TGIF

This.  This young woman.  Her story inspires me absolutely.  That she is only 29 and has done so much for so many in 10 years just knocks my socks off.

The article and interview with her is long, but worth the read.  Here is someone who followed their heart and their head.  United in love for people, she joined with locals to solve myriad social problems in a small village so very far from her hometown in New Jersey.  She has decided to use her blessings, her privilege to help others.  She knew this at age 19.  She and her partner were also smart enough to team up with locals, so projects were driven by neighbors, family, townspeople.  She accepted the wisdom of the people as to what they needed.  How rare and beautiful.

I've been looking for inspiration in these depressing times, and her story makes me realize that not all is lost.

One of my husband's daughters has also decided to eschew holiday presents this year and is encouraging those who would give to her, to give to a worthy charity instead.  I think we've decided to go with the International Rescue Committee and their funding for a year of education for a young girl across the globe.  IRC has several  other ways to give a "Rescue Gift," such as providing warm clothes for winter, and bee-keeping essentials. 

This day, I choose to give praise to those who are making the world a better place.  It's a worthy area for my attention, as opposed to giving my attention to all that is wrong right now.  It's easy to forget, especially if you are touched by mass media, that most of us are good.  That this earth is still a blessed place.  We are, and it is.

Have a wonderful weekend.

n places like Afghanistan, Congo or Lebanon, including girls in schools is critical: educated girls become smart, strong women committed to leading their communities toward stability. In Afghanistan alone, we helped educate more than 13,000 girls in 2014. $58 can supply the tuition, books and other supplies a girl needs to attend school for a year. - See more at: http://gifts.rescue.org/product/education/year-school#sthash.yuKnzbxT.dpuf

n places like Afghanistan, Congo or Lebanon, including girls in schools is critical: educated girls become smart, strong women committed to leading their communities toward stability. In Afghanistan alone, we helped educate more than 13,000 girls in 2014. $58 can supply the tuition, books and other supplies a girl needs to attend school for a year. - See more at: http://gifts.rescue.org/product/education/year-school#sthash.yuKnzbxT.dpuf

n places like Afghanistan, Congo or Lebanon, including girls in schools is critical: educated girls become smart, strong women committed to leading their communities toward stability. In Afghanistan alone, we helped educate more than 13,000 girls in 2014. $58 can supply the tuition, books and other supplies a girl needs to attend school for a year. - See more at: http://gifts.rescue.org/product/education/year-school#sthash.yuKnzbxT.dpuf