This morning I woke to spend some time to read a book that I have found very interesting, informative and can relate to. The Blue Sweater by Jacqueline Novogratz. Something just jumped out at me and and I said.... "That's me... ding ding ding. That's it in a nutshell". I've been trying to figure out for a few days how I can go back to Africa and raise a family in America. Young children that will someday hopefully go to college and running a home require some organization and love. I always say... why ask for a hut when you can have a mansion. Let me first quote what I read and maybe you'll understand more.
" Still, I longed for the colors of Africa, the smells of cooking over an open fire......I missed the simple way that people embraced one another, the way they always asked about your family, you day, your health before discussing business, the way children waved their hands back and forth, like little Japanese fans aflutter. I missed bargaining for everything. I missed the optimism and resilency of so many Africans I knew. I missed finding beauty in everyday things I even missed the rotten roads in Rwanda, as my frined Ginette had predicted as she drove me to the airort in Kigali on bumpy, muddy streets full of potholes Most of all, I missed feeling useful."
So... I humbly reached out to Africans and Africa touched my heart beyond what words can possibly describe. We have an incredible abundance here in America and we take so much for granted that others truly do not have.
I am going to host a shoe drive in an attempt to collect the most pairs of shoes for the next 5 months. So, if you have old shoes... get them to me. My goal is 50,000 pair in the next 5 months. I've got lots of ideas and many people have said you'll never do it. I say... watch me.
Why old shoes? Disease is spread in Africa because many times people simply do not own a pair of shoes. Soles 4 Souls believes in micro-business. What happens is Soles 4 Souls allows Africans to make their own investment in shoes and repay shoe distributors after they sell them for a fraction of the cost. The African people then learn that they can make a living working instead of waiting for charity organizations to hand out. I've also heard it referred to as a "Hand Up not a Hand Out".
So... I've got my list in hand of people and place to contact here in the US and I'm going for it. If I can collect the most shoes for Soles 4 Souls in the next five months, then I can go back to Africa on another shoe distribution trip. I'm still working on how to market the news, but I believe this is going to be my full time job for the next few months. God says you can move mountains, but you better bring a shovel. So, I've got my shovel in hand and I'm going to ask my friends to help me move a mountain.
I feel energized and recharged. Have a great weekend all.
Hugs
Rachel
