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.