“My real purpose in life is that I can do this,” Chuck says with a smile. His face brightens and, if his words weren’t enough, you can read his happiness in his eyes. Not many people have life’s great joy to wholeheartedly say they have found their purpose, yet Chuck proudly can.
Chuck found his purpose on the streets of Nicaragua. What began as a visit unlocked an entirely new world for him. During one of his trips, he walked by a road filled with youths sleeping on the roadside. Chuck promised himself he would talk with them and learn about their problems when he walked back. The world had different plans for him. When he returned, the children were gone, and Chuck regretted not taking that chance.
That wasn’t the end for Chuck, it was the beginning. While Chuck’s first time in Nicaragua “wasn’t with an eye to do anything philanthropic,” he answered a call to action. The youth he saw affected him, but that was not the only time he saw people in need. He did what he felt was right. Chuck knew enough people, recognized his resources and began to act. He provided food and medication to those in need and connected local youths with people who wanted to help support their college educations.
Chuck’s giving expanded. He pursued a more formal route to do more and create greater change for the communities he had grown to love. He developed Neighbors to Nicaragua to reach this dream, providing formal education in a school his organization built and steadily rebuilding communities. This school teaches the youths literacy skills and provides them nourishing food during the day. It gives them a chance to stay off the streets and pursue a better path.
For Chuck, this is more than he could have asked for. He talks about how he receives many hugs when he visits these spaces. Yet he asks, “Who’s helping whom here?” as he reflects on his work. He recognizes the support and growth he has fostered, and notes that it was through his journey in Nicaragua that he found hope, love and purpose. He reflects on an NPR session he heard with Shane Clairborne, author of “The Irresistible Revolution.” In the book, Shane tells how he found his greater purpose by helping a community. Chuck details his favorite part of the book, when Shane meets Mother Teresa after a long pursuit to find her. Shane works with her for a few months, then she sends him away. Shane is puzzled, and Mother Teresa tells him his work in Kolkata is done and he must find his own Kolkata. This struck a chord with Chuck. When he looks at his work in Nicaragua, he says that he has found his Kolkata.
Chuck believes the power of a second chance is the power to love. He has found much love: for his communities, his work and Nicaragua. In his pursuit to give a better life to disadvantaged youth and communities in Nicaragua, Chuck found fulfillment in his life’s purpose. He urges people seeking redemption, whether for others or themselves, to be honest, with a heart full of hope and love.
