Loving the Little Children of the World

How one statement of truth sparked a light and how weeks later I thought,

Oh. That is what I need to do. That is where I need to go.

Wow!

I thought moving across the world to Uganda would stretch me, but truth be told my ability to create a website and manage a blog has been quite the experience so far. And anyways, how was I supposed to know where to begin telling the story even when I managed to figure out how to write and publish a blog post?

Well, let's start here.

This is Oscar Stout. For the last nearly three years Oscar has been my best encouragement, hard fought advocate, lover of the outdoors, friend to many and all, and rooted, faithful, and steadfast in his pursuit of Jesus. This story is not about Oscar, but it only feels right to begin the story here. Through his love and endless support I was able to freely and joyfully experience and commit to my heart's desire in service to the Lord across the world.

The Curious Story

In January of 2020, Oscar and I began our year together trudging through the dense Colorado snow on the Grand Mesa. As we walked, we thought and spoke of what the future might hold. We talked great journeys and deep desires; little moments and laughter. As we talked, we contemplated my quick-witted decision to apply for the Peace Corps. If I got invited to volunteer, I would be committing two years time to Eswatini, Africa. In the cold yet sunny winter trek, and after limited thought, I said:

It doesn't need to be the Peace Corps, Oscar. I just want to go love the little children of the world.

And we continued our walk. Nothing was had of it, but after I said those words I thought about them.

Did I really mean that? Did it matter if it was or was not the Peace Corps?

At the time I struggled to answer these questions truthfully. Since high school I had thought about applying to the Peace Corps the moment I graduated college. Now I was here, but what did I want? It wasn't until I reached February and received an invitation to interview with a Peace Corps representative that I quickly realized my decision:

It did matter, and the Peace Corps was not it.

I bathed in prayer and petition in search of answers.

Lord where do I belong?

Amidst my prayers, heartache, and turmoil; tirelessly in search of answers, I found my peace. In a wave of a beautiful sunset and the stillness of dusk, I reflected back on my life.

What moments in my life touched my soul?

Easy, I thought. Haiti. Orphans. A life lathered in unconditional love given and offered to those who crave it. Yes, that was it.

So there I was. I knew it - I wanted to love and teach of the greatest of Loves to orphans, to children, to those who crave to know and be held.

Okay, Lord, I know. I know what to do. I will go, but where do I go?

And almost as if I had spoken a joke or a rhetorical question, I laughed already knowing the answer. Of course I knew. This was the place where I had always imagined I would never visit, but always live: Africa.

Then I sat back, content in my journey, content in my answers. The Lord, in His beautiful faithfulness and love for His daughter, gave me wisdom and understanding for where I was to go and what I was supposed to do. But the next question quickly came: But how?

I believe God often smiles. He is Joy. He is Love. And with kind eyes and laughter, He looks at His children in our recklessness and shortsighted vision. And I think in this moment, He did just that. I already knew. I had known for years. An organization close to home, close to my heart, and in alignment with my vision and my faith.

Father to the Fatherless International

So that is the story. And here I am eight months later still obediently and patiently pursuing and preparing to go to love and serve the people of Uganda. I cannot wait to go.

But what a beautiful story there is in the waiting and joyful anticipation. Soon I will go, and reflect on all the small (and big) mercies and blessings the Lord has provided to me in this time of preparation, excitement, and (sometimes) intimidation.

*** I want to write a thank you here to each of you who have ambitiously and willingly jumped alongside me in encouragement, in love, in partnership, and in prayer so far. There are too many to name, but I want you each to know you have my warmest and deepest gratitude.***