Things that Have Been Tugging at My Heart

each day, within my peripheral, i see thousands of people…literally. i have never been in a place where i am surrounded by so many, all the time! much of it is overwhelming. i find myself desiring more quiet than ever. much of it is sad. all of it, reminds me of why i am here.

i walk through the streets, and i see poverty. the elderly, having nowhere to go, in the streets begging. in so many ways, this is different from poverty in the states. one of my friends here, has been such an example of compassion for the poor. i am moved by her heart. she purchases food and snacks and carries them in her purse to give to those she comes across. i have to admit, i have been scared. i don’t know how to respond.

i see people just going through the routines of life, with no purpose or hope. people labor endlessly to make ends meet. some, i believe, work harder in a day than i do in a month’s time.

students doing what they’re told and losing the potential to live a life abundantly in all that they were created to live.

i see people doing all that they can to make it, even at the expense of others.

loneliness, despair, brokenness, hoplessness are a reality. people searching for a place in society. people wanting to be worth more. people wanting to break through “stuckness.” people needing hope and purpose. people needing something greater than themselves to break though.

how do i put actions to these things that weigh so heavily and are tugging at my heart?


(my walk to class on campus)


(at a local store)