Extraordinary Things Happen When we Stop Doubting The Power of Ideas And Act!

I want to acknowledge Roshanna Evans for her help and inspiration in putting this article together… thanks dear friend.

Almost a year ago I was asked by a young man to come and speak to four groups in rural Kenya on empowerment and authentic leadership. I stepped into a reality riddled by despair, loss, abuse, and impossibility. Yet the dark histories and obvious uncertainties about their future paled in comparison to the vibrant hungry hearts and earnest voices sitting on the ground under a tree listening and asking questions, eager to understand how they could create a new future.

Of the four groups, one group stood out. 20 women had banded together to end their nightmare of abuse and alienation, women who refused to be forgotten, who had children to feed and knew, if they had the tools, they could create a life of meaning and purpose out of nothing, and with all odds stacked against them.

They won my heart with their spirit and tenacity. They hid nothing and gave all. Fearless. Committed. Women who dared to dream of the dairy herd that would allow them to have the money to send their children to school and be educated. Women with motive, heart and backbone, women who made it clear they were ready and capable.

I left that event compelled to find some way of helping these 20 women jump-starting their dream. How? Millions of similar stories come from around the world. There are no upfront guarantees, no promises, only dream and tenacity. And, I knew if these women were given a chance they would not disappoint for they had already shown that they could create lives with meaning from virtually nothing.

One month ago, a woman with a spirit that can engulf a universe donated $100.00 and sent out a viral message to friends to match her so the Kenyan women would have their chance. Within five days enough had been donated for 3 cows and building materials needed to start a dairy herd. That was followed by donations from a group of students I had taught more than 30 years ago who also wanted to make a real difference in the world, a family in the UK, a woman in Australia, a gentleman from Ireland and people within the US from California, to Chicago, Nebraska, New York City and places in between!

It was the jumpstart we needed! A graduate of Agrarian Studies donated his services to teach the women about the business of agrarian farming. A school donated 7.5 acres of land and a water supply. With time very limited before the dry season is upon them, the women immediately began to till the land, plant a hay crop, and construct a cow shed and milking stations. As I write they are putting a fence around the land and the motor is being fixed on the well. With so much going on, even the village elders have come to witness the change.

And now thanks to the wonderful crew of A24 Media/Camerapix, there is a brief 5 minute documentary of the women, their efforts to make change and a difference in their lives, and the dairy project’s jump-start. That link is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCSjudNPoS0

The original donors funded this starship enterprise in Kenya. They helped to change the lives of 20 women who, in turn, changed the future of their children and became living testaments to millions of others in similar circumstances.

Now, your donations can help secure that foundation and three things are critical: