Near the end of the Masters in Business Administration program at WVU, everyone started buzzing about their new jobs as bankers, financial analysts and sales representatives. I was excited to tell people about my decision to share my business knowledge in other parts of the worlds, where their economies were most in need of a boost in business development. I got used to some of the confused looks and less than genuine smiles of approval. (“Wow…that is so great…so you won’t be getting paid?”) What I had not yet figured out though, was what to put on that blank line on all the papers in the months ahead. “Occupation: ___________.” No longer could I play the student card. I guess I could put “volunteer,” but what does that mean anyway? It’s so vague. I resolved to leave it blank for the time being. The Malawian customs officer called me out on it though. “Miss, you forgot to fill out this one,” he said. “Oh! How careless of me!” I responded, and proceeded to fill in “Vice President of International Relations.” (Hey a girl can dream, right?) I pretended not to notice the surprised look on the officer’s face as he mentally evaluated whether that was actually possible given I look about 16 years old.
It wasn’t until a few days ago when I was instructing 120 Malawian adults how to construct a business plan and perform breakeven analysis that I discovered a solution to my little identity issue. During the question and answer portion of the seminar, one of the young men asked me what business I was in. I had a brief moment of anxiety. I was about to reveal my inadequacy…definitely a loss of face. But before I could respond, our gracious Malawian translator responded, “Our friend Natalie is in the business of giving. What other questions do you have for her?”
So there it is. I’m officially in the business of giving. Thus begins my year-long journey to dream, discover, live, learn, share, care and hopefully help others to do the same. As for the fill-in-the-blank dilemma, I have since noticed the ChildVoice organization chart included my name with the title “Technical Advisor- Business” underneath. Not quite VP, but somehow I like my title even more.
Beautiful faces
The Business of Giving: A Year of Discovery and Renewal in Africa 
Wonderful blog – made me smile – we are so proud of you, Natalie!
People with money who give money give nothing…People with nothing who give of their time give everything. Nothing is more valuable than your time. We love you
Tom
Thanks so much, Tommy. Love to the family! xo
Natalie, you are so well spoken! It looks like you’ve had a great start and will really enjoy this adventure! I like this idea of a blog so everyone knows what is going on. You might have inspired me to start one! Continue doing what you do! 🙂
Thanks so much, Sarah. I’m so excited for your adventures as well. A few weeks to go, right? You should definitely do a blog bc I want to know what’s going on over there and it’s really easy to do. Thanks for the continued support…it means a lot to me=)
Natalie, already so proud of your successes! I feel in my heart you are where you need (and want) to be. It is only 365 days in the scheme of your life, but those 365 days will multiply in all the lives that you touch. As always, stay safe and I will keep you in my prayers. I will look forward to following your blog.
Nattie,
I loved reading this. You have always been in the business of giving. I miss you!!!
Stephie
Dear Natalie,
So proud of all you are doing! You are in my love and prayers. Val’s too!
Keep well,
Love, Dale
Enjoying your entries, Natalie! I love the story about “the business of giving.” I also enjoyed your pix on fb- keep ’em coming!
I am so glad to hear your beautiful stories! I know you are making such a difference. Keep up the wonderful work!
Hi Natalie– impressive blog! Sorry about your Aunt–may the Lord continue to give you His comfort. 2 Corinthians 1 : 3,4 comes to mind. I enjoyed our interaction; Keep focused on the Lord, and on the Scriptures. (Psalm 119 : 105, vs. 89. ) Do keep in touch, I’d like to know how things are progressing in your very commendable work for God.
God bless, and thanks for the pics.
Noel.
Dear Natalie! Sooo beautiful everything that you are writing in your blog and we are sooo very proud of you and the work that you are doing. You are making a very big difference in many peoples lives there and here. You are wise beyond your years and we are so blessed to have you for our daughter. Can’t hardly see through my tears to write this. Each time I read what you’ve written I just cry. They are tears of pride and joy for the wonderful work you are doing there and also touching the lives of those of us you left behind who love you so. We miss you so much, but so happy that you are there doing the work you waited so long to do. God has truly called on you and you were brave enough to answer his call. Much love and prayers, Mom, Dad and Bill
Natalie,
I have also enjoyed your blog. Wow what you have seen. And what you are doing is one of the most beautiful gifts love a person can give. You are a lovely soul. Keep safe and I look forward to reading more of your blogs. Love always from Pittsburgh, PA
Shelly Meyer
P.S. GO STEELERS! GO PENS! ; )
Hi Natalie, you’ve been on my mind, so —how are you doing?
Here’s an encouraging verse of Scripture for you:
1Corinthians 15 : 58. Remember– we don’t work FOR our salvation–Christ has finished that work for us. Heb. 10: 11–14. Eph. 2 : 8,9. We work BECAUSE of our salvation, out of gratitude to God. 1 Thess. 1 : 3 sets forth a good example of this truth.
God bless. You are remembered with affection.
Noel.