Since my first trip when I was 13, I have felt an irresistible draw towards Africa. Before starting college, I prayed fervently to God about what He wanted me to do with my life and He told me that I was to be a full-time missionary in Africa. I remember sitting on the sofa in my living room and crying my eyes out as I told my parents what God was calling me to do, not because I was sad but because I was so happy. It felt like I was going home.

I went on a study abroad program with Food for the Hungry my sophomore year of college hoping to learn more about Africa and it’s needs. I had no idea that those eight months would change my life forever. I fell in love with Uganda; the culture, people, customs, weather, and the simple craziness of everyday life. I became involved with an organization there called African Hearts and quickly filled my heart up with what I knew my life calling was to be: working with street children. I was amazed at how much joy filled every part of me when I was living in Uganda and getting to work with the amazing kids that I was called to work with!

I have been working with African Hearts as an international coordinator for the last two years, both in the US and in Uganda helping to fundraise, design programs, and create connections. I am so excited to finally be able to take the next step and live and work full-time in Uganda with the kids that I love so much, as a mother that they have never had. God has truly blessed me in allowing me to go.

To find out more about Abby’s work with street children, visit her blog at http://africa-love.livejournal.com