Why Should You Care? January 13, 2020

Why Should You Care?

Life is chaotic. Life is too fast. Life is too slow. In this rolling paradigm of life, it’s easy to get trapped in the immediate consequences of things. Not just immediate in time, but immediate in location as well. I’m going to call this your bubble. 

  My name is Deven and I am a college student on the premedical track. I am a pretty ordinary guy: I procrastinate on most assignments, I watch WAY too much Netflix, I am an avid sports fan, and I love listening to all kinds of music. In this blog, I hope to share with you some advice that I am trying to live by every day. The above introduction is not an attack on anyone. In fact, it’s an introduction into the best advice I could give: burst your bubble. 

I am very new to Hope for Our Sisters and am still learning about all that they do. When I first heard about it, it was one of those things you think, “That’s awesome! We need more people committed to social justice like you guys”. I have had several of these moments in my life, and with each one I have wanted to join the cause in the moment. However, life happens and what seemed like a good idea an hour ago takes a back seat to more immediate issues. In this case, I decided to put my foot down. I reached out and now, a few weeks later, here I am trying to raise awareness and share my knowledge about bursting your bubble. I would argue there is nothing more fulfilling than being a direct source of hope, kindness, and courage for the people who need it the most. Reading the different stories of women who have been helped and knowing that I am now a part of that brings a new level of happiness. 

So, why should you care? Why should this be your problem? I want to dispel the use of the word ‘problem’. I think of it more like your ‘solution’ as opposed to problem. I have found volunteering and trying to be a positive presence in the world has satiated my yearning to be a part of something bigger. When your bubble is burst, happiness finds you in the faces of these women and everyone else directly impacted. It’s there. Read the stories available. You should care because you can impact a woman’s life in a way she and you never imagined while improving your happiness. Give it a shot, you’d be surprised how much you get from giving. If you are interested in learning more, visit our website https://hopeforoursisters.org/.

 

© 2020 by Deven Patel, new Hope Generator with HFOS

Even in Hawaii July 31, 2015

 

Such a beautiful place! Hawaii was the location for our family’s celebration of my parents’ 50^th wedding anniversary. We had a fabulous time! I never thought I would place my feet on Hawaiian soil, but due to my parents’ generosity, all 14 of us (my parents, siblings and their families and my family) did!

One evening, Tim, my husband, and I went into Lahaina. We stopped in a gallery to check out some amazing wood-based creations. As I made my way to the counter, a beautiful beaded bracelet caught my eye. I put it on. I took it off. I put it on. I took it off again. I began leaving it on more than off and, with the astuteness of someone who has been by my side for years, Tim asked if that was what I wanted to remind me of this trip. I said “Yes!” and handed it to the gallery owner for purchase.

I was already exited about this “find”, but my heart was struck at a deeper level when the gallery owner said, “You should know this was not made in Hawaii. My friend works with women in Guatemala and helps them make this jewelry to provide for their families.” In that moment, the bracelet became even more beautiful to me! She thought I would be disappointed that my Hawaiian memory piece was not made locally, but my heart and face smiled wide as I said, “Buying with a purpose is what I choose to do at home. I am thrilled that I get to do it here as well.” Tim and I then told her about Hope for Our Sisters and our work with women and girls with and at risk of fistula. She quickly understood why the bracelet was special to me.

While at Ka’anapali beach one day, we met a man from South Africa (Cape Town). When Tim told him I had traveled to South Africa a few years back, he asked why. We were able to tell him about Hope for Our Sisters and our work on behalf of our sisters. He was moved by our “meaningful work” and wished us well. I am not sure if any direct actions will come from our sharing about Hope for Our Sisters while in Hawaii, but I always leave room for God to work. You never know with whom these folks may share and whose hearts have been prepared to act on this new knowledge. God is constantly moving before us and preparing our path…He asks that we have the trust and courage in Him to follow.

Even in Hawaii, I could buy with a purpose. Even in Hawaii, I was given opportunities to share about our sisters. Wherever we are, we can act and speak out for the betterment of our sisters, brothers and world. Where are you?

© 2015 by Brooke F Sulahian