From Suburbia to Service: A Journey of Purpose and Heart

During the busiest time in my life, I had a certain tug that many probably ignore.  I was living my dream – living in the suburbs, two young children, activities and working full time to keep up with life.  This was nearly 17 years ago and oh so much has happened!  Let me share with you how things prep us for what is ahead.   

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While seemingly “having it all” there was an emptiness in my surroundings.  I lived in the affluence of “suburbia” USA.  Although I wasn’t affluent – others were.  Their kids were in ALL the “select” sports teams, dance, piano and the list went on.  Meanwhile, I was doing my best to keep up with my cleaning, work and children.  I did compare my life to theirs and it saddened me.  My oldest daughter was in Girls Scouts, and I was her leader.  We did many service events in the community and I loved it.  We put together a “Birthday Bag Program” for our local food pantry.  It was a new type of giveaway, and it was so exciting to see everyone helping.  Our girls collected and assembled the birthday bags and finally we delivered them to the local pantry.  It made my heart sing knowing that someone who wouldn’t get that cake, candle and birthday treat would now have it.  This was the start of something much greater for me and I had no idea where it was leading.

Fast forward, I was on the mission committee at my church and was asked to help a member of our committee find places for her guest who was going to be visiting from Tanzania Africa locate places to speak about his village and life in this developing country.  I had zero idea where Tanzania even was but jumped in the opportunity to get him set up.  I booked his calendar and then took him to most of the speaking events.  I found my heart changing as I listened to the despair that he lived with in his village.   The “prompt” to do something resonated loudly and I set up two separate events to help raise awareness and money to help his village.  Upon his departure back to Tanzania – I was able to give him the money I raised to help.  He refused to take the money but asked me to bring it to his village and purchase the food and live among the village myself.   I wrestled with the idea of going – how?  I had two young children and a life to continue with.  I prayed long and hard on it and was granted the opportunity to go.  My first trip to a small village in Tanzania took place in February of 2009!  That is where God changed me – he shattered everything I once felt was important and asked me to be his hands and feet for the ones who suffered so much in this country.

The past 17 years have been an education far beyond what any textbook could provide.  Immersion was the only way I could learn to understand this culture, the people and their lives.  I wanted to help the ones who had no access to help.  Coordinating my efforts with local and national government officials was how I ended up off the grid (even in this country) I assisted a tribe called the Hadzabe (hunting and gathering) find sustainable ways of living as their land space was being encroached upon.  Securing land for just their needs so they could still hunt, and gather was the goal.  Building a community center where they could meet, installing a clean water system and finding ways to educate the young children was all accomplished. 

Being the voice of these wonderful people was what I did when I was back in the states.  Speaking about their lives and showing footage from my trips connected hearts to my work.  This work came to an end in 2019 when the projects were running at full capacity.  I started my second nonprofit Mission Barista Global (www.missionbarista.org)  in 2021.  The work for me continues as we care for 160 lepers in a rural community in Central Tanzania.  Supporting widows with the Maasai tribe and helping a poor rural school and the children that attend is all a part of my work that continues.  The need is great and if I have breath in my lungs and two legs that still work – I will continue to support the ones in need.  This work is not an option it is a directive.  I do what I can to serve locally, nationally and internationally.  I believe that helping people does change lives and we can all do something.  The question is – do we?  I don’t worry about what the world worries about…metrics and evaluations – I simply do what is needed and necessary.  Each day I find opportunities to reach the ones in need and know that I have always had enough to make it through each day.  My life has been molded by care, love and the ability to help others discover that same gift they have in their hearts as well.  Has it been easy? Not for a second but I know that my purpose and calling was not wasted and I have been refined by every single day I have been on this earth. 

Blessings and peace

Pamela Wendtland, Menomonee Falls, WI

Global humanitarian, author and founder of Mission Barista Global

See Mission Barista Global information located on our Partner Page

BIO:
In 2009, Pamela Wendtland took a life changing trip to Tanzania, Africa.  It was on that trip she discovered how much poverty there was in this country.  Since that trip - she founded two nonprofits - her most recent Mission Barista Global (www.missionbarista.org) where loving, serving and bringing hope to widows, children and lepers are making an impact each day in Tanzania, Pakistan and beyond.  She wrote two children's books during her time of being immersed in this culture which helps all people understand the plight of those who wish for education, food and hope for a future.  Her books can be found at  https://simeonandsula.com/