Inspiration X 3

Quote from a friend after a particularly inspiring film event held recently by our good friends at the Bavubuka Foundation (www.bavubuka.com):

“So this is why you never need to sleep – you’re living in a constant state of inspiration.”

A constant state of inspiration…it stuck with us and keeps coming up, as its just so true. It never really fails – everytime I start feeling even a little run down or overwhelmed, something immediately happens to remind me of just how amazing people can be, and what potential lies still untouched. With that, a few of the latest examples

- A few of our very first microloans are beginning to be paid back! Today we received notification of the successful repayment of Kung Bun Thoeun from Cambodia, who borrowed $400 on September 1st to purchase pigs to breed, raise, and sell to market. This supplements the $1.50/day she makes on average to help support her family in their climb out of poverty. (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=16059)

- I had the privilege this evening of meeting with Thembi and Prisca from CAYO, an organization from Malawi working with youth around sustainable socioeconomic and health development, advocacy and human rights, and more programs that I can’t possibly do justice to here. They’re here to share their knowledge and experiences as well as to learn from Canadian organizations. With them was Maeve from Youthco AIDS Society, another impressive entirely youth run organization from Vancouver who are coordinating Thembi and Prisca’s visit to Canada.

We had a fascinating discussion about their programs and areas AOC can both potentially support (microcredit, livestock loans, youth business training and more), and areas we can learn from them. All very preliminary but just an inspiring conversation with people making a huge difference in their home communities.

- We had a full day strategy session with some of the core AOC members yesterday and WOW, this is just an unstoppable group. With all that passion and talent gathered in one room with a common purpose…I challenge anyone to doubt our ability to change the world!

Living in a constant state of inspiration…couldn’t have said it better myself.