My blog today isn’t about recruiting or sales because I believe it’s good to weave in some “giving back” along with our work. I’m going to share a story that I hope inspires you to pay it forward, do something nice for someone who isn’t expecting it and just be thankful for what you have. It’s funny because as parents, we want to inspire our kids, but today I’m inspired by my two daughters and wanted to share a great story of how THEY inspired me. I feel good about these Generation Z’ers.
My girls are preparing for their Bat Mitzvah next weekend and as part of their Bat Mitzvah they participated in a Mitzvah project (volunteering to help others). Their project was an amazing experience for all of us. They volunteered to be part of a service program with Children’s Global Alliance. A local non-profit whose objective is to provide service learning for children ages 12 -16 in some of the world’s most poverty stricken countries. They had to earn $1500 to pay for their trip, complete 15 hours of community service, learn some Spanish and sign language. They went to Nicaragua during their Spring Break with 3 chaperones and 8 other kids to work at a school for disabled children. They were also required to blog before and during their trip. Here are a few snippets from their blogs: This opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Today in Rivas, Nicaragua, it was 98 degrees. Everywhere you looked it’s green. I am not here to go to the beach. I am here to go to Esucuala Especial Sor Maria Romero, a school with children that are disabled. I, along with 9 others, cleaned the school and now we are teaching the kids for the rest of the week. “To the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world.” I hope someone on this trip thinks about me like this. Today was filled with happiness, sorrow, and anger. The happiness was the experience we had with these kids, the sorrow and anger is because we are leaving tomorrow. We danced, smashed a piñata, ate and of course said our good byes to all the children. It was so hard to let go of all the hugs. Tears dripped down my face as each hug slipped away. On the bus they leave us. There are no words to explain how much I love these children. I will never see them again but I will always remember them in my heart. I hope I will always be in their hearts as well, helping them through the hard times, while remembering the good times. May all my prayers impact their lives. Every meal I eat, I will think of them. The kisses and hugs I got from the children will always warm me with love, and never leave me. I will always remember them and love them. “Life is not about going to school, getting a job and finding the love of your life, but to find others in need of your life.” This quote relates to my trip here because I am taking my life and changing others. Each moment I spent with them is an amazing memory I will cherish forever. We gave everyone food and to see their faces when they got it was amazing. They seemed very thankful and I was happy to see them enjoying every moment. When it came time to say goodbye I just wanted to pack them all in my suitcase and take them home with me. “One smile can start a friendship; One word can end a fight; One look can solve a relationship; One individual can change your life.” What can I say now but WOW – these words came from my twin daughters, 13 years old that had an amazing experience helping others, not getting new clothes or hanging out with their friends, but helping people who have very little and are so grateful for the littlest things – friendship from others, a hug or kiss from an American in a foreign country. If we could each learn something from our kids and put an effort in to helping others, think what a difference we could make. As I said in the beginning, I’m inspired and hope I’ve inspired you too! P.S. The photo is of the 10 kids on their last day at the beach enjoying one day before heading home. Can’t you feel their happiness?