One Man's Dream - A Success Story

Dreams come to everyone in different ways; some it’s about the finances – accepted, others it’s about impact, influence and career achievement.

This is a short note one someone I respect in the NGO line shared on Facebook recently; I thought it was well said and inspiring.

I’ve known him to in the charity line for a while and finally seeing him achieve his dreams puts a smile on my face. I believe achieving dreams shouldn't start and end when we think of the fame it will bring or the increase in finances; though important, societal impact is also a big one.

Congratulations to Matthew and his team, looking forward to seeing him soon.

On achieving his dreams, he has these words to say….

“I Started in 2005 to work with Orphanages in Africa having been invited to join Link A Child in Nigeria for one of their projects. 8 Years down the line, having worked with Orphanages acros Africa I am finally able to realise a dream and the goal I set back then: To have my own Orphanage where I could commit my Life to ensure that these fantastic children get the most happy and fulfilling life possible with a good education behind them. When I moved back to Africa over 10 years ago as a spoiled, selfish, Irresponsible and immature kid I never thought I would be able to get this passion for others but I have to thank my friends especially in Nigeria who stood by me even when I didnt deserve it and helped me grow as a person and humanbeing. The list of friends (That are more my Family than just friends) are too long to mention stretching from Scandinavia to my peeps in Especially Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa. Thank you all for always being there for me and getting me to where I am today. The Mensah Living Water Children Centre in Arusha, Tanzania, will officially open in November after we have taken al the children on their first ever Holiday while we finish the last part of the buildings, Water bore hole, Children play ground etc.. Thanks again to ALL my friends Old and new and to God be the Glory”

Just The Right Solution

Picture courtesy: leloveimage.blogspot.com

APPRECIATING SIMPLE PLEASURES

Do you have a place in your life where special experiences happen for you? Often times when my spirit needed wings from being inside – I went to either a quiet beach – to enjoy the peace of the beautiful sea and sky – or children’s play ground.

This day, as I approached the playground, I heard many voices in the distance, The air was so filled with joy and laughter I could not hold back the laughter. The sound was coming from the dance floor – well, one created by the children themselves, I just had to go there ! The playground was filled with children dancing, skipping, skating, It was a spontaneous time when they gathered during weekends like that. The scene was like from a sweet tale or a portrait of long gone days. There were little girls in beautiful dresses and well plaited hairstyles that almost made them women already. Boys were pulling the smaller children, I noticed a small girl though, lying on her back on the tiled floor, making fairy wings with his outstretched arms. Then it occurred to me he was just doing what he imagined, perhaps what he could see happen. “So do adults right?” I asked myself amidst a long smile. All the children were full of joy, energy, passion with beautiful innocent faces, smiley faces and broad smiles. They showed they were rich beyond the physical measure enjoying simple pleasures.
Aren’t we fortunate to be able to find these surprising windows where we may experience a glimpse of life in another way and find such enriching revelations? Reluctantly, I went home and imagined longingly at myself dancing with those kids back then putting on the look of a child, still in an adults” skin, I felt deep peace, calmness and happiness, I enjoyed that moment while it lasted,
These experiences become a challenge for re evaluating our rush through life and remind us that we need to stop, I ponder, listen and allow our mind and souls to speak to us and ask: “What are the little things I’m not taking time to appreciate or even notice?” Most times experiences at magical places like this brings back a refreshment and reminds of what is truly important. Life then takes a new turn – which we permit it and we feel different again.
So, please allow yourself the special though quiet moment to appreciate the simple pleasures that surround our everyday not just the negative ones that makes us complain and depressed. Then we enrich our lives with beauty, happiness and peace, Moments like that should be cherished, saved, re visited, explored and seen as important moments that let make episodes in our lives. Today is the guarantee you have that tomorrow exists and brings the best.