Motivation

Growing up, I can’t say that I saw very many kids that were highly motivated to go to school or to learn with any sort of a long-term purpose. Over time, I saw some of my peers valuing having knowledge, but mostly for the pride in being smarter than others. Like I see in my own two sons, I valued the understanding of certain subjects or processes or information that could be used in a real-world setting. Some liked to go to school to hang out with their friends and some just went because mom or dad said that they had to. Some of us liked to go when that one pretty girl just broke up with her boyfriend... or there was a basketball game to be played, a cool project going on in art class, a baseball card to be traded for that big score or a new rock album just released that really needed to be discussed.

Then... there are kids like the ones in the homes that we serve. They are different and they have a different sort of motivation... a motivation that sometimes I wish that I had as a kid.

Again, I reflect back to the mission field, spending time in the sorts of places that I now am able to help through my job and current mission here at Orphan’s Lifeline. In many of the countries that we serve, the majority of the people live a much simpler life than we do. They value... everything. They value all that they are blessed to have, and they have accumulated very little. They don’t have closets to clean out and garages to organize and possessions and homes to downsize. They live in a simpler fashion and they experience life in a deeper way.

I have witnessed that they often experience God in a deeper way, having no one and nothing to depend on but Him. They depend on Him for shelter and sustenance and their passion for God and life is just mesmerizing to see. But conversely, they often have so little that God sends the Good Samaritan to help them to survive and to thrive. And that Good Samaritan would be you... our donors. I have found that when we help those in need, we get the help that we need. I went to Kenya. I went to Southeast Asia. I went to other places and every time came back humbled. I thought I had something to give, but much was given back to me. Life was deepened. Life was enriched. Insight came where blindness once existed.

I read a letter just the other day from this boy, Naveen, who lives in Rose of Sharon Home operated by SWAP Trust in India that we support. I was deeply moved and have to share the heart of the letter with you. Naveen’s mother died three years ago from complications with diabetes and his father lives in another state, giving no help, support or love to either of his sons. He abandoned them. The boys have been living with their elderly grandparents who are unable to properly care for them.

“When I was at home, I used to constantly worry about my disabled younger brother, Karunakaran, because he cannot walk properly. Even after joining in this home, I continued to worry about him. When staff at the home heard this, they comforted me. They told me that I should study well, get a good job and take care of my brother. Hearing this motivated me to study harder. When my brother came to the home (to visit), saw me, and spoke to me kindly, my confidence in the future increased. All my friends at the home also take good care of me. Before coming to the home, I was not healthy. Mentally, I was like a coward. But after coming here, I feel strong. I am now very active. I express my gratitude to the SWAP Trust and OLI for selecting me, bringing me here, and taking care  of me.”

Wow. To see the things that we all, the staff of OLI and the donors, get to be a part of... man. It truly is a constant eye-opening reminder and honor when I read these stories. There is so much in that letter. First I see that his love for his brother far exceeds the love that their own father had for them. That is awfully sad, but a first great step for Naveen to break the cycle that got him where he was before he was taken into the home. Then I see the motivation to study harder for the outcome of caring for his brother... knowledge introduced to him by the home that we support. It not only motivated him, but also gave him comfort... another invaluable piece of his puzzle.

Then Naveen tells us that because of the generosity of the Orphan’s Lifeline donors, he is now healthy and strong, mentally and physically. And because of his brother’s good words, and I believe also because of his place in a loving and caring home and access to education... he has confidence that he will have a good future. That is because of YOU, my friends.

In Naveen’s salutation, he says, “With respect”. That made me stop and think for a moment. In a day and age where I see such a lack of respect all around, so different than when I was growing up in the 80’s... that word of his made me smile. I truly do believe that he has great respect for those that are helping him, for everyone involved in providing a loving children’s home, food and education for him. I truly believe that the work we do here, that your donations to provide a home and that your donations to provide an education for these children... is not in vain. Your dollars make a difference. Whatever large or seemingly small amount that you give makes a difference. Your motivation... your love seen in your gifts makes a difference... and promotes that respect.

I have another recent letter to share with you from Berna who grew up in Nantale Home in Uganda... another that you provided a good home and an education for.

“I left the home and went to start my own workshop. Starting a workshop can take some time, but when I settled I got some customers. I thank God! I really appreciate the things you bought for me, and with all your support you have made me who I am today. My heart is full of gratitude.

Once in a while, I come back to the home to teach and train my young siblings about the tailoring skills as well. I feel they should also acquire them. This has added me some knowledge too because it forces me to search new styles to teach them, and I learn too.

Thank you so much. May God bless you.”

“You have made me who I am today.” I see that statement and similar ones from different kids so often and every time I am amazed and thankful to be a part of these transformations. Without your giving to Education... Berna would not be a business owner now. She would not be returning to Nantale Home to give back to others, to mentor her “young siblings” to help make them better, to further educate them. And in that, we see that Burna’s motivation is love and supporting children where she once was.

We truly are involved in breaking the cycle of poverty as we often speak of here at Orphan’s Lifeline. Thank you for being such a grand part of it all. May God bless you deeply.