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giving happiness global impact

Day 203: Part of the Impossible makes it all Seem Possible

One of my favourites ways to give through 365give is by spreading the incredible stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things to change the world. I believe that both large and small acts of giving are all worthy and equal in the impact. Every give we do in our lives makes not only an impact but also a ripple effect from the person receiving to the person giving. My guest today did a simple give. She bought a goat for a friend that took a leap of faith and move to Africa to help a village. The story is about giving but it is also about one women that made a choice to give back by volunteering in a world that many of us may never even see.
Give 203: Day 203 Ripple Effects by Guest JRM.

Today I knew I wanted to buy a goat. My dear friend Wendy Bourgon is the only white woman in a village in Africa. Wendy went to volunteer at the village and within this year I have watched the progress that village has made from struggling to survive, to becoming an excited and self sufficient village – all since she arrived last July.

Wendy’s project is called Part of the Impossible. Her inspiration is about the “human family” of our world that is and she is making such a great impact. (Inspiration taken directly from her site)

Inspiration

“Visiting Zambia and Kenya opened my eyes to the oneness of the human family. I came to realize that regardless of where we live, we all share the same hopes, dreams and frustrations. We all want to eat, have a home, be cared for when we are sick, be comforted when we grieve and see our kids fulfill their potential.

I realized something else too—that whether here or there, people want to shape their destiny. They want to work and be part of bringing to pass their vision of themselves as strong, self-sustaining communities.”

I watched Wendy develop from a somewhat introverted, beautiful lady to an very courageous, outgoing one. We write back and forth and I save many of my ‘gives’ for her and to further her work . Only a year ago she and I discussed over lunch what it would be like to dig a well! None of what she is doing has she been trained to do, except social work and communication skills. What she is currently doing has been a huge learning curve, much I doubt she even dreamed about!

Sometimes we cannot, for various reason, or choose not to, do some things in life as it takes us in a different direction , but we can support many of those who do things we are passionate about. Sometimes in life one can follow a ripple effect. Wendy is certainly a part of a ripple that I have followed and is still having an effect on so many so far away. All of this since last July and more……..

If this inspires you please ‘give’ either to keep her in Africa so she is able to further her mission or for some form of sustainable support for the village as you will see on her site.

Cost: my donation

Time: 2 minutes

What people are saying about 365give

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the teaching you provided today. Your message was delivered eloquently, compassionately, and without judgment. The kids were engaged, and now have knowledge with which they can change the world. We all appreciated how you took the time to help us learn to build positive mindsets and practice happiness.”
Shelley Gardner, Grade 6 Ridgeview Elementary (West Vancouver)
“Actions really do speak louder than words, which is why I believe the 365give Challenge has resonated throughout my community. Every give we do is so important to us and leaves us happier and appreciating our lives a little bit more than before.”
Mahina Niyozova (Tajikistan)
“After watching the 365give TEDx Talk, I was inspired to join and begin a daily giving program in India. Today, along with 12 other volunteer women, we provide 100 meals to local underprivileged children in Bangalore for school every day.”
Deepika Ahuja, Mom (Bangalore, India)
“My life has greater meaning now.”
Renate Jorge, @BeKindBrazil and 365give Member, Family Program (Brazil)
“I just wanted to share that 365give really helped me. I am a better person now, thank you.”
MayLee, 365give Member, Individual Program
“This 365give Challenge has really injected excitement and extra enthusiasm in each work day as I think about what we can do. It has motivated me and the students.”
Cristina Peters, School Counselor (New York City, USA)
“I have seen a huge shift in energy throughout my classroom since doing the 365give Challenge. The Challenge has empowered my students to make a positive difference in the school’s community and beyond.”
Cella Adriana, Special Needs Educator /The Holliswood School (New York City, USA)
“The 365give Challenge helps students understand their impact on others. It opens avenues for introducing and discussing global and local issues in classrooms. It is powerful to watch students of all ages think about how they can make a change in another person’s life with one small act.”
Jessica Hall, Primary Teacher, French Immersion at École Pauline Johnson (West Vancouver, Canada)