I am realizing more and more how amazing the people are that I met along my journey to Africa, in Africa and coming home from Africa. From the amazing couple I sat by on the plane, to the children in Africa to the man from Estonia who had to rearrange his flights home, as I did. I met so many amazing volunteers from all over the world and got to share some once in a lifetime moments with them that I know I will never forget. I met strangers and became close with them in a matter of minutes and I love life so much for that. Those chance encounters that happen, the moments that wouldn't have happened if you would have waited seconds longer to do that thing you had to do. The relationships that happen when you get the courage to simply say hello to someone, never even thinking that it was possible for that stranger to make such a big impact in your life. It's those moments in time that I live for.
I could even back this topic up to before my departure from America. I waited a long time for this trip and I still find it hard to believe that I went all the way to Africa and accomplished my biggest dream. All of that was made possible by my initiative. There were steps I had to make on my own and there were steps I had to make with the help of many others. I signed up, found a flight and took the steps I needed to take. Hell yeah I was scared and there were times I doubted myself but I kept on going and dreaming. I also took the initiative by asking many questions because I knew I couldn't organize this trip on my own. Everyone on this planet has knowledge to share with others and when asked to do so most people will jump at the opportunity to help. So many people want to help others succeed, they just need to be aware of what it is they can help with. It starts with you, but you are never alone.
To think that if I wouldn't have been brave on my first day at the orphanage, that I wouldn't have met Ishmael, the boy who single-handedly has changed my life. Because I took the initiative to talk with him and his friend, despite being a bit nervous about how they would react to me, I was able to show him that I was open to getting to know him if he so desired. After that day, he and I grew so close. It wasn't even two weeks later that he gave me a letter thanking me for "everything I had done," and that he loved me. I was shocked. I hadn't felt like I had done anything huge, but my simple interest in talking with him had proven so much to him. From that moment on I realized what was really important when being with the kids, to revel in every moment I got to simply sit with them. I realized that it meant just as much if not more to me, just being with them was pure magic. I realized that it was up to me to take the initiative in showing my interest in them. After all, I was the one who was coming into their home and if I didn't let them know I wanted to spend time with them they weren't going to come up and beg me for it.
Now that I am home, I recognize that it can be unnerving putting yourself on the line with "strangers" but I also recognize the importance of reaching out to others no matter the discomfort I feel. This is something I am still working on every single day. The fear of rejection of any kind is scary but I know that the amazing connections I have been able to make with "strangers" heavily outweighs the times I have ever been turned down. This is my encouragement to anyone reading this; go for it. Say what you want to say, to whoever it is you want to say it to. Wave hello. Make eye contact and smile. Give that person your number, I know you can do it! Take the initiative to be heard and most importantly to be felt.
*If you have a story that this entry reminds you of and you would like to share it, please feel free to email me. I would love to hear your story, whoever you may be. [email protected]
I could even back this topic up to before my departure from America. I waited a long time for this trip and I still find it hard to believe that I went all the way to Africa and accomplished my biggest dream. All of that was made possible by my initiative. There were steps I had to make on my own and there were steps I had to make with the help of many others. I signed up, found a flight and took the steps I needed to take. Hell yeah I was scared and there were times I doubted myself but I kept on going and dreaming. I also took the initiative by asking many questions because I knew I couldn't organize this trip on my own. Everyone on this planet has knowledge to share with others and when asked to do so most people will jump at the opportunity to help. So many people want to help others succeed, they just need to be aware of what it is they can help with. It starts with you, but you are never alone.
To think that if I wouldn't have been brave on my first day at the orphanage, that I wouldn't have met Ishmael, the boy who single-handedly has changed my life. Because I took the initiative to talk with him and his friend, despite being a bit nervous about how they would react to me, I was able to show him that I was open to getting to know him if he so desired. After that day, he and I grew so close. It wasn't even two weeks later that he gave me a letter thanking me for "everything I had done," and that he loved me. I was shocked. I hadn't felt like I had done anything huge, but my simple interest in talking with him had proven so much to him. From that moment on I realized what was really important when being with the kids, to revel in every moment I got to simply sit with them. I realized that it meant just as much if not more to me, just being with them was pure magic. I realized that it was up to me to take the initiative in showing my interest in them. After all, I was the one who was coming into their home and if I didn't let them know I wanted to spend time with them they weren't going to come up and beg me for it.
Now that I am home, I recognize that it can be unnerving putting yourself on the line with "strangers" but I also recognize the importance of reaching out to others no matter the discomfort I feel. This is something I am still working on every single day. The fear of rejection of any kind is scary but I know that the amazing connections I have been able to make with "strangers" heavily outweighs the times I have ever been turned down. This is my encouragement to anyone reading this; go for it. Say what you want to say, to whoever it is you want to say it to. Wave hello. Make eye contact and smile. Give that person your number, I know you can do it! Take the initiative to be heard and most importantly to be felt.
*If you have a story that this entry reminds you of and you would like to share it, please feel free to email me. I would love to hear your story, whoever you may be. [email protected]