Inspired

On Wednesday night, I was out a little bit later than usual. We had our normal Trivia Night at a local pub and I sat around chatting with some of the participants and other interns. After seeing that it was approaching 9 pm I decided it was time to start my long trek home. I always try to leave early, but always dread leaving because I know how the commute usually makes me feel. So off I went. Walked through the park. To the metro stop. Slid my card. Boarded the next speedy bus and headed on my way to my normal stop, Javier Prado. I left the metro station, as I always do, and made a bee-line for the paradero (where the combis pick up the passengers). On my down the exit ramp, I took notice of a lady that is usually sitting there selling candy. She looked like she was carrying with her all that she owns, and that night she had a little girl sleeping on the cold, hard cement next to her. I am not sure what happened--if the sight of the small child asleep made me do it--but I turned around and went back and handed her 5 soles. This is equal to about 2 dollars. She started to dig through her bag of candy getting out a handful, 5 soles worth. Which is A LOT. But instead I said, "Solo necesito uno, gracias" (I only need one, thanks). She looked up at me with surprise in her face and said, "gracias y dios bendiga" (Thank you and God bless).

As I walked away I couldn't help but feel a little smile start to form on my face. I hoped that she would be able to use that 5 soles in some way to help her get out of the situation she was in. As I continued walking, I thought how I could have given her more. At least 10 or 20 to pay for a few meals...or something. And then my head started spinning. Thinking of all the people in this world that are in similar, or worse, situations than she and her daughter were in. How can we help? What can we do? More specifically, what can I, a 23-year old individual, do? Can one person really make that big of an impact? I felt overwhelmed, as I am sure many people do when they think of the problems in our world....

As I hopped onto the bus that would take me home, I began thinking about a few organizations and people that I have heard and read about in recent weeks that ARE making a difference. And I am pretty sure at one time or another they felt overwhelmed, too. But we all have to start somewhere.

So here's a little run down of the books, blogs, and organizations that are inspiring me right now.

• TOMS shoes: As many of you know, I applied for an internship with TOMS shoes, got interviewed, and then later found out I didn't get the position. I was bummed. But obviously I am here now, and HAPPY :) What TOMS does is sell shoes to their customers and with part of the profit they receive they buy a pair of shoes for someone who needs them. It's a one-for-one business model. TOMS is a quickly growing organization that provides shoes for kids who need them, and in turn, the shoes allow kids to go to school and stay healthy. Blake McKoski started his giving business as a small project in Argentina after a brief visit to the country. The organization--after 1 million pairs of shoes given--obviously has grown immensely. You can read more about TOMS shoes here: www.TOMS.com. Inspirational? I think so...
  

• Three cups of Tea: I am currently reading this book about Greg Mortenson who was a climber and stumbled upon a small, secluded village in Northern Pakistan. After building relationships with the people who had helped him, he decided to return one day to build a school for the community. After many crazy stories and many trips back and forth to Pakistan and other countries his organization has built hundreds of schools to spread education. The idea is that education will keep kids away from falling into terrorist-like groups and will promote a better future for all. If you have been reading the news there are allegations that pieces of this book are untrue and fabricated. (Article here). This could be true? But regardless, the idea of his projects and organizations are inspiring to me. One small relationship can lead to helping thousands and thousands of people over time. Inspiring....
  

• Shine project: In my down time at work, I spend some time online. Reading blogs, mostly of friends in far off places. But through these friends I find other blogs that are inspiring. One, specifically, is called The Shine Project. This woman is creating a movement to help our world shine. She encourages weekly projects that help others, the world around us, and help you to love yourself. Because it creates a network of people who you know are doing similar projects it inspires you to do your own! I am excited to keep following this blog and see what happens next! She is touching so many people's lives just through her writing on the web. Check it out...here!
  

I want to make a difference, too. I know that all these projects have started out small. So why not me? Why can't I start small and make a difference in a few people's life. Even if the project doesn't turn out to spread like wildfire, even if I don't go on to build thousands of schools or give away 1 million shoes, I made a difference in a few people's lives. THAT is worth it.

So what I want from to do is challenge you to be inspired by these projects and other projects you have heard about. And I think we all need to help keep each other to stay accountable to helping those who need it most!
I want to start something....not sure what it will look like, who it will be helping, or how it will even begin. But I know I want to do it. So, help me by asking about my ideas, giving me ideas, and holding me accountable to my goal. While seeing one lady sitting on the sidewalk did inspire me to start thinking about how to help others, I want that drive to continue for the rest of my life!

Thank-you for reading my thoughts. After my commute home the other night, I just couldn't shake my feelings so I definitely wanted to get them down in writing. Thanks for following along. And I will be home soon! :)

Chau

"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do."
--Edward Everett Hale

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."
--Anne Frank


"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one. "
--Mother Teresa

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