What Will Tomorrow Bring?

Nowadays, I open my day with "Hello Today." It is a way to leave yesterday's old business and start anew.  And so each day as I wonder what tomorrow will bring, I have gotten used to embracing whatever comes my way. It is a game that can be played by one and this solo game continues to enrich my life.

 My penchant is to pay a visit to all the children I sponsor in different countries.  So another journey is on the horizon! I do not have any special dates for the places on my bucket list but each country's turn comes naturally and once again I am planning, shopping and excited to see the child that I have written to for years.  My journey will take me across the Indian Ocean, via Goa to a village called Karwar. There I will meet Neeta, the young Indian girl that I have been sponsoring through ChildFund International.  For a monthly gift of $36.00, Neeta is provided

• Health care and medicines
• New clothing and shoes
• Educational support
• Hope for a brighter future

As in the past when I have visited one of the children, language did not keep us apart and it certainly will not, this time either. It is an exciting opportunity to see the world while contributing to the well-being of someone in need. My message will be one of hope.  I will encourage studying hard because this is the main road out of poverty. I will tell Neeta to never give up, just keep going after a better life, making use of the support she gets from this glorious organization.

My friend told me this is a BOLD move but for me it is important for me to make a difference in the lives of these children born into poverty.  I will continue to heed the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "Be the change you want to see in the world." So as I wonder about the day ahead, I will beckon tomorrow with a big, "Hello Today" knowing it is another day to spread the word to anyone who will listen to why and how we can make a change in the life of a child in need.

PEACE     AND     LOVE!

THESE JOYFUL DAYS

There I was feeling anxious about the many things I still had to complete when I saw these words,HELLO TOMORROW on a magazine in the airline I was travelling in.  Later on I discovered this was their motto.  How welcoming these words were.  They allowed me to stop and pause and sort things out.  Yes there is TOMORROW.
So I have adopted this mantra to use in my daily living, simply translated, I am aware that TOMORROW comes with hope, so I beckon it, but I also embrace today because it is wise and important to live in the present.

                                         "Forget yesterday,
                                           Live for today,
                                           Tomorrow will take
                                           Care of itself."
                                                               Unknown

So as I was beaming with the sound of my new saying: HELLO TOMORROW, a kind-hearted and caring person gave me the most beautiful tea towel and there was the word DEVOUR on that special token.  Under DEVOUR, was a listing of things such as old films, music, books, painting, poems, dreams, random conversations, etc; all things that appeal to me. What a great word! Yes, I will DEVOUR more words, travel, family, friends and the list could go on and on. It gave me an idea on how I could apply this special word to the projects I am now involved with, taking them to another level. I will DEVOUR my love for educating children and their families about healthy eating; I will DEVOUR my love of educating adults to read and write; I will DEVOUR my desire to extend my hands to those in need, especially children living in poverty, globally; I will continue to DEVOUR the mission of Choose To Care, so children in need will have a brand new pair of shoes,allowing them to stay in school and bring dignity to their impoverished lives.

HELLO TOMORROW, the inspirational words that bring me hope will energize me to DEVOUR the plans I have made for a better me, a better community, and even stretch as far as to include hope for a better world. Using those words in tandem will allow me to:

                                               "Live for today,
                                                 Learn from yesterday,
                                                 Hope for tomorrow."

Keep adapting my friends!

                                                         

                                       

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

EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS

"Would you like to go to Little Rock, Arkansas?"  This was music to my ears and if it was the appropriate place and time, I would have done a gratitude dance. This is one of the places on my ever-growing list of places that I would like to visit.  Of course not everyone knows about my list and my desire to visit each of the children I sponsor through Children International and ChidFundInternational, two USA based organizations. Anyone who desires, can sponsor children in need so that they can stay in school and one day become self-sufficient.  Your monthly donation is used to provide a nutritious meal, sometimes the only one for the day; to purchase clothing and footwear, ensure that they can see a Doctor or Dentist to help keep them well and provide an afterschool setting, where they can do their homework and other extracurricular activities.  This support has made a big difference in their lives, giving them an opportunity to become healthy, educated and ready to face the world.

This year, when this National Nutrition Conference convenes in Little Rock, Arkansas, we will discuss issues around food insecurity and keeping the nation healthy.  Even in the wealthiest nation, there are households that struggle to provide for their kids basic needs.  My plan is to visit all six(6) of the children I sponsor, who live in different countries. I have not set a timetable, I just plan on letting this happen and when the time is ripe, I would set out on these special journeys. I have visited two (2) young girls in Zambia and promised to be back when they have graduated from High School.  I was fortunate enough last year to visit a young man in Ecuador, who I sponsored for many years. He had graduated from High School and is now employed and has set his eyes on furthering his studies. I am eyeing India and Honduras where two (2) other of my sponsored children dwell and I know for sure that one day I will get a chance to take these trips.
 "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?" said Dr. Martin Luther King.  My most humble response is "not enough, but I am trying."

So in my off time at the conference, the Children International organization is planning to give me a tour of their facility and a chance to meet my sponsored child, Lizbeth and her family.  These trips are always filled with anticipation and wonder. "What will we talk about?"  Yet, even the places where English is a foreign language, we have connected well, amazed that after years of letter writing, we are meeting face to face.

My purpose in this life is always to better myself and the world around us.  My way to achieve this is through patience, to be as generous as life permits, not only giving money but also time to serve those in need, to be humble, to show compassion and do the simple things in life that bring joy and peace. I am planning to purchase my favorite Dr. Seuss book, "Oh, the places you'll go" to take along for this child to whom I always send words of encouragement when we write to each other.  I encourage all my sponsored children to stay in school, study hard, because this is their ticket out of poverty.

                                "What makes the river so restful to people is
                                  that it doesn't have any doubt - it is sure to
                                  get where it is going, and it doesn't want
                                  to go anywhere else."

                                                                  Hal Boyle

I will certainly bring you up to speed after my return.

START SOMETHING NEW ~~~~ GIVE EQUAL TIME TO WOES AND BLISS

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!

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!

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