Why did I choose to do this? Well, for a few reasons really. My heart has been heavy for awhile now to help those in need, locally and abroad. I want my family, especially my four children, to have a heart that is full of compassion, unselfish desires and pure happiness. I believe one way to achieve this is by serving others and helping those who need it the most. We have such luxuries. We are so fortunate and blessed to live in a place where anything is possible and most of our needs and wants are at an arm's length away. This is not the case for all. This is not the case for the people of Ola Nagele.
My husband and I are going through a very tough season financially. We have made arrogant choices with our money. We have not lived by a budget and are now paying the cost. It is tough. But it has been incredibly eye-opening for me. In the past, I thought my kids always had to have the cutest clothes and my house had to be decorated with the most expensive items. I was trying to keep up with the Jones', as they say. You know what I found out? I was never satisfied, content. Oh how I wanted to be content. And the Jones'? They weren't content either, though never admitting it! So I am learning to shred those desires and live within my means and live simpler. I love simple! For all kinds of stuff doesn't matter! After all, I can't take any of my stuff with me through the gates of Heaven!
Some of you might be wondering why I made the commitment to help this beautiful village in need when my own finances are unstable. Trust me, I asked myself that question too. I kept coming back to the same answers. It is a minimal amount each month. This is what we are called to do as God's people. Sacrifice, serve, love and trust in God, even in times of distress.
I learned about Ola Nagele and the organization that is paving the way, GHNI, through a blog that I follow closely, MckMama. I have never met MckMama. Nevertheless, she has touched my heart and inspired my thinking about my marriage, my parenting and my purpose. Thank you.
Now that we have committed to helping this village, we get to share in the journey thousands of miles away by receiving pictures, emails and updates about the progress. Our family gets to see the changes being made and know that we had our hands in it. And perhaps one day, we will be so blessed to be able to visit the beautiful people of Ola Nagele.
