Often, it takes the gentle reminder of strangers to sort of "reset" yourself. Such is the case here in Haiti, for sure, as with hundreds of visitors each year, it's usually through their eyes and their reflection that I'm reminded of all that is good in the world; especially when it can be hard to see that good amidst the fog of it all...
For me, it was our most recent Britsionary Group who reminded me of that - perhaps in the most unassuming of ways. It's always such a pleasure to host groups, and while we love our returning friends, I particularly enjoy getting to know the newbies - the first-timers who have felt compelled to travel to Haiti and give of themselves for a week in the spirit of humanitarianism and selflessness that is so much a part of our immediate and extended family. Reflections on the roof are indeed often my most favorite of experiences, and this group especially reminded me of my blessings last night.
The group reflected largely on the impact that one can make. How it's really quite simple to make a difference, and how it doesn't require a momentous, huge outpouring of effort or support or money to make it happen. Indeed, Britney Gengel's life, in just 19 short years, has had a lasting and permanent effect on the lives of thousands here in Haiti and in the USA - even without her knowing. As our new friend Amy remarked, most people don't manage to affect things on this level over the course of a lifetime. Britney was able to do it with a simple text message, unbeknownst to her at the time - that would resonate for years to come, and for thousands to witness...
It was wonderful to have good friends and colleagues here this week, like Charlie, our incredible volunteer who gives so much of himself and helped me remember the privilege of being able to serve - of helping those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Wendy, who works for us part-time at the OC in Worcester is such a gracious soul, and spending some time with her this week was definitely therapeutic. Our friend Michael, who volunteers with us as a grant writer was here, too, and he and Cherylann and I got to spend some quality time together talking about future projects and initiatives. We have our sights aimed very high, and we're so grateful for all of the support along the way.
As we grow as an organization, we are constantly looking to improve. Len's motto, CANEI (Constant and Never Ending Improvement) is indeed the words we live by here at Be Like Brit. As we plan for 2017, we have great endeavors on the horizon. I am confident that through the support of friends and strangers alike, we'll make great strides in achieving those goals...
Having Cherylann here is always such a gift, and the children just love it when Manmi Cherylann is in town! The group made the "big haul", having brought in most of the Christmas presents that all of you have so generously sent to us at our Operations Center. Our children are truly blessed, and we're grateful to be able to extend those blessings along to our precious 66 children.
The week was especially productive as our friend and Board Member Eileen was on hand, too! Eileen handles most of our human resources issues and is an all around friend and confident. She is my voice of reason in times where I doubt myself - or anything else, for that matter. She is a true gift, and this week more than ever I am reminded of just how many gifts I have in my life.
For me, it was our most recent Britsionary Group who reminded me of that - perhaps in the most unassuming of ways. It's always such a pleasure to host groups, and while we love our returning friends, I particularly enjoy getting to know the newbies - the first-timers who have felt compelled to travel to Haiti and give of themselves for a week in the spirit of humanitarianism and selflessness that is so much a part of our immediate and extended family. Reflections on the roof are indeed often my most favorite of experiences, and this group especially reminded me of my blessings last night.
The group reflected largely on the impact that one can make. How it's really quite simple to make a difference, and how it doesn't require a momentous, huge outpouring of effort or support or money to make it happen. Indeed, Britney Gengel's life, in just 19 short years, has had a lasting and permanent effect on the lives of thousands here in Haiti and in the USA - even without her knowing. As our new friend Amy remarked, most people don't manage to affect things on this level over the course of a lifetime. Britney was able to do it with a simple text message, unbeknownst to her at the time - that would resonate for years to come, and for thousands to witness...
It was wonderful to have good friends and colleagues here this week, like Charlie, our incredible volunteer who gives so much of himself and helped me remember the privilege of being able to serve - of helping those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Wendy, who works for us part-time at the OC in Worcester is such a gracious soul, and spending some time with her this week was definitely therapeutic. Our friend Michael, who volunteers with us as a grant writer was here, too, and he and Cherylann and I got to spend some quality time together talking about future projects and initiatives. We have our sights aimed very high, and we're so grateful for all of the support along the way.
As we grow as an organization, we are constantly looking to improve. Len's motto, CANEI (Constant and Never Ending Improvement) is indeed the words we live by here at Be Like Brit. As we plan for 2017, we have great endeavors on the horizon. I am confident that through the support of friends and strangers alike, we'll make great strides in achieving those goals...
Having Cherylann here is always such a gift, and the children just love it when Manmi Cherylann is in town! The group made the "big haul", having brought in most of the Christmas presents that all of you have so generously sent to us at our Operations Center. Our children are truly blessed, and we're grateful to be able to extend those blessings along to our precious 66 children.
The week was especially productive as our friend and Board Member Eileen was on hand, too! Eileen handles most of our human resources issues and is an all around friend and confident. She is my voice of reason in times where I doubt myself - or anything else, for that matter. She is a true gift, and this week more than ever I am reminded of just how many gifts I have in my life.
In this holiday season, this time of thanks and of things near and dear, let us all be reminded of those blessings we take for granted, of just how fortunate we are to have so much in a world where so many have so little. It is through this work, through my friends here in Haiti, and through the hardships of others that I am reminded of just how lucky I am, as Charlie put it, to be able to serve others.
Thank you for helping us help the children of Haiti at Be Like Brit!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment