MIXING PLEASURE WITH BUSINESS

Little Rock, Arkansas was a pleasant surprise, quiet and demure, yet friendly.  Business took us here but in our spare time, my travel companion and I wanted to explore.  The configuration had us confused for a bit, we were in the downtown area but we kept running into tourists like ourselves.  Only when the trolley driver informed us that everyone escapes on weekends to the springs, did we understand where the citizens of Little Rock were.

So with that knowledge I relaxed on the wonderful trolley, such a delightful means of transportation.  Riding from one end of the line to the other, switching to the Blue Line, we rode over the Arkansas River into Northern Little Rock.  We made friends both with visitors and the trolley drivers and soon we became unofficial tour guides, sharing tidbits we gathered from our frequent rides.  For a mere two dollars($2) we rode all day, hopping on and off to any place of interest.  One such place was Heifer International, a non-profit organization that gives to families in need, teaching them how to grow income, improve their lives and pass on help to others.

Our excursion took us to many museums, the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Little Rock Central High School where nine African American teenagers attempted to enter the all-white school.  The Tours gave us many lesson about the history of this State

This was also an opportunity to meet my sponsored child lizbeth, who happens to live in Little Rock.  Through Children International, a U.S based organization, children in need are given a chance to grow up healthy, educated and prepared to make a difference in their community and even the world at large.  After a tour of the Children International headquarters, Lizbeth, her mother, aunt and an official from the organization joined me for a meal and then we were off shopping for a few items for Lizbeth.  The conversation went well, she was up on things happening in the world.

So from the conference, to the tours and visit with that precious child, I have fulfilled my value of caring and compassion and know why I must continue to rise to the call of those in need as much as I can.

"Joy is prayer, joy is strength, joy is love
  joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.
  She gives most who gives with joy."
 
   Mother Teresa