This past week we talked a bit about Mission Statements (and worked through a worksheet).  Some of you asked for examples to read in order to help you put yours together.  Here are a few:

CARE
-about the world
-about life
-about people
-about myself

LOVE
-myself
-my family
-my world
-knowledge
-learning
-life

FIGHT
-for my beliefs
-for my passions
-to accomplish
-to do good
-to be true to myself
-against apathy

ROCK
-the boat, don't let the boat rock me
-be a rock

Be remembered
(written by Whitney Noziska)
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A short one by Katie Hall:

My mission statement:
Nothing Less.

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There's a couple examples from teens.  The Mission statement I have on my website says this:

My mission is to encourage and inspire people to fulfill their life purpose - personally, spiritually and professionally.

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Remember a couple of things when you're working on putting yours together.
1. It's a work in progress which means it doesn't need to be perfect.  Just start getting some thoughts and ideas down and you can always change it.  (you may want to over time anyway)

2. Don't try to "copy" someone elses.  It's fine to get ideas from other examples...but remember that we are each UNIQUE and your mission statement should reflect YOU.
You're not going to be graded on it so don't worry about "doing it right".  It's for you.

3. The most important question to ask yourself is "Does it inspire me?" If you can answer YES...then you did it right!

Hope that helps. 

Keep dreaming BIG,
Wendy

Hi Everyone,
Sorry I haven't written earlier...It's not as easy as I'd hoped to get internet access.  I don't have much time to write but just wanted to let you know that I will be bringing lots of stories and pictures home with me.  It's been amazing...so much to tell.
(visiting orphanges, taking orphans shopping, feeding people who eat in a dump, giving concerts all over the place)
I need to sign off for now...but look forward to catching up in person!

I am currently working with a group of 11 amazing girls (you know who you are!).  We just finished our 5th meeting together.  I am impressed with their participation and their great attitudes about the group and eachother.  I am EXCITED to see how they will invest their talents to make a difference(something we have talked a lot about)...and I hope that they continue to celebrate their uniqueness and encourage others to do the same.

Today we talked about Craig Kielburger - a 12 year old boy who took action to help stop child labour.  He founded the "Free the Children" organization and has had a MASSIVE impact on the world through inspiring others to join together for a worthy cause. (you can check out their website at www.freethechildren.com OR www.metowe.com).

We talked about various needs in our own community as well and how small actions on our part can make a BIG difference in someone else's life.  I am privileged to work with these amazing girls and I love it! 

My challenge to them (and to anyone else reading this) - One person CAN make a difference!  So, what are you going to do?

The excitement is starting to build.  I'm wondering about a lot of things.  I can casually talk about going to the orphanage and taking them shopping etc....but I have a good hunch that it will be A LOT different when I actually get there.  How will I respond?  What will it be like to see the little children who have no families - who live in yucky conditions.  Will I cry when I see it?  Or will I need some time to process it?  I hope that I will be able to show them love, compassion & hope.  It's such a privilege to go and I can't wait to give an update on this very blog.  Thanks for reading!

March 16, 2008 - I'm soooo excited.  During the first 2 weeks of May I'll be taking my first trip overseas with a small group of eager volunteers.  We'll be going to Ukraine, Uzbekistan and maybe Krgystan.  This will be the first "i totally matter" trip (although we won't have a young girl along for this one) and we want to capture some video footage of some of the needs and some of the opportunities to volunteer and contribute.  It's amazing how something that seems small and ordinary to us in North America (like a trip to McDonald's or buying some new shoes) can be a BIG DEAL - in fact a "dream come true" - to someone less fortunate.  I can hardly wait!  I've been wanting to go on a trip like this since I was a kid (my dad took many trips to Africa and I always wished I could go).

So, the plan is to give regular updates to this blog site while I am there in order to share my observations and experiences...and how I am coping with everything around me.  (that's assuming I can hook up to the internet every now and then).  I would love to hear your comments and questions...so please keep watching for updates!