The Power of One

I have finally figured out how to post on a blog. I know, it is sad when your mother is more computer savvy than someone who's generation is supposed to be defined by this characteristic. But I am making headway! I still do not know how to send page invites on facebook though. Again, I'll have to get my mom to show me how that works.

The reason for this very interesting and lengthy post is to tell all of our many followers, four, about our exciting trip to Oregon on Friday. We were planning on departing at ten o'clock, but falling into a common stereotype of women, we didn't leave until one o'clock. We spent three magical hours cuddled up together in the car all of the way to Portland. But it was definitely worth the wait, we got to see Becky Douglas, the Founder of Rising Star, speak about her work and the volunteers in India. This quote by Edward Everett Hale was the theme throughout her presentation:

I am only one,
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.

My mom and I both were excited to get to meet her before our trip. She is a powerful speaker and is passionate about helping those in the leprosy colonies of India. I felt honored to get to meet her, almost like she was a celebrity or the next Mother Teresa. My mom says that if she was nearby she "would definitely be friends with her". We got a big group hug from her, I still have not washed that dress. Haha.

Her presentation focused on the goals of Rising Star and how the organization begun. A lot of what she spoke about we already knew, but it was a much different experience hearing it directly from her. She spoke about how just touching the people with leprosy can be a gift in itself. Living in a place where they are considered "untouchable", it can change the way they perceive themselves by having someone reach out and hug them. The presentation was a great motivator for us to finish our fundraising because we now have a better idea of the talented, hard-working, beautiful people that we will be helping.

Another speaker that we listened to was a twenty year old college student named Martha. She volunteered last summer and shared her experiences with the children and the leprosy affected. Having been strongly affected by her three weeks in India, we saw how great of an experience we are currently anticipating. After the presentations, we spoke to Martha and she gave us advice about what to pack and some fundraising ideas.

On our way home from Portland, Oregon, my mom and I had a lot to talk about. We are excited to help in even a small way. But I have a feeling, that this trip may make an even larger impact on us.

Wow! All I can say is Wow!

Yesterday we received our statement from Rising Star updating us on the progress we have made so far in our fundraising efforts.  I am happy to say that we have made it to our halfway mark!  Our goal is $3500.  I have been touched by the support and generosity of our family and friends. I will not say amazed as I know that we associate and surround ourselves with some of the best people anyone could ask for.  You all know who you are!  Quincy and I are sending ((((BIG HUGS))) your way.  This is a short post but I felt that I needed to show gratitude to our February sponsors.  Thanks for joining us in the journey.  We still need to keep up our momentum and continue on this last leg of the fundraising efforts.  Wish us luck! 

Thank you, Silverdale Rotary!

      Quincy and I finally broke the ice and approached the business community this past Thursday at the Silverdale Hotel.  We were so grateful to be able to set up a table outside of the weekly Silverdale Rotary Club meeting with the hopes of creating awareness and getting donations.  Scott Park introduced us as his guest and bought us lunch (thanks!).  We got to listen to two wonderful presentations about  rotarians going to Africa and the Dominican Republic spreading goodwill through service.  I like how this organization reaches out to our communities but also crosses borders in making life better for those less fortunate.
     Quincy put a lot of effort into a nice presentation board that represented Rising Star outreach's mission.  We provided brochures explaining why we have chosen this cause and encouraged people to support us in our efforts. We even sweetened the table up with free cupcakes.  Many nice people came up and showed interest in what we had to say and took information with them.   Sheriff Steve Boyer gave us his card and wrote "Quincy, You are impressive!" on it.  It made her smile.  Those little things really matter.  Thank you, Silverdale Rotary!