The Butterfly Effect

Inspiration comes from the different things around us. One idea that fascinates me is the "butterfly effect". The "butterfly effect"is a theory that describes how small, simple changes to an completely unrelated thing can eventually affect large, complex system. After reading more about this theory, I began to relate it  to the way I want to live my life and why I do the things I do. Believing that one flap of a butterfly's wings in South America can cause a huge hurricane in Texas is miraculous. I want to create miracles and influence the people around me to continue the web of inspiration and happiness.

One laugh leads to good times. One clap leads to inspiration.  One helping hand leads to friendship. One kiss leads to love. One smile leads to happiness.

AND one small act of kindness leads to peace...  

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)

Great news! Last week I won a Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) and was able to attend the three day RYLA conference. High school students from all over San Diego county attended the conference. I met many amazing people and had the opportunity to hear life-changing and inspiring stories from interesting speakers. 

One message that really stood out to me was "It doesn't matter what happens to you, it matters how you react to it." I began to reflect on the past couple of months and how I have I reacted to certain issues. I was somewhat disappointed in myself. Yes, I've been speaking to kids on how they can help their community. Yes, I've been helping kids in South Africa. I am so grateful for all the support and recognition I've gotten, but I still feel like I haven't done enough. Insane, right? Not so much... 

This conference has encouraged me to expand my project and reach out to more people. I think I've done some good things for others,  but I'm sure I can do so much more. I was given this opportunity to influence people and I plan to take advantage of it. RYLA has taught me to be myself, be a leader, be an inspiration, be a motivator, be an advocate, and be the change I want to see in the world!  

Hanging with Troop 5466

I am often surprised at how willing most people are to help with my project. It's not that I don't think people don't care about different issues in the world, but rather that they are just not informed on the ways they can help. My presentations with Girl Scouts have been amazing. All the girls are so eager to help and are happy to be assisting me in reaching out and telling my message to others. Troop 5466 is one of the many wonderful troops that have helped me to slowly reach my goal. 

Some of the best listeners I know... 

Gabi working hard on her doll! 

Session 2: Reminding the girls of my message and thinking of ways they can help their community. 

GROUP SHOT! What beautiful people...

One Troop at a Time

I've been spreading the message, "Small acts of kindness can make a big difference...", to one Girl Scout troop at a time. My goal is to share this message with 1,000 kids before I graduate in June, 2013.


To be honest, I wasn't quite sure how I would accomplish this goal but fortunately, word has spread of my project and now I'm presenting to Girl Scout troops all over San Diego. I've found the girls to be the perfect audience. Most of the time the Scouts have had experience with some type of service project. My presentation serves as a reminder of their purpose. I hope that after listening to my personal story and creating their own special Messenger Dolls, they continue to do good deeds- big or small.

Showing the kids where Cape Town is on the map.

Working together to make the Messenger Dolls.

One of the girls, Aliana.

Message in mind, buddies in hand.

Reading her message from one of the orphans in HOKISA.

Thank you Troop 5567!

Spreading the Message

"A small act of kindness can make a huge difference."  This is the message that I want to share.  I know these words are true because I have experienced them first-hand.  When I tell people that I fundraise for an orphanage in Africa, they automatically assume that what I do must be enormous and overwhelming. This isn't the case, I keep things simple and I stay focused.   

These are MY small acts of kindness: 1) I talk. - I use any opportunity I can to talk about the orphanage, HOKISA (HOme for Kids In South Africa), and share my experiences.  2) I ask. - When it's appropriate, I ask individuals to help.  Many times I don't have to ask.  On the contrary, many times people ask me how they can help.  I ask them to donate funds or volunteer their time to help with my Messenger Doll Project or our annual fundraiser.  3) I create. - I love art and am easily inspired.  I love to create things out of ordinary objects.  I share my growing creativity and message through my Messenger Doll Project.  4) I have faith. - I don't get frustrated when the going gets tough.  It's not always easy to get people to understand your motivation for the things that you do.  I don't get upset when someone doesn't want to help out, instead, I hope they find their own passions.  I continue to do what I do because I have faith that what I'm doing, makes a difference in the lives of the HOKISA children.

Lately, I've been invited to share my Messenger Doll Project with different Girl Scout Troops.  I enjoy sharing my stories with these elementary-aged girls. I explain to them what my project is, who it benefits, and how they can make a difference. To me, these girls are inspiring. At such a young age they are already working toward helping their local communities, the environment and places all over the world. This year my goal is to tell my story to 1,000 girls.  Periodically, I'll blog about my interactions with the Girl Scout troops and hope you follow along to read about them.    

The Reason Why

When people ask me why I continue to fundraise for the children at the HOKISA orphanage, it's easy for me to answer.  I instantly remember the kids' smiling faces, laughs and a genuine appreciation to be alive.  These kids own little but run around as if they are the riches kids on earth.  I have learned a lot from them, most importantly, to live life simply.  Happiness doesn't cost much.  I feel that many of us take for granted the opportunities that we have.  I have reflected on my own life and realize how lucky I am.  I was able to notice my fortunes because of the experiences I've had with HOKISA.  The children have made a lasting impression on my heart.  I want to continue to assist them financially because I've grown to care for each of the children and cherish the memories that we share.

Hanging out at Noordhoek Farm with Panana, Lebo and Fundiswa.

Miracles

My Messenger Dolls Project has grown to become much more than I could have ever imagined. I have always been outgoing and concerned about what's happening in the world, but I never thought I would be recognized and awarded for my actions. In the spring of last year, I was nominated for the Cox Conserves Hero Award. This award went to individuals who improved their community by helping the environment and creating awareness about environmental struggles. I was interviewed, publicized on television and voted by the public to receive a $10,000 grant, in which I chose to benefit the Chula Vista Nature Center (who had recently lost funding). As a result, my project exploded into the public and everyone started to hear about my award and my project. I was on the front cover of our district newspaper, awarded Inspirational Student of the Month and was recognized by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors for my good deeds. My passion for helping people sparked miracles, that toppled over like dominoes, one after the other, helping to spread kindness through my Messenger Dolls.