One World

“We’re all a part of one world, we all can share the same dream and if you just reach out to me then you will find deep down inside I’m just like you.”

These lyrics from my crazy PBS love fest with Celtic Women have been playing on repeat in my head for the past few days.  It is funny how I get messages at the right time in the right way.  Truth is we are a part of one world, truth is we do share similar dreams – good health, love, family, prosperity whatever it may look like and assurance that we matter.   

For a long time now I have known that I am here on this earth to nurture people.  I have been blessed with patience and the desire to listen and encourage others to make their own way in the world.  As I sit here in Haiti with the sun shining and a lovely breeze blowing I realize that those gifts are to be used here as well.  I have had the honor to get to know several Haitians with great hearts, great ideas and great connections.  I have discovered, they don’t need me all the time, just like my colleagues at work, or friends and family across the globe.  Turns out I don’t have to choose…I have been blessed beyond belief to be able to serve in so many ways.  What a welcomed change of perspective – and it only took two years!   

I think people crave purpose, they search for belonging, they want to be utilized and appreciated in their communities.  They want to know that their life matters and see their gifts put to use.  That’s what I get to do here.  Even if it seems painfully slow and awfully trivial to help one group of teachers, their training and professional development will impact loads of kids in their schools and in turn, create better communities in the future. 

So that’s it, deep down inside that connection, that sense of purpose, that feeling a part of something bigger than you wins, hands down, no matter where you are.