Kisses from Katie

When I first came across Katie Davis founder of Amazima, I sat at my computer in awe and honestly questioned if I was living out my own purpose.

In 2008 at the age of 19, Katie Davis founded an organization called Amazima. This ministry has many facets including a child sponsorship program, which provides the child with schooling, supplies, three hot meals a day, and medical care. Her program now has 400 children in it.

In addition, “Katie also reached out to the Karimojong people of the Masese community. The poorest of the poor, and losing their children to malnutrition and starvation at an astounding rate, she noticed their desperate need for nutritious food. She started a feeding program to the community, nourishing over 1,600 children Monday through Friday. This allows the children to attend school and therefore not go to the street to beg. Also provided is medical care, Bible study, and general health training.”

Not only has she founded both of these programs, she also initiated a self-sustaining vocational program to help the women of Uganda provide better for their families. They make handmade magazine necklaces and sell them in the United States and online at AmazimaStore.org.

Katie now has thirteen daughters that she has adopted and takes care for daily. She shares her beautiful story and daily challenges through her blog and book entitled Kisses from Katie, which was released this month.

Obviously, not everyone’s purpose in life is to move to Africa, adopt thirteen girls and start a nonprofit organization. But what is your purpose? And are you living it out?

After almost two years of being in marketing and public relations, I am returning to teaching. A thought that initially ran through my mind was that my job would no longer be “cool” or “interesting.”

But during my short time in marketing and public relations, I constantly thought about the bottom line – making money. I also thought about making more money for myself. It became a rat race – never satisfying and always wanting more.

Teaching is hard. It’s not babysitting like many may think. It’s creating well developed lesson plans, managing a class of 25 or 30 and constantly evaulating yourself and the students.

I did not initially go into teaching English because I merely enjoyed literature, grammar or writing (although I do). I went into it wanting to be an example, a role model and to teach students the important aspects of life.

I’m not Katie. And I will probably never accomplish the things she has already accomplished at the age of 21.

Katie plans on opening a school in 2012. She continues to allow her vision to grow. I’m sure she has been scared at times embarking on a journey that she may never had thought about before. But what a beautiful, selfless story of sacrifice and love!

For the past couple of years, I have wanted to start a nonprofit. One day, I’d love to have a program that promotes self esteem in young girls and educates them properly on issues that many are too afraid to talk about.

I don’t normally announce my goals or dreams. But Katie has inspired me to keep dreaming and to know it’s possible to see them realized.

What is your purpose? What is the one thing that you know you’re supposed to do but may be afraid to do so?

Let Katie’s story inspire you.

A Touch of Fall

This weekend was the first time I added a little fall to the house. I really do love this time of year. The cool night air, decorating with pumpkins and even Halloween is so great before the holiday frenzy.

Flowers and table runners are just a few things I've added. Even the pillows my mom gave me give off a fall feel. This weekend, I plan on going to the farmer's market or the church down the street to purchase gourds and pumpkins as decorations for my table and porch.

Day Job to Dream Job

One of my favorite blogs to visit is called MakeUnderMyLife.com - its focus is to design a life with intention with many valuable articles on running your small business and the journey it takes to get there. Jess who runs the blog also has a successful online jewelry business called Jess LC.

If you're a frequent reader to the site, you would know about the term "midnight hustler." A midnight hustler is one who seeks to start their own dream business with the plan of quitting their day job. I love this term and would love to hear your feedback.

Are you in your dream job? Or are you a midnight hustler with the plan or simply the thought of starting your own business one day? What would you consider your dream job? Is being self-employed an exciting thought?

Head on over to BeautyGirl to join in on the discussion.