Visit with Students going to India with YMAD - July 13, 2014

I had a wonderful opportunity to meet with several youth earlier this evening who are embarking on a life-changing experience.  They will be going on a trip to India this year with Youth Making a Difference (YMAD).

Their enthusiasm for their upcoming service opportunity is contagious! They know that they will be improving the lives and opportunities of the people they will meet in India.  They will also find - as does anyone who serves - that they leave India as changed individuals.  They will return to their homes after their trip with a deep love for the people they have served.  They will have gained appreciation for all the many luxuries and benefits of living in the United States and all the opportunities that they have in their lives.  They will also, most likely, return from their trip committed to providing service to others throughout their lives. 

I have found when I serve others - while those I serve benefit - I also benefit.  I then want to serve more!  That is truly the foundation of my platform of promoting youth service - instilling in youth the motivation and desire to provide volunteer service for the rest of their lives!

I really like the organization Youth Making a Difference.  In the past, for YMAD, I have been involved in making education kits for the YMAD groups to take, use and leave in India.  I have also been involved in putting together safe birthing kits to be taken with YMAD trips.  YMAD does a great job bringing resources and training to India.  I love traveling internationally and love providing service while doing so  - the perfect combination that YMAD offers.

Youth going on a YMAD trip also really prepare for the trip through leadership trainings.  Youth - if you are looking for a way to make a difference - check out YMAD!

For those youth (and adults) who cannot go on a YMAD trip - you can still help make a difference internationally!  YMAD needs help with creating and donating hygiene kits, education kits, skill kits, new born kits, safe delivery kits and lots of supplies.  Check out the projects that can be done at home on YMAD's website:  http://www.ymad.org/volunteer/projects-from-home/

Thank you, to Gretta Millett and Allison Ford for inviting me to talk to your outstanding YMAD group!  And good luck to the YMAD group on your upcoming service trip!  

Way to use your handz for good internationally!

July 4, 2014 - Independence Day - Operation Gratitude

I love America!  For the past four Independence Day celebrations, I have been traveling internationally.  I love venturing abroad and the many cultures and people I have met while overseas.  I also, however, love America! I am grateful to live in a country where I have so many opportunities and freedoms.

I cannot be grateful for this nation without acknowledging those who sacrifice their families and their lives to help keep those freedoms.  Thank you to the service men and women who have given so much the past and who are presently serving our great Nation.  I am so grateful for their commitment and dedication in our behalf.

Thank you to Sandy City for including me in their annual kids craft fair! I loved talking to the children about using their handz for good! Thank you to all the great kids and adults who stopped by today and colored pictures and wrote letters of appreciation to the military.  All the letters written will be sent this week to Operation Gratitude to be included in packages for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines.

If you missed out on the opportunity to stop by - you can still write a letter and/or send a care package on your own.  Here's the flyer with the contact information:

God Bless the USA!