Happy World Water Day!!!
You may or may not know that each March 22 since 1993 the globe has celebrated World Water Day. This year's theme for the global observance is water quality, aimed at raising awareness that even seemingly water secure areas may in fact be water-deprived. Think of the magnificent flowing rivers that upon further reflection are too contaminated from sewage, bathing, manufacturing, and other harmful practices to provide a safe water source for the villages that depend on the river for survival.
The UNEP World Water Day site states "Every year, more people die from the consequences of unsafe water than from all forms of violence, including war. Every year, the contamination of water resources within natural habitats affects us all directly by destroying fresh water fisheries, affecting food production and spreading sickness and disease. Clean, safe, and adequate freshwater is vital to the survival of all living organisms and the smooth functioning of ecosystems, communities, and economies. However, the quality of the world’s water is increasingly threatened as human populations grow, industrial and agricultural activities expand, and climate change threatens to cause major alterations of the hydrologic cycle."
Please take a few minutes today to think about what you have done recently to promote clean water sources in your community.
On a related note, as many of you know, this year I have pledged to do my part to help improve access to clean water supplies in developing countries by running with Team Blue Planet. This past Saturday I pounded the pavement around Annapolis for four miles towards my goal to encourage friends and family to donate $3000 this year to Blue Planet Run Foundation who then invests 100% of the donations in providing clean water access to the developing world. The run was ironically called the Four Rivers Four Mile Maryland Day Run. While most of Maryland enjoys access to safe drinking water, we are not without our own problems in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed thanks to harmful environmental practices. I encourage you to visit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation website at www.cbf.org to learn more about the challengese our own water resources face and ways you can make a difference locally.
Thank you to all of you who have so far donated to this cause! WATER IS LIFE, PASS IT ON!!!
22 March 2010
01 January 2010
Water is life...
Happy New Year! I'm sure that all my friends and family have set goals for 2010 - perhaps to lose weight, get in touch with old friends, do more to ensure a healthy body, finally clean out the attic, or any number of a million other goals people set for the new year. I also set goals. This year my goals include getting back down to my size and fitness level from 2005, recycling more, and doing my part to improve one of the greatest challenges to global health and economic prosperity - ensure clean drinking water. Will you help me?
Unsafe drinking water is the world’s leading cause of sickness and death, places a barrier between women and girls to accessing basic education and also keeps families in poverty. Yet it is a simple problem for us to solve. Around the world, but primarily in Africa, I have witnessed what happens in communities that are water deprived and seen the great joy and growth in responsibilities in communities that have received the ability and management tools to access a lifetime supply of clean water through the generosity of organizations and countries from all different walks of life.
Few know that just $30 provides one person with a lifetime of safe drinking water...that's just two large pizzas from Dominos, or six lattes from Starbucks or means that you buy one sweater from Target instead of Macy's or Ann Taylor. For my part, I am running in 2010 with "Team Blue" to raise $3000 for water projects supported by the Blue Planet Run Foundation. As part of "Team Blue," I have dedicated a significant amount of time and energy towards creating access to safe drinking water for the billion people in need around the world.
Will you help support this worthy cause? If you would like to help me reach my fundraising goal to provide clean drinking water to 100 men, women and children in 2010, lace up your shoes and join "Team Blue" or visit my fundraising page at https://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5505/t/3491/my/donate.jsp?supporter_my_donate_page_KEY=1091. Every penny makes a difference.
Want to track my racing this year or join me for one of these runs to raise money for clean water? Below is a VERY tentative schedule of what I have on tap for 2010. I look forward to your support.
Water is life...pass it on!
02/13/2010 - Valentine's Day 5K
03/07/2010 - B&A Trail Half Marathon
03/27/2010 - Run to Register 10K
04/03/2010 - MARSOC Cross Country 10K Mud Run
04/11/2010 - Cherry Pit Ten Miler
06/05/2010 - North Face Endurance Challenge 50K
06/12/2010 - Crossroads 17.75K
06/20/2010 - Dawson's Father's Day 10K
07/10/2010 - Women's Distance Festival 5K
07/17/2010 - John Wall Mile
07/24/2010 - MARSOC Run the Beach 8K
07/31/2010 - Blue Crab Bolt 10K Trail Series #1
08/01/2010 - Dog Days 8K
08/14/2010 - Blue Crab Bolt 10K Trail Series #2
08/28/2010 - Blue Crab Bolt 10K Trail Series #3
08/29/2010 - Annapolis Ten Mile Run
09/11/2010 - Mantua Potato Stomp
10/03/2010 - Metric Marathon
10/09/2010 - Warrior Dash
10/16/2010 - Beirut Memorial 10K
10/24/2010 - Army Ten Miler
11/06/2010 - Down's Park 5 Mile
11/07/2010 - Battleship North Carolina Half Marathon
11/21/2010 - Cold Turkey 10K
Unsafe drinking water is the world’s leading cause of sickness and death, places a barrier between women and girls to accessing basic education and also keeps families in poverty. Yet it is a simple problem for us to solve. Around the world, but primarily in Africa, I have witnessed what happens in communities that are water deprived and seen the great joy and growth in responsibilities in communities that have received the ability and management tools to access a lifetime supply of clean water through the generosity of organizations and countries from all different walks of life.
Few know that just $30 provides one person with a lifetime of safe drinking water...that's just two large pizzas from Dominos, or six lattes from Starbucks or means that you buy one sweater from Target instead of Macy's or Ann Taylor. For my part, I am running in 2010 with "Team Blue" to raise $3000 for water projects supported by the Blue Planet Run Foundation. As part of "Team Blue," I have dedicated a significant amount of time and energy towards creating access to safe drinking water for the billion people in need around the world.
Will you help support this worthy cause? If you would like to help me reach my fundraising goal to provide clean drinking water to 100 men, women and children in 2010, lace up your shoes and join "Team Blue" or visit my fundraising page at https://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5505/t/3491/my/donate.jsp?supporter_my_donate_page_KEY=1091. Every penny makes a difference.
Want to track my racing this year or join me for one of these runs to raise money for clean water? Below is a VERY tentative schedule of what I have on tap for 2010. I look forward to your support.
Water is life...pass it on!
02/13/2010 - Valentine's Day 5K
03/07/2010 - B&A Trail Half Marathon
03/27/2010 - Run to Register 10K
04/03/2010 - MARSOC Cross Country 10K Mud Run
04/11/2010 - Cherry Pit Ten Miler
06/05/2010 - North Face Endurance Challenge 50K
06/12/2010 - Crossroads 17.75K
06/20/2010 - Dawson's Father's Day 10K
07/10/2010 - Women's Distance Festival 5K
07/17/2010 - John Wall Mile
07/24/2010 - MARSOC Run the Beach 8K
07/31/2010 - Blue Crab Bolt 10K Trail Series #1
08/01/2010 - Dog Days 8K
08/14/2010 - Blue Crab Bolt 10K Trail Series #2
08/28/2010 - Blue Crab Bolt 10K Trail Series #3
08/29/2010 - Annapolis Ten Mile Run
09/11/2010 - Mantua Potato Stomp
10/03/2010 - Metric Marathon
10/09/2010 - Warrior Dash
10/16/2010 - Beirut Memorial 10K
10/24/2010 - Army Ten Miler
11/06/2010 - Down's Park 5 Mile
11/07/2010 - Battleship North Carolina Half Marathon
11/21/2010 - Cold Turkey 10K
11 September 2009
The Vote of Women Does Matter....
(This article appears in the September newsletter for the Junior League of Annapolis)
WOMEN BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES: Afghan Women Remind Us Why Voting is Important
By Stacie Oliver
In the coming months, Annapolitans will go to the polls to elect a new mayor. The primary will be held September 15th and the general election will occur November 3rd. Many of you may not be planning to vote for a number of reasons – “I just don’t have the time,” “I don’t know any of the candidates,” “who really cares,” or “my vote doesn’t matter anyway.” You couldn’t be more wrong – one way women contribute to building better communities is by participating in the selection of leadership. I was reminded of just how important the women’s vote is last month in Afghanistan.
I recently served as an International Election Observer in Herat, Afghanistan during the presidential and provincial council elections on August 20, 2009. It was an honor and privilege to observe the enthusiasm shown by women as they went to the polls to exercise the hard-fought right to select their local and national leadership for only the second time in their history. Women defied the threats of the Taliban and other dangerous warlords to make their voice heard. They lined up at the polls as early as 4:30 a.m. to ensure they had the time to cast their ballot before being restricted to their homes for family duties the remainder of the day.
Why did these women come out to vote? I asked many that question and was impressed by their reasons – “I want to have a say in who runs my country,” “it is my obligation to participate if I want democracy to flourish,” “I want to set an example for my daughter that women should not be intimidated,” and “I am excited to be part of my country’s history.” Yes, some of the women said they were afraid that the polling centers may be bombed but they also said that they needed to not let those that view women as possessions win and keep them home. Nor did they want to forget that democracy came with rights and obligations for participation.
Hopefully we can be inspired by the courage and conviction of the women of Afghanistan in the coming election season and beyond – I know I have been. Each vote cast truly does make a difference in more ways than the final vote count.
WOMEN BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES: Afghan Women Remind Us Why Voting is Important
By Stacie Oliver
In the coming months, Annapolitans will go to the polls to elect a new mayor. The primary will be held September 15th and the general election will occur November 3rd. Many of you may not be planning to vote for a number of reasons – “I just don’t have the time,” “I don’t know any of the candidates,” “who really cares,” or “my vote doesn’t matter anyway.” You couldn’t be more wrong – one way women contribute to building better communities is by participating in the selection of leadership. I was reminded of just how important the women’s vote is last month in Afghanistan.
I recently served as an International Election Observer in Herat, Afghanistan during the presidential and provincial council elections on August 20, 2009. It was an honor and privilege to observe the enthusiasm shown by women as they went to the polls to exercise the hard-fought right to select their local and national leadership for only the second time in their history. Women defied the threats of the Taliban and other dangerous warlords to make their voice heard. They lined up at the polls as early as 4:30 a.m. to ensure they had the time to cast their ballot before being restricted to their homes for family duties the remainder of the day.
Why did these women come out to vote? I asked many that question and was impressed by their reasons – “I want to have a say in who runs my country,” “it is my obligation to participate if I want democracy to flourish,” “I want to set an example for my daughter that women should not be intimidated,” and “I am excited to be part of my country’s history.” Yes, some of the women said they were afraid that the polling centers may be bombed but they also said that they needed to not let those that view women as possessions win and keep them home. Nor did they want to forget that democracy came with rights and obligations for participation.
Hopefully we can be inspired by the courage and conviction of the women of Afghanistan in the coming election season and beyond – I know I have been. Each vote cast truly does make a difference in more ways than the final vote count.
19 July 2009
The Power of Service
Several weeks ago I was asked if I would deliver the sermon at church one Sunday in July. Our minister would be having a hip replaced and needed folks to fill in. While I've given many speeches and sat on several panels, I've never tried to talk about something that would impact the whole room.
It was a little nerve-wracking thinking people might go to brunch and discuss what I had to say - would it matter, would it be bad. In coming up with a topic, I remembered what I was told in high school when preparing for a speech competition - talk about what you know. So I asked myself - what do I know about that the church congregation would find interesting? And then it came to me...United Methodists are a service-oriented group of people and I have done my fair share of service.
Below is the sermon I delivered...
THE POWER OF SERVICE
Delivered by Stacie L. Oliver
12 July 2009
What is service and why should we serve others? Throughout the bible, God calls upon us to serve those in need and informs us that our service, if given selflessly and joyfully, will be rewarded in great measure. That service can take many shapes – as well illustrated by the many types of service performed by members of our own congregation – you can provide a service to someone in need by donating to a charity organization that teaches less fortunate families sustainable agriculture such as Heifer International, you can serve a meal in a local homeless shelter such as the Prince Georges Men’s Shelter, the Lighthouse Shelter in Annapolis or here in our own church during Warm Nights at Christmas, you can provide a service by pitching in to repair houses like our high school youth will be doing in another week at the Appalachian Service Project or when our congregation participates in Christmas in April, you can provide a service by teaching children in a developing country, the list is endless.
Early in my own life, thanks to my mother, my church, my school, I learned the importance and joy of serving others which has afforded me the opportunity to observe and understand the power of service in my own life and the lives around me. I recently returned from a trip to four nations in Africa to observe the work of organizations and individuals working with those who have HIV/AIDS, those living in remote villages, and those suffering in conflict zones. So today, though I could come up with as many or more examples from within our own community, I’d like to talk about some of the impacts of service I witnessed and found to be powerful experiences in those four African nations.
Service has the power to change the individual being served. Kenya is a nation in east Africa that is slightly smaller than the size of Texas. While economically the country is considered a reasonable success, social policy has left many people behind. One group that suffers greatly, and often silently, is orphaned children that are HIV positive. In particular, I met a young 12 year old boy named Reagan. Reagan’s mother died several months earlier of AIDS leaving him and his 5 year old sister with no known family, nowhere to go and both HIV-positive. Reagan was so malnourished and ravaged by disease that he was close to death when Sister Mary Owens, of the Institute of the Blessed Mary and the executive director of Nyumbani Orphanage, found him and his sister scavenging for food on a dump.
Sister Mary took Reagan and his sister to the Nyumbani orphanage – which only serves orphaned children that are HIV positive and is largely funded by the generosity of Americans – and provided Reagan with food, medical care, and most importantly, the insurance that someone cares about him. (Incidentally, Nyumbani means “home” in Swahili.) Three weeks after he was first brought to the orphanage is when I met him. He was still weak, and in fact resembled a 6 or 7 year old boy more than the 12 years old that he was, but Reagan would live….most importantly, Reagan was able to do something he felt impossible just weeks earlier – smile knowing someone finally cared about what happened to him.
Service has the power to change a community. In Tanzania, another coastal nation in East Africa roughly the size of Texas and New Mexico combined, we visited a village in the Bunju administrative district. Bunju is merely an hour outside of the capitol city of Dar Es Salaam, yet the village we visited in Bunju has no electricity, no running water, and certainly no sanitation system. Employment is not readily available, so needless to say the average person in Bunju lives on less than a dollar a day. At least they used to until Access Africa entered the village.
Access Africa is a program of CARE International that focuses on teaching mostly female populations how to operate a village savings and loan system (called a VSNL) to lift themselves out of poverty. In addition to helping women access markets with their handi-crafts and services, Access Africa professionals and volunteers taught a small number of women in Bunju to build a small scale cooperative “bank” that requires the purchasing of “shares” with a small weekly contribution. When a member needs a loan one is provided and paid back with low interest. The program has generated unexpected savings rates in areas where previously families had no savings. In fact, one entrepreneurial woman – who took full advantage of the training to access markets and participate in the VSNL – elevated her family savings from $0 in a year to a few hundred, which meant they could buy better food or school uniforms for their children. The village now operates five VSNL groups for women.
Service has the power to change a nation. Rwanda is a small, green, mountainous African country roughly the size of our own state of Maryland. Landing in the capitol city of Kigali today, you would be hard pressed to believe that just fifteen years ago, nearly one million people were murdered in a one hundred day period in a horrible genocide. Kigali and the surrounding villages are litter-free, and shows pride of community. Even more difficult to believe is that a nation that experiences this type of affront to our basic humanity could somehow turn around and become a relatively peaceful nation. Multiple factors are certainly at play here, but one of the more powerful is a concept called Umuganda Day.
Once a month, on the third Saturday of the month, all Rwandas are called (required) to perform service in their communities aimed to contribute to the improvement of those communities and to rebuild sense of community. Businesses close and tourist operations shut down as whole families stand side-by-side with their neighbors – those that were victims and those that perpetrated crimes in the genocide – to paint communal fences, dig ditches, aide invalids, construct roads, and so on. Following the half day of work, the whole community meets together to discuss topics that will help improve their community ranging from environmental stewardship to community security watch programs.
In planning recent work travel, my colleague and I discovered that we would be in Rwanda on Umuganda Day and we asked our embassy to arrange for our participation in a project. We wanted to experience first-hand how the basic act of community service has served as a tool for reconciliation in a country. So on Umuganda Saturday, we loaded up into vans and climbed the uneven dirt roads up Mount Kigali to a small village that was widening a road and digging new ditches. My boss, who started his professional life sweating daily as a construction worker, was the hero of the day when he worked diligently side-by-side with a small group of Rwandan men who were digging a rather pesky tree stump out of the middle of the road. And, let me tell you, though watching me wield a pick ax to dig out a ditch is quite an amusing site, the experience was life changing. As I stated earlier, Umuganda day exempts no one and a rape victim or the single survivor of a large family was often digging with a shovel peacefully alongside a genocidaire – the man that may have murdered a member of their family or their neighbor. This is a powerful image and true testament that you can overcome adversity and rebuild your community together.
On our way to the community meeting, we had the opportunity to speak with some of the villagers. Americans, let alone white people, just don’t show up for Umuganda Saturday. In fact it was the first time our embassy personnel had ever participated. With this knowledge as the backdrop, I came to understand the impact of our own contribution that day. A young man, probably in his late 20s or early 30s walked down the hill with me. He was rather unique in that he spoke English – very few average Rwandans do. He turned to me and asked “did you come from the United States?” My response was yes. He expanded “did you come from the United States to help us today?” Again, my response was “yes, we really wanted to work with you.” What really touched me personally and forever was what he next said “thank you, thank you for helping us, it is very important.”
Perhaps as important as changing an individual, community or a nation, service has the power to change and reward the individual serving others. The bible has some interesting things to say about the personal rewards of service. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-13 the bible tells us 6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
While I can speak for no one but myself, I can say with certainty that my life is made richer by each person I serve. From little Reagan at the Nyumbani Orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya to the families that we serve during Warm Nights, that many would wrongly say that we are the ones who “help” those individuals, I truly feel that they have helped me. That said, I have no doubt that we could spend several hours sharing stories within this sanctuary of the profound impact community service has had on each of our lives. In fact, let’s have a show of hands. How many of you perform regular service to a population in need or have participated in a community service project at some point in the past five years? Now keep your hands up if you felt personally impacted or rewarded by performing that act of service? Keep your hands up and look around. God bless each of your for opening your hearts to the power of service.
I’d like to close with a prayer offered by St. Francis of Assissi:
Dear Lord, make me an instrument of your peace!
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not
So much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved;
For it is in giving that we receive;
And, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned. Amen.
It was a little nerve-wracking thinking people might go to brunch and discuss what I had to say - would it matter, would it be bad. In coming up with a topic, I remembered what I was told in high school when preparing for a speech competition - talk about what you know. So I asked myself - what do I know about that the church congregation would find interesting? And then it came to me...United Methodists are a service-oriented group of people and I have done my fair share of service.
Below is the sermon I delivered...
THE POWER OF SERVICE
Delivered by Stacie L. Oliver
12 July 2009
What is service and why should we serve others? Throughout the bible, God calls upon us to serve those in need and informs us that our service, if given selflessly and joyfully, will be rewarded in great measure. That service can take many shapes – as well illustrated by the many types of service performed by members of our own congregation – you can provide a service to someone in need by donating to a charity organization that teaches less fortunate families sustainable agriculture such as Heifer International, you can serve a meal in a local homeless shelter such as the Prince Georges Men’s Shelter, the Lighthouse Shelter in Annapolis or here in our own church during Warm Nights at Christmas, you can provide a service by pitching in to repair houses like our high school youth will be doing in another week at the Appalachian Service Project or when our congregation participates in Christmas in April, you can provide a service by teaching children in a developing country, the list is endless.
Early in my own life, thanks to my mother, my church, my school, I learned the importance and joy of serving others which has afforded me the opportunity to observe and understand the power of service in my own life and the lives around me. I recently returned from a trip to four nations in Africa to observe the work of organizations and individuals working with those who have HIV/AIDS, those living in remote villages, and those suffering in conflict zones. So today, though I could come up with as many or more examples from within our own community, I’d like to talk about some of the impacts of service I witnessed and found to be powerful experiences in those four African nations.
Service has the power to change the individual being served. Kenya is a nation in east Africa that is slightly smaller than the size of Texas. While economically the country is considered a reasonable success, social policy has left many people behind. One group that suffers greatly, and often silently, is orphaned children that are HIV positive. In particular, I met a young 12 year old boy named Reagan. Reagan’s mother died several months earlier of AIDS leaving him and his 5 year old sister with no known family, nowhere to go and both HIV-positive. Reagan was so malnourished and ravaged by disease that he was close to death when Sister Mary Owens, of the Institute of the Blessed Mary and the executive director of Nyumbani Orphanage, found him and his sister scavenging for food on a dump.
Sister Mary took Reagan and his sister to the Nyumbani orphanage – which only serves orphaned children that are HIV positive and is largely funded by the generosity of Americans – and provided Reagan with food, medical care, and most importantly, the insurance that someone cares about him. (Incidentally, Nyumbani means “home” in Swahili.) Three weeks after he was first brought to the orphanage is when I met him. He was still weak, and in fact resembled a 6 or 7 year old boy more than the 12 years old that he was, but Reagan would live….most importantly, Reagan was able to do something he felt impossible just weeks earlier – smile knowing someone finally cared about what happened to him.
Service has the power to change a community. In Tanzania, another coastal nation in East Africa roughly the size of Texas and New Mexico combined, we visited a village in the Bunju administrative district. Bunju is merely an hour outside of the capitol city of Dar Es Salaam, yet the village we visited in Bunju has no electricity, no running water, and certainly no sanitation system. Employment is not readily available, so needless to say the average person in Bunju lives on less than a dollar a day. At least they used to until Access Africa entered the village.
Access Africa is a program of CARE International that focuses on teaching mostly female populations how to operate a village savings and loan system (called a VSNL) to lift themselves out of poverty. In addition to helping women access markets with their handi-crafts and services, Access Africa professionals and volunteers taught a small number of women in Bunju to build a small scale cooperative “bank” that requires the purchasing of “shares” with a small weekly contribution. When a member needs a loan one is provided and paid back with low interest. The program has generated unexpected savings rates in areas where previously families had no savings. In fact, one entrepreneurial woman – who took full advantage of the training to access markets and participate in the VSNL – elevated her family savings from $0 in a year to a few hundred, which meant they could buy better food or school uniforms for their children. The village now operates five VSNL groups for women.
Service has the power to change a nation. Rwanda is a small, green, mountainous African country roughly the size of our own state of Maryland. Landing in the capitol city of Kigali today, you would be hard pressed to believe that just fifteen years ago, nearly one million people were murdered in a one hundred day period in a horrible genocide. Kigali and the surrounding villages are litter-free, and shows pride of community. Even more difficult to believe is that a nation that experiences this type of affront to our basic humanity could somehow turn around and become a relatively peaceful nation. Multiple factors are certainly at play here, but one of the more powerful is a concept called Umuganda Day.
Once a month, on the third Saturday of the month, all Rwandas are called (required) to perform service in their communities aimed to contribute to the improvement of those communities and to rebuild sense of community. Businesses close and tourist operations shut down as whole families stand side-by-side with their neighbors – those that were victims and those that perpetrated crimes in the genocide – to paint communal fences, dig ditches, aide invalids, construct roads, and so on. Following the half day of work, the whole community meets together to discuss topics that will help improve their community ranging from environmental stewardship to community security watch programs.
In planning recent work travel, my colleague and I discovered that we would be in Rwanda on Umuganda Day and we asked our embassy to arrange for our participation in a project. We wanted to experience first-hand how the basic act of community service has served as a tool for reconciliation in a country. So on Umuganda Saturday, we loaded up into vans and climbed the uneven dirt roads up Mount Kigali to a small village that was widening a road and digging new ditches. My boss, who started his professional life sweating daily as a construction worker, was the hero of the day when he worked diligently side-by-side with a small group of Rwandan men who were digging a rather pesky tree stump out of the middle of the road. And, let me tell you, though watching me wield a pick ax to dig out a ditch is quite an amusing site, the experience was life changing. As I stated earlier, Umuganda day exempts no one and a rape victim or the single survivor of a large family was often digging with a shovel peacefully alongside a genocidaire – the man that may have murdered a member of their family or their neighbor. This is a powerful image and true testament that you can overcome adversity and rebuild your community together.
On our way to the community meeting, we had the opportunity to speak with some of the villagers. Americans, let alone white people, just don’t show up for Umuganda Saturday. In fact it was the first time our embassy personnel had ever participated. With this knowledge as the backdrop, I came to understand the impact of our own contribution that day. A young man, probably in his late 20s or early 30s walked down the hill with me. He was rather unique in that he spoke English – very few average Rwandans do. He turned to me and asked “did you come from the United States?” My response was yes. He expanded “did you come from the United States to help us today?” Again, my response was “yes, we really wanted to work with you.” What really touched me personally and forever was what he next said “thank you, thank you for helping us, it is very important.”
Perhaps as important as changing an individual, community or a nation, service has the power to change and reward the individual serving others. The bible has some interesting things to say about the personal rewards of service. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-13 the bible tells us 6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
While I can speak for no one but myself, I can say with certainty that my life is made richer by each person I serve. From little Reagan at the Nyumbani Orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya to the families that we serve during Warm Nights, that many would wrongly say that we are the ones who “help” those individuals, I truly feel that they have helped me. That said, I have no doubt that we could spend several hours sharing stories within this sanctuary of the profound impact community service has had on each of our lives. In fact, let’s have a show of hands. How many of you perform regular service to a population in need or have participated in a community service project at some point in the past five years? Now keep your hands up if you felt personally impacted or rewarded by performing that act of service? Keep your hands up and look around. God bless each of your for opening your hearts to the power of service.
I’d like to close with a prayer offered by St. Francis of Assissi:
Dear Lord, make me an instrument of your peace!
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not
So much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved;
For it is in giving that we receive;
And, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned. Amen.
01 January 2009
Happy Marathoning....
Happy 2009! With another year behind us, and another year unfolding before us, this is generally a time to reflect on where we'd like to go. Well I'd like to go the extra mile...no seriously, I'd like to go even further with my running this year than last and will do so in approximately two and a half months.
About four years ago I was nothing more than a 5K runner...and happy to be just that. And, I happened to be pretty decent on the small race circuit. Then I entered a 5 mile run and came in second in my age bracket. That race opened a whole new world of distance running. While still running my 5Ks, I set my sites on the holy grail for distance runners....the marathon.
DC is home to the Marine Corps Marathon, which is perhaps the ultimate marathon for the casual distance runner. Without the pressure of the professional runners from Africa, I decided to enter the marathon. I trained and trained. I ran more miles than I'd ever run before, and then I ran more. On marathon day I packed the required gel shots, extra socks, and confidence in my ability to finish 26.2 miles.
Miles 1-9 were great, miles 10-16 were okay...I was still on pace to finish in about 4:15. Mile 17 killed it all for me. (I should note that my legs aren't really built for major distance running...I've always had knee and hamstring problems...this day was no different.) At mile 17 I could feel my hamstring going...pain, pain like you wouldn't believe. Did I stop? Of course not, what kind of person do you think I am? I walked a little until I found the next aid station, took a Tylenol 8 hour (I highly recommend them for the casual marathoner), gave it ten more minutes of walking to kick in and then got moving when a Marine Staff Sergeant bellowed into his bullhorn "girl in the red shorts, lets get it moving."
So I completed my first marathon in 5 hours. Rather ungracefully, though ahead of Captain America. Immediately after crossing the finish line I told my husband to make a psychiatry appointment for me if I ever signed up for another marathon. I was never doing that again.
But guess what, I did. Two years later. Only this time I stayed ahead of my hamstring and the after-marathon sore muscles.
Does that mean I plan on running another marathon? I'm a realist, so not quite. My legs can't take the wear and tear.
That said, this year I decided to up the ante. I'm checking the box of "things to do before I die" and running an ultra-marathon. Oh yes, the non-marathoner, bad legs, 5K runner is hitting the trails for a 50K. I'm definitely not doing it alone. With a couple of my running side-kicks, and a few Tylenol 8 hours in my pocket, I shall brave the trails at Susquehanna State Park on March 21. Around and around the park we go, eating our way to the finish line and fording a river (okay a stream). I shall check that box.
And on March 22, I will return to my happy life as a short long distance runner and hang up my marathon shoes FOREVER (please do remind me of this if I mention signing up for anything longer than 15 miles again).
So the moral of the story....my new year's resolution is to add more miles, complete that one and only ultra-marathon and stay healthy. Meet you on the trails as we run into 2009!
About four years ago I was nothing more than a 5K runner...and happy to be just that. And, I happened to be pretty decent on the small race circuit. Then I entered a 5 mile run and came in second in my age bracket. That race opened a whole new world of distance running. While still running my 5Ks, I set my sites on the holy grail for distance runners....the marathon.
DC is home to the Marine Corps Marathon, which is perhaps the ultimate marathon for the casual distance runner. Without the pressure of the professional runners from Africa, I decided to enter the marathon. I trained and trained. I ran more miles than I'd ever run before, and then I ran more. On marathon day I packed the required gel shots, extra socks, and confidence in my ability to finish 26.2 miles.
Miles 1-9 were great, miles 10-16 were okay...I was still on pace to finish in about 4:15. Mile 17 killed it all for me. (I should note that my legs aren't really built for major distance running...I've always had knee and hamstring problems...this day was no different.) At mile 17 I could feel my hamstring going...pain, pain like you wouldn't believe. Did I stop? Of course not, what kind of person do you think I am? I walked a little until I found the next aid station, took a Tylenol 8 hour (I highly recommend them for the casual marathoner), gave it ten more minutes of walking to kick in and then got moving when a Marine Staff Sergeant bellowed into his bullhorn "girl in the red shorts, lets get it moving."
So I completed my first marathon in 5 hours. Rather ungracefully, though ahead of Captain America. Immediately after crossing the finish line I told my husband to make a psychiatry appointment for me if I ever signed up for another marathon. I was never doing that again.
But guess what, I did. Two years later. Only this time I stayed ahead of my hamstring and the after-marathon sore muscles.
Does that mean I plan on running another marathon? I'm a realist, so not quite. My legs can't take the wear and tear.
That said, this year I decided to up the ante. I'm checking the box of "things to do before I die" and running an ultra-marathon. Oh yes, the non-marathoner, bad legs, 5K runner is hitting the trails for a 50K. I'm definitely not doing it alone. With a couple of my running side-kicks, and a few Tylenol 8 hours in my pocket, I shall brave the trails at Susquehanna State Park on March 21. Around and around the park we go, eating our way to the finish line and fording a river (okay a stream). I shall check that box.
And on March 22, I will return to my happy life as a short long distance runner and hang up my marathon shoes FOREVER (please do remind me of this if I mention signing up for anything longer than 15 miles again).
So the moral of the story....my new year's resolution is to add more miles, complete that one and only ultra-marathon and stay healthy. Meet you on the trails as we run into 2009!
07 December 2008
The first snow...
Maybe its not exactly the first flurry of the season (we had those before Thanksgiving but they never hit the ground), but the snow outside my window right now is beautiful. If you know coastal Maryland, you know we don't tend to get much significant snow accumulation. It often melts as soon as it hits the ground.
The snow outside my window is settling on the decks and lawns of my community to blanket us in white. That's what makes this morning's snow so fantastic. I doubt it will last until tomorrow, but I can enjoy it for now.
The snow outside my window is settling on the decks and lawns of my community to blanket us in white. That's what makes this morning's snow so fantastic. I doubt it will last until tomorrow, but I can enjoy it for now.
Leadership....
Since my early years, I had always considered myself a leader. I was groomed to be a leader. I took every opportunity offered me to be a leader. I have trained new leaders. But it wasn't until the past several years that I think I really understood what it meant to be a leader and the characteristics that you had to hone in order to be a successful leader.
Yes, there are good leaders and bad leaders. I think I've mostly been the former, but I'm sure there are times I've fallen well short of being the kind of individual that other people want to follow.
Yesterday at the annual Junior League of Annapolis holiday luncheon we had the pleasure of hearing from Angie Morgan on leadership. Angie Morgan was a Marine captain and is a best-selling author of a book called Leading from the Front. Angie asked us to identify who inspired us and what kinds of characteristics leaders possess.
For me, the inspiring leaders are people like Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, Jane Goodall. People with conviction, courage, and the ability to make themselves heard.
But they are also my grandfather, Mr. Brockett (yes, those from Garrettsville all had Mr. Brockett at one time or another) and Dr. Cooper (tossing one out there for the Otterbein alumni in the room). These people may not be internationally known but they provided guidance, inspiration, stability, compassion,and a moral compass. It is these folks that have had a lasting impact on who I am today and who I hope to be in the future. As I lead others, these are the people that I hope would be proud of how I approach difficult situations.
Yes, there are good leaders and bad leaders. I think I've mostly been the former, but I'm sure there are times I've fallen well short of being the kind of individual that other people want to follow.
Yesterday at the annual Junior League of Annapolis holiday luncheon we had the pleasure of hearing from Angie Morgan on leadership. Angie Morgan was a Marine captain and is a best-selling author of a book called Leading from the Front. Angie asked us to identify who inspired us and what kinds of characteristics leaders possess.
For me, the inspiring leaders are people like Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, Jane Goodall. People with conviction, courage, and the ability to make themselves heard.
But they are also my grandfather, Mr. Brockett (yes, those from Garrettsville all had Mr. Brockett at one time or another) and Dr. Cooper (tossing one out there for the Otterbein alumni in the room). These people may not be internationally known but they provided guidance, inspiration, stability, compassion,and a moral compass. It is these folks that have had a lasting impact on who I am today and who I hope to be in the future. As I lead others, these are the people that I hope would be proud of how I approach difficult situations.
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