17 days!

Alexa

March 13, 2014

Seventeen days out and I still can’t wrap my mind around the fact that we’re leaving our homes to go out and spread the love. Seventeen days. I’ve never been more excited about anything, and I know, in my heart, that this is an extraordinary opportunity. Not only am I crossing days off of my calendar in excitement, but I’m also constantly thinking about the shining faces of the kids in Jamaica. I imagine that they are just as thrilled as we are.

I saw a quote by Anne Frank: “How wonderful that no one need wait a single moment to improve the world.” Exactly. I realize we’re waiting days until we get on the plane, but since the moment we conceived this project, we’ve been working on improving the world.

        Part of why I’m so passionate about this is that not only are we going out to help people, but we are going out to experience something that is life changing. It’s pure love, and it’s not everywhere you can find it. Hopefully we can make a big difference in the community there and create a ripple effect of generosity and the desire to help other people. I always thought that you had to find inspiration in other people, but I know, now, that our own thoughts and actions can inspire us to continue doing what we love – helping! Hopefully, it also inspires others to join in and spread the love!

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “It is one of the beautiful compensations of this life that no one can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.” I’ve only begun to learn this lesson as we’ve raised funds and planned the project. I eagerly await truly feeling the depth of this quote as we fly back home, our minds filled with memories.

Furthermore, it’s hard to learn about and explore different cultures without spending time with them. This adventure is an especially unique one because we have the chance to spend time with kids just like us from a different country, and we are helping their school simultaneously!

This has also been a wonderful learning experience because along the way, we’ve gained experience in fundraising, planning, and project management skills, experiences that we can carry with us throughout our lives to continue making a difference in the lives of others.

I leave you with this powerful message by St. Francis of Assisi: “Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received – only what you have given: a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.”

Seventeen days. Just seventeen more.