The Evidence of Things Unseen.

Six years ago today, at age 19, I took the biggest leap of faith I have ever taken. I stepped onto a plane alone, with perfect peace, to a country I had never been to before. On a continent I had never set foot on. To a place where I knew not one soul. Completely trusting God and a friendly heart on the other side of the computer screen. 

I had just been through a difficult year with circumstances that had the potential to shape my life in so many amazing ways forever, but still during that time I only saw hurt, heartbreak, and felt discouraged. I cried out in my pain to God, flat on my face, asking Him where my life could possibly go from here. “Africa,” He whispered. His voice was so soft at first but within a few months it was so loud that I couldn’t ignore it anymore.  After hours of searching on the internet for orphanages who take volunteers, I stumbled upon a small home in Uganda. There was no application to fill out, just a “contact us” Yahoo email address. I told “To whom this may concern” about my heart to work with children in Africa. I gave them the dates I had in mind and hit send. I had probably contacted between ten and fifteen places, but none stuck out like that one small home in Uganda called Answering for the Children. A few days later I received a reply from the director of that home, Deidrah. She said they don’t usually take volunteers but she would be praying about it. She asked me to also pray and in one week to let her know what the Lord has said. I prayed, talked to my pastors and parents. I had never been more excited for anything in my life. I had never felt God’s green light so strongly before and I knew this was what I wanted to do. The next time Deidrah and I chatted, I realized that this was it. 

I shared my plans with my family, friends and church family. I was overwhelmed by the support I received. It was becoming real, and my heart was full of anticipation. My ticket was bought and I filled my suitcase with little toys and gifts. I was to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas in Uganda. I couldn’t wait!

I could have never prepared myself for what God was going to do those two months. My life was changed forever. As soon as I got home I immediately missed the group of kids that had changed my life and called me Auntie. I missed them so much that just six months later I was on a plane again back to Uganda for another two months. Back to my “family.”

After that trip I prayed for another opportunity to go back. After every milestone; graduation, quitting jobs, needing to move, He never opened the door. I wanted the bottoms my feet to be stained red again from the dirt. I wanted to kiss those little faces I had fallen so in love with. Some days my face would be wet with tears asking Him why I wasn’t there. Deidrah would send me emails about situations going on in the home. “I need you Haley girl!” But still God said WAIT. 

Finally, after five years of waiting, the door was opened. I am writing to you today, sitting on the upstairs balcony of the Answering for the Children home over looking the small city of Jinja, Uganda and the beautiful Lake Victoria. 

I could tell amazing stories of what God did during that time. I could go on forever about how He revealed Himself in ways I never imagined. But what I want you to know the most is that though it sounded like it was easy. It wasn’t. I’d be lying if I’d say that everyday in Uganda is a breeze. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss my family, my friends, and even a fast food cheeseburger every now and then. But the largest lesson I’ve learned, more important than leading devotions to the beat of an African drum, more humbling than days suffering from malaria, and more terrifying than holding a sleeping baby who is HIV+, my largest lesson has been on faith. If I had not put complete faith and trust in God, I would have never been placed in the greatest adventure of my entire life. 

Many of us are afraid of giving our lives over to God. We selfishly plan our days according to what will make us happy instead of what He has destined us to do and to be. I too once felt that if I completely surrendered to God, my life would be boring and that the fun would be over. I want to tell you that God’s plans are the complete opposite. I wouldn’t trade this adventure I’m on now for anything in the world. Not knowing what happens next and letting Him have complete control has put me in the right place at the right time with the endless possibility of God using me to do something amazing on His behalf. God wants to use you also. No matter your age, situations or circumstances, He has created you to continuously live a Christ-filled adventure, bringing glory to the Kingdom. He brought me to Uganda, but that doesn’t mean that you have to fly a million miles away to fulfill your purpose. He wants to use you right where you are, doing exactly what you are doing today. Or maybe He’s been pulling at your heart to make a big step. I tell you what, that right there has the possibility to become your greatest life adventure yet.

I am so excited to see how God uses me in these six months I am in Uganda, again. I pray that the doors fly wide open for me to be a light in every situation I come across. It’s scary, but I know that God’s hand is on me every step of the way. I’m also praying that God reveals those “adventures” in your heart also, and that you will act with audacious faith to let him use you in amazing ways. 

I can’t wait to keep you posted on what happens here!

Joy & Love,

Haley Lawson

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen."

Hebrews 11:1