Think Kindness Blog

Africa Day One

Currently I am on a plane cruising over 30,000 feet above the earth. When I arrived, I was handed a warm face cloths, given 3 meals thus far, and have access to unlimited drinks and peanuts. . . but underneath us is a world of ‘life’ much different than one I am flying in. I recall last year sitting in Tumaini (the orphanage) assisting a female student with her English homework. The assignment was to draw a line connecting each word to a noun, verb, adjective, pronoun, etc.

I sat watching her complete the assignment with no help from me until I she drew a line connecting ‘life’ to verb. I asked her why she thought life was a verb. She stated, “Life is the way we make things great. It’s our living diary that we write in everyday.”

. . . I let her answer stand.

Underneath my plane LIFE is happening. In America, it seems easy to put blinders up to world occurrences as the stress in our personal life increases. While I may be stressing about packing my bags, getting my oil changed, and designing a poster for our Golf Tournament, others are hoping their baby is born into the world healthy, or for the children we are about to see. . . that a warm meal makes it to the table.

This past year I’ve tried to really focus on getting Think Kindness and my life to the next level. I’ve worked hard to surround myself by smart people, work diligently, and make every attempt to stay positive and toss every thought of “giving up” and ‘throwing in the towel” to the wayside. (which has been tough). Sometimes it seems impossible to truly ‘make a difference’. But after my past trips to Kenya, my life has more purpose. The children have graciously put things into perspective. So this past year I’ve decided to focus on changing my mindset and be thankful for every stress my life encounters. While in my eyes they seem huge, I always remind myself that no matter what happens I have two of the most amazing parents at my side, the bestest of friends, a roof over my head, clean water to drink, and an education to carry me forward.

The world I am about to enter. . . is the complete opposite.

Lord help me make the biggest difference I can.

-Brian

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