felt? Well, I am happy to report that I have found it. And it feels great!”

“A little less worry over the child and a bit more concern about the world we make for the child to live in.”

Adolph Meyer