Africa Jack: A Story About How I Found A Fresh New Outlook On Life

I feel my story isn't different from anyone else that reads the Huffington Post. I get up everyday. I have a list of things to accomplish, tasks to complete, and overcome the stress of making things all work out. This story, as normal as I see it, still puts a grin on my face, goose bumps on my arms and tears in my eyes every time I share it.

Burn-out
I had a great life. A job with a very nice salary, a downtown loft, Mercedes, Harley, an amazing partner even more talented than I could ever imagine, and the money to get what I wanted, when I wanted it.

I had a friend who had gone to Africa to volunteer at an AIDS orphanage in Zimbabwe. One day he called and said, "I'm in Denver. Meet me tonight for dinner. I will bring my laptop and I can show you the trip."

That night changed my life. I made a decision that I was going to go on the next trip to give a little to some kids that didn't have a whole lot. Was I in for a treat. I had no idea where that decision would take me.

Getting out Of Your Comfort Zone
I didn't know exactly where Zimbabwe was located other than in the southern part of Africa. I knew nothing about their current dictator who is currently driving their inflation as high as 4700%. I didn't know that people made $50/month. I didn't know that the HIV infection rate was officially 28% (unofficially 35% the highest in Africa). I couldn't imagine a place where people couldn't get treatment because there wasn't enough medicine in the clinics. I thought the adult patients believe the adults who visited the clinic when they said they walked for two days just to get their medicine that we brought to them.

I wasn't even a fan of children. I have four nephews and always thought they were as close to kids that I would ever have or truly care about. But 55 days after creating the blog AfricaJack.org, I raised the $10,000 and the school was constructed. The children (33% of the 176 were HIV Positive and under 8) would have a place to learn skills they might not have ever learned. They could read books they wouldn't have read because there would have been no place to put them.

One night when I was walking around the orphanage, I looked up realizing that I was on a continent I NEVER thought I would ever visit. I was surrounded by children with whom I couldn't communicate. It was amazing. The children were full of joy. They had absolutely nothing. Well, they didn't have material possessions. Most of them were dropped off by a surviving father, who believed they were of no value to him because they weren't old enough to work. The majority of their infected mothers died aftering transmitting the HIV virus to them at birth. Nevertheless, they smile and laugh, just because. The amazing thing is that they know that everyone that goes and volunteers at their orphanage will love and care for them and won't ever hurt them.

Let The Work Begin
I came back to the States with a new outlook on my life. I couldn't explain it, but I knew I had to do something in order to continue to make a difference -- even if it only meant helping only one child. My partner and I moved to the Bay area and began the process of forming the non-profit. Again, within 60 days of the application, we received notification from the IRS that we had received our tax-exempt status. We were officially a non-profit.

I can tell you why people don't do what I did all the time. It's been a really rough and bumpy road. There have been many days that I am so tired of doing without. I am tired of hearing my friends and family say, "Jack, what you are doing is admirable." I am tired of trying to think of ways to get people to give.

I can tell you I definitely can understand why some of my counterparts in corporate America said, "Keep your job and your position on the Board. Just give! It will make more of an impact." I can understand why they might say that, but I don't agree.

Who knows what is in our future. I know that I am looking at for-profit work to make some money to pay the bills and rent, put food in the refrigerator, and gas in the truck. I am selling the last few things that I own, clothes I don't wear, watches that have some significant value, and my Harley. I cashed in the last Roth-IRA just to make it one more month.

Why? I still can't tell you the answer. I can only tell you than I tear up thinking about not seeing those faces and hearing that laughter. I get sad knowing that I wouldn't be able to watch them learn in the school's classrooms that I helped fund through magical events and connecting the resources, knowledge and passion of the members of my support network which is filled with friends and family who love me.

Africa. Be careful if you go. You don't know what you will do when you get back. We're not all cut out for this type of work. I can only say, "Africa, thank you for the adjustment I made on my outlook before I had the pleasure of experiencing your beauty."

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For more information about the AfricaJack Foundation or to make a secure online donation through our partner, Groundspring.org, visit our website at Africajack.org.

Comments

[factanonverba]

I live in SF and I'd like to meet you and introduce you some people here in town who work on Africa.

[Happygolucky65]

Jack great work and lots of praise, but I am sure you would rather have financial support. Sending a contribution today to your cause - thank you for inspiring me. Hopefully other readers will reach in their pocket and also help. Looking forward to hearing more about your life's journey!

[devora]

Good lesson for all of us. We get so wrapped in in 'getting' we forget to 'give,' or do it the easy way by reaching for the checkbook.

Thanx for sharing w/ us.

[eaglecapri]

One life experience can change your life. You are led and many times don't know why and what the purpose is. Soon you will know!

Hurray for AfricaJack!

[AgathaPaige]

Jack: I think YOU are more of a gift than the great gifts you give. What an inspiration you are! Thank you for sharing your beautiful story!