Do you want to be inspired? Do you need to find comfort within yourself? If you do, I urge you to speak with the women I work with.
Elaine and Fatima are home, we have all heard that. However what they brought home will both comfort and inspire you in a way that will change your life.
After two weeks of reporting from the home base, I was one of the fortunate that was able to spend time with both of them today. Elaine, our founder of LifePaths Global Alliance, and Fatima the Executive Director, shared their stories of their journey with such detail...one couldn't help but feel a personal presence in their journey. These women are real. The stories are sacred and the experience a blessing.
Over a generous lunch that was provided by the staff of Physical Relief, Elaine and Fatima presented a slide show presentation that only highlighted the past two weeks. The slideshow touched us all, and I was proud to be in the room.
This is just the beginning. Now the road less travelled will become a common route. Travelling with a Purpose has just begun. So buckle up, hang on tight...because we are in for a ride! Our fierce leader Elaine will not only triumph...but take the rest of us with her.
An evening of sharing photo's and stories with an open forum concept for questions will be held within the next few weeks. A documentary of the entire journey is being edited as we speak and will be presented at our Annual Fund-raising Dinner in the fall. These avenues of sharing are just the "tease" of what's to come. Elaine is laying the ground work for the next Mission out to Haiti (which will occur in the next few months)...
Elaine and Fatima have seen past the pretentious banners that gallantly fly to attract donations and have accurately hit the nail on the wall - with the true meaning of donating. They didn't come back with what they need, they came back with what we can do!
As we gather for our meetings this week and create the alliance for future Missions, we all have one goal...clearly the same goal you have, "what's next?"
Again, welcome home ladies, and thanks,
Sandy
(and everyone who knows you)!!
Thank you so much for your note Sandy. Fatima and I feel blessed to have such a strong network of supporters here at home. This group provided us with the strength that we needed to get through this two week period. If I only had one message to send out it would be that the media portrays Haiti to be a violent place, however we found the complete opposite. The people are loving, generous and strong but they have endured horrendous treatment by their government and ignored by the rest of the world. Stayed tuned...we have big plans to make a difference from the grass roots up, starting with telemedicine. Haiti is a small island with only around 10,000,000 people. Change can happen with education and organization and we are up to the challenge. Keep smiling and count your blessings!
ReplyDeletebeautiful posting sandy - we were glad you could come and enjoy lunch with us! Emilie
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