Robin Ligocki // Jamaica 2015

In summer of 2015, Robin Ligocki spent some time serving an orphanage in Jamaica. We asked her to tell us a little about what called her there:

I remember being in 5th grade and my teacher asking me what I wanted to be when I grew up. My response was "a babysitter." Being adopted myself, I've always had such a huge heart for orphans. Growing up was a challenge because of "never looking like anyone" and dealing with fears of abandonment. I wanted to somehow be a mentor for those going through those same feelings. I always felt I was wired up differently than most because of a deep heart of compassion for orphans and the elderly. It's nothing like having a dream to be a doctor or an actress or something...seemed kinda boring, but I knew it's who I was....so, I was just gonna be "boring"...haha. I recall being in youth camp, before ever entering college, never having a CLUE of what I should be when I "grew" up. A youth counselor (of which I had never met in my life) approached me and said he needed to tell me a "word from the Lord." He said, "God has filled your heart with such a deep compassion for others. You will bring the Church mercy and will minister on the "death bed" of people, bringing joy to their lives." (which perhaps may explain my route of Occupational Therapy and love for the elderly). A little apprehensive, I just listened and put this "word on a shelf", so to speak. Many years later, I began attending the Storyline Conference and started feeling such a deep desire to "write a better story" with my life....one that brings fulfillment and joy to others. In August of 2015, I ventured out to Robins Nest, in Montego Bay, Jamaica. I believe fear is the one thing that holds us back from our passions, from living a life of purpose. In stepping out, I realized how liberating "living" can be. The children at this orphanage are precious. They have so little, yet are rich beyond measure. Oftentimes, perhaps we question God with the "why", but I truly feel, in the deepest part of who I am, when I look into the eyes of these children, I'm looking into His eyes. Whatever we do unto the least of these, we do unto Him. How we treat others is a reflection of Him. Love Does. The thing is, we are ALL wired up to love and be loved. So, go out and love on someone today. You'll be glad you did :-)
- Robin