Dear Kindred Spirit,
I try all year to pay attention to those I hold dear to me. And I hope I did just that! The end of the year is in sight and I am grabbing yet another chance during this season of merriment to stop and take the time to focus on our blessings, to make amends and truly show my appreciation for the people who have meant so much to me.
Thanks for your support, your friendship, your kind words. We have teased each other, have belly laughs, bounced back from adversaries and continued to embrace this ever changing life.
And my hope is that even when the thread(spirit) that keeps us tightly woven seem to be coming apart(life's upheaval), we will still find the time to pull out our sewing kit( to find strength, courage, faith,hope) and mend(stay intact) as best as we can.
My wish, my friends, is that each time we are tested, we will think of gratifying moments and rise above our woes. So let's make a pledge to ourselves that when we think of life's difficult journey, we will also think of our blessings, no matter how small. This balancing act you may discover will give you time to determine that life is not so bad after all. It will give you a sense of security that will help you face life's challenges. You will not tarry too long in the 'pity department' anymore; instead you will find yourself expressing gratitude and appreciation, over and over for life's experiences.
I am thankful for your presence, for life, family and good health. As you celebrate and connect with your love ones, keep the holidays fun, safe and nutritious; work to maintain your weight and leave some wiggle room to enjoy your favorite food.
Keep Adapting! Keep it all sewn up!
Wishing you a happy holiday and a prosperous New Year!
"The optimist sees the rose and not its thorns; the pessimist stares at the thorns, oblivious to the rose."
Kahlil Gibran
BE THE PERSON THAT SEES THE ROSE!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Sunday, November 11, 2012
A Life Of Services
The wind is fierce, lightning flashes, the rain beats down from the skies and the earth reels. We were promised this 'show' all day and mother nature is putting on a performance indeed. Every now and then I pull aside the shades to get a first hand look at this tempestuous display. Sometimes I opened the door to take in more of this 'showtime.' Yet, I have no fear, the body is at rest, the mind is free and at ease. I am writing by a battery operated lantern, a sensible gift from my mother about two years ago for moments like these when there is no electricity. This was the perfect time for me to test out the trials and tribulations of youngsters and others all over the world who live in poverty and must complete their assignments, probably using a kerosene lamp or a candle.
Tonight I wrote all the children I proudly sponsor through CHILDFUND(www.childfund.org) and CHILDREN INTERNATIONAL(www.children.org); two USA based organizations that work for children in need, providing them with clothing, medicine, education and nutritious meals. I told them of my experience, functioning without electricity. It was a letter of deeper compassion but also filled with HOPE for a better life for each and everyone. Of course I did not need a fierce storm and angry wailing winds to tell me how difficult life is for these children.
This year's MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY (10/27) was just as special as those gone by even without the frou- frou. At my Saturday session at the Adult Literacy Program run by the Queens Public Library, I decided to talk about the significance of this day and encouraged them to work for the good of others as their means allowed.
A few days ago I was invited to a church event where a group of people described their work as Medical Missionaries. They bring a lifestyle program to anyone who will listen and will stay with you until you achieve your goals. I was struck by their enthusiasm as they talked about their work and the benefits many have achieved not only abroad but right here in our backyards. They have dedicated themselves and found joy doing so.
For days my thoughts have turned to the gratitude I feel in helping others. For month after month, the news kept coming of loved ones stricken with illnesses. There is no doubt that a greeting, a cheerful note or a visit are uplifting and can help to bring new life to those struggling with life's challenges. I am inspired by the examples of faith and goodness of those around me. The generosity of those who understand the satisfaction of bringing happiness to others, allow CHOOSE TO CARE to send the gift of a brand new pair of shoes to school children in a desolate area of Freeport, Bahamas. We will certainly share our holiday gift giving plans with you.
"I am only one. but still I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something."
Edward Everett Hale
Keep Adapting My Friends!
Tonight I wrote all the children I proudly sponsor through CHILDFUND(www.childfund.org) and CHILDREN INTERNATIONAL(www.children.org); two USA based organizations that work for children in need, providing them with clothing, medicine, education and nutritious meals. I told them of my experience, functioning without electricity. It was a letter of deeper compassion but also filled with HOPE for a better life for each and everyone. Of course I did not need a fierce storm and angry wailing winds to tell me how difficult life is for these children.
This year's MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY (10/27) was just as special as those gone by even without the frou- frou. At my Saturday session at the Adult Literacy Program run by the Queens Public Library, I decided to talk about the significance of this day and encouraged them to work for the good of others as their means allowed.
A few days ago I was invited to a church event where a group of people described their work as Medical Missionaries. They bring a lifestyle program to anyone who will listen and will stay with you until you achieve your goals. I was struck by their enthusiasm as they talked about their work and the benefits many have achieved not only abroad but right here in our backyards. They have dedicated themselves and found joy doing so.
For days my thoughts have turned to the gratitude I feel in helping others. For month after month, the news kept coming of loved ones stricken with illnesses. There is no doubt that a greeting, a cheerful note or a visit are uplifting and can help to bring new life to those struggling with life's challenges. I am inspired by the examples of faith and goodness of those around me. The generosity of those who understand the satisfaction of bringing happiness to others, allow CHOOSE TO CARE to send the gift of a brand new pair of shoes to school children in a desolate area of Freeport, Bahamas. We will certainly share our holiday gift giving plans with you.
"I am only one. but still I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something."
Edward Everett Hale
Keep Adapting My Friends!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Choose to Care: STEPPING IT UP
Choose to Care: STEPPING IT UP: CHOOSE TO CARE that small organization with a mighty ambition celebrated it's 5th birthday. Building the project from it's humble beginning...
STEPPING IT UP
CHOOSE TO CARE that small organization with a mighty ambition celebrated it's 5th birthday. Building the project from it's humble beginning, introducing the mission to others, getting the goods to those in need takes a lot of planning and rolling up of our sleeves. But the hard work does not deter us, we have continued to step up our effort because we hear so many stories of children both locally and abroad who do not own a decent pair of shoes.
Knowing the danger of walking barefooted, especially on rough terrain and the embarrassment of not having a proper pair of shoes, which could prevent the child from wanting to attend school, we seek out organizations that work with the youth in need, in order to assist in providing a brand new pair of shoes.
Last year October, on the nationally celebrated MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY which gives everyone a chance to do good in any community of choice, we created a health fair atmosphere and invited a Podiatrist to give the children advice on taking care of their feet. We included a workshop on proper nutrition, sending the message that it is important to strive for a healthy lifestyle and then we served up a healthy lunch and presented each attendee with a brand new pair of shoes.
We are thinking of creative ways to fund raise and sustain our project,then we can expand our mission. We will be sure to keep you informed of our progress every step of the way. When we receive photos of the children holding their shoes with a bright smile pasted on their faces, that's pure magic. You can rest assure that we are totally happy to be involved in something so meaningful to us.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY and we wish you many more years of goodwill.
Knowing the danger of walking barefooted, especially on rough terrain and the embarrassment of not having a proper pair of shoes, which could prevent the child from wanting to attend school, we seek out organizations that work with the youth in need, in order to assist in providing a brand new pair of shoes.
Last year October, on the nationally celebrated MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY which gives everyone a chance to do good in any community of choice, we created a health fair atmosphere and invited a Podiatrist to give the children advice on taking care of their feet. We included a workshop on proper nutrition, sending the message that it is important to strive for a healthy lifestyle and then we served up a healthy lunch and presented each attendee with a brand new pair of shoes.
We are thinking of creative ways to fund raise and sustain our project,then we can expand our mission. We will be sure to keep you informed of our progress every step of the way. When we receive photos of the children holding their shoes with a bright smile pasted on their faces, that's pure magic. You can rest assure that we are totally happy to be involved in something so meaningful to us.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY and we wish you many more years of goodwill.
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world"Anne Frank
Saturday, September 1, 2012
SERVING UP LOVE
Macy's yearly SHOP FOR A CAUSE day came with a lot of excitement. The Macy's store where I shopped that day put on a spectacular show meant to entertain while you shopped for your favorite charity. The store associates were busy selling $5 tickets for the March of Dimes organization, a great organization that I have supported for over 30 years. But today I was touting CHOOSE TO CARE, the organization that makes every effort to supply the youth in need with a brand new pair of shoes.
I proudly showed my ticket to receive a 25% discount off my purchase as promised and a chance to win a $500 Macy's gift card. Thanks to those who participated and purchased a ticket, your continued support is greatly appreciated. Thank you Macy's for providing this wonderful opportunity for so many charities. This was indeed a tremendous fundraising effort for CHOOSE TO CARE, I consider myself a winner, every chance I get to give to someone in need.
Until Next Year!
One Love!
"Everybody can be great
Because anybody can serve.
You don't have to have a college degree to serve.
You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve.
You only need a heart full of grace.
A soul generated by love"
Martin Luther King JR
I proudly showed my ticket to receive a 25% discount off my purchase as promised and a chance to win a $500 Macy's gift card. Thanks to those who participated and purchased a ticket, your continued support is greatly appreciated. Thank you Macy's for providing this wonderful opportunity for so many charities. This was indeed a tremendous fundraising effort for CHOOSE TO CARE, I consider myself a winner, every chance I get to give to someone in need.
Until Next Year!
One Love!
"Everybody can be great
Because anybody can serve.
You don't have to have a college degree to serve.
You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve.
You only need a heart full of grace.
A soul generated by love"
Martin Luther King JR
Friday, July 27, 2012
PLANTING SEEDS OF HOPE
Each year as news break that another group of students is getting ready for their trip to New York, I can only imagine the excitement, the preparation, the anxiety. These high school students from the School of Hope, Cape Town, South Africa have made the decision to finish their education in spite of the tremendous obstacles they faced.
Erika Lee, an amazing young woman founded this NYC based non-profit organization called Active Compassion Transforms(ACT) that E-Mentors to disadvantaged students. The caring and willing volunteers communicate with the student on a weekly basis for a year through a guided curriculum of life skills and career planning.
This 10-day visit not only allows the student to meet their mentors but gives them the opportunity to job shadow someone in their chosen field of study while enjoying the BIG APPLE. The inspiring Chef, Kirsten Cuido was my charge for the day and we traveled to our Flushing Center to participate in a supermarket tour with our Healthy Lifestyle expert and participants from our Program. A Chef we told Kirsten must start with the best of ingredients to prepare simple and delicious dishes. We were introduced to many new and familiar products and as we traversed the aisles we learned more and more about the intricacies of good shopping, helping us to become well informed consumers.
The shadowing did not stop there, back at the Center where we serve women, infant and children(WIC), we continued our education on wellness and healthy living. The Nutritionists prepared a great summer recipe for salsa, made with mango, tomato, lemon juice and cilantro. This easy to make dish, packed with nutrients had everyone in the audience smacking their lips at the refreshing and delicious taste. A woman in the audience proclaimed that she was going home to try the recipe and so did Kirsten. We ended our visit with a bag of goodies, presented by the welcoming staff, items fit for an up and becoming Chef. Kirsten left feeling very grateful for the lessons learned.
Dear Students,
When we gathered to bid farewell, it was a time for fun but also to reflect on this
journey that took you from the despair you all described to where you are now. Each of you said
that to even harbor the thought of leaving where you are from is unheard of but here you are
today, given the opportunity to better yourself and with a bonus added, the ability to travel to
a distant land. You also gave honor to Nelson Mandela, Madiba as he is fondly called, on this his
94 years of living. And what a life it has been! Amidst all the din and excitement, good music,
good food, my mind was occupied with your amazing journey.
By taking the difficult steps to continue your education is admirable, that you were able to veer
from the muddy path is courageous; you have planted seeds of HOPE, which when watered with
love, care and tenacity, will blossom and bear fruits of joy. When weeds begin to creep in and
they will, I am sure you will get to work and clear your path once more with helping hands.
The Principal of the School of Hope, spoke sincerely, about never giving up on anyone and
never should you give up on yourself.
KEEP THE LEGACY OF MADIBA ALIVE!
KEEP ADAPTING!
Erika Lee, an amazing young woman founded this NYC based non-profit organization called Active Compassion Transforms(ACT) that E-Mentors to disadvantaged students. The caring and willing volunteers communicate with the student on a weekly basis for a year through a guided curriculum of life skills and career planning.
This 10-day visit not only allows the student to meet their mentors but gives them the opportunity to job shadow someone in their chosen field of study while enjoying the BIG APPLE. The inspiring Chef, Kirsten Cuido was my charge for the day and we traveled to our Flushing Center to participate in a supermarket tour with our Healthy Lifestyle expert and participants from our Program. A Chef we told Kirsten must start with the best of ingredients to prepare simple and delicious dishes. We were introduced to many new and familiar products and as we traversed the aisles we learned more and more about the intricacies of good shopping, helping us to become well informed consumers.
The shadowing did not stop there, back at the Center where we serve women, infant and children(WIC), we continued our education on wellness and healthy living. The Nutritionists prepared a great summer recipe for salsa, made with mango, tomato, lemon juice and cilantro. This easy to make dish, packed with nutrients had everyone in the audience smacking their lips at the refreshing and delicious taste. A woman in the audience proclaimed that she was going home to try the recipe and so did Kirsten. We ended our visit with a bag of goodies, presented by the welcoming staff, items fit for an up and becoming Chef. Kirsten left feeling very grateful for the lessons learned.
Dear Students,
When we gathered to bid farewell, it was a time for fun but also to reflect on this
journey that took you from the despair you all described to where you are now. Each of you said
that to even harbor the thought of leaving where you are from is unheard of but here you are
today, given the opportunity to better yourself and with a bonus added, the ability to travel to
a distant land. You also gave honor to Nelson Mandela, Madiba as he is fondly called, on this his
94 years of living. And what a life it has been! Amidst all the din and excitement, good music,
good food, my mind was occupied with your amazing journey.
By taking the difficult steps to continue your education is admirable, that you were able to veer
from the muddy path is courageous; you have planted seeds of HOPE, which when watered with
love, care and tenacity, will blossom and bear fruits of joy. When weeds begin to creep in and
they will, I am sure you will get to work and clear your path once more with helping hands.
The Principal of the School of Hope, spoke sincerely, about never giving up on anyone and
never should you give up on yourself.
KEEP THE LEGACY OF MADIBA ALIVE!
KEEP ADAPTING!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Swinging Into ACTion
Another group of young and ambitious South African students from the School of Hope, Cape Town will be here to have an experience of their lifetime. This eventful journey made possible by the Active Compassion Transforms Organization (ACT), that I gush over from time to time. I am often times spell bound by the achievements of this young and vibrant organization that has touched the lives of so many of the youth whose impoverished lives have taken a toll on them. But they have risen again through the helping hands of Erika Lee, the Executive Director and all the others who work earnestly to make this trip happen. Their work throughtout the year which includes matching each student with a mentor is non-stop preparation for a brighter future. The preparation and the cost are not easy roads to travel down but the ACT team is at it again, making a difference, one ACT at a time.
Not too long ago I listened to a sermon of the mustard seed; when it is sown it is the smallest seed but it takes root and delivers in such abundance. My thoughts turned to this organization's mission and just like the mustard seed, no matter how small the efforts, it continues to touch the lives of the children in so many big ways. I will bring a student or two to my place of work so that they will get a sense of the working world. I will join with my colleague and take them all on a shopping spree, thus fulfilling the mission of the CHOOSE TO CARE Organization, which is to provide a brand new pair of shoes for the youth in need. I am triumphantly awaiting their arrival.
Cheers for a class ACT!
Not too long ago I listened to a sermon of the mustard seed; when it is sown it is the smallest seed but it takes root and delivers in such abundance. My thoughts turned to this organization's mission and just like the mustard seed, no matter how small the efforts, it continues to touch the lives of the children in so many big ways. I will bring a student or two to my place of work so that they will get a sense of the working world. I will join with my colleague and take them all on a shopping spree, thus fulfilling the mission of the CHOOSE TO CARE Organization, which is to provide a brand new pair of shoes for the youth in need. I am triumphantly awaiting their arrival.
Cheers for a class ACT!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
