This has been a week of storytelling. I've heard tales of adventure as well as a unique account of investment, first sparked by discarded bottles and pop cans. Then there was the opportunity to experience the excitement of back yard gardening.
I began my working week by conducting an interview with a gracious octogenarian who, more than 50 years ago, chose to launch her career as a teacher in Ethiopia. It was, as she described it, a time when females weren't deemed worthy of education. Or of much else, for that matter. Her eyes conveyed her lingering passion for that mission. Since returning to North America and settling down in our city, she discovered yet another opportunity to support and encourage children around the world. That's where the cans and bottles come in.
Back then environmental issues definitely were less than headliners and people carelessly tossed cans and bottles most anywhere. Displeased with the mess that had been created she began picking them up, sorting them in her backyard garage and then redeeming them for cash. She'd write down the dates and the amounts, then send the money to organizations such as Samaritan's Purse. After the first $70,000 she stopped counting. The story doesn't end there because she continues to invest in orphanages around the world.
Then there was the story of a young family that has chosen to convert a non-descript backyard and driveway into a showcase of home grown fruit and vegetables. Their investment into the health of their five children and of their community is also a story to be proclaimed.
Whether it is in our personal lives, our community involvement or our business and professional life, what we are speaks far louder than what we say.
There're so many stories to be told, and lived. What's demonstrated through mine? Yours?
