I thought that this might be an interesting topic since we have just finished with our Talent Show event. JaNoah Spratt was a moving force behind the fund raiser and a symbol of what the young can and are doing throughout the world.

The actions of a few can change the world. It all begins with small steps; random acts of kindness and focused attempts to help one another.

This story was written by Mark Clawson. It is a wonderful story about  young people taking time out of their lives to help others.

Here is his story:

If you haven’t noticed; young people are getting involved. This seems to be a generational change and one that bodes well for the future of our planet.

My daughter’s husband, Joe Osborne, spent time in Kenya a couple of years ago working at an AIDS hospice. While he did have a bout with malaria; his real memories come from the time spent helping the people. My daughter, Meredith, spent time working as a children’s counselor for Americorp helping those with less.

Last year the two of them made a trek to South Africa, setting aside time in their lives, to help others. They were a part of an organization called Generation Joy.

Here is a photo from South Africa; Joe is on the bottom far left and Meredith is in the yellow jacket.

My African connection:

Their trek reminded me that it was an anniversary event for me! Forty years ago, in July of 1969, I began a very memorable year in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I was stationed at the Ethiopian Mapping Mission, thankfully not in Vietnam. This was a foreign aid project that was involved in mapping certain regions in Ethiopia.

I remember being surprised to find high-rise buildings and telephone poles. Most of what I knew about Africa came from National Geographic or from watching “Abbott and Costello in Africa”. The biggest surprise came as I was walking into town and came across a television store; right in front of me was Neil Armstrong stepping down on the Moon!

July 20, 1969 - ”That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

There is much that can be learned by experiencing another person’s culture. This type of education is not in books; it flows to your heart and soul. People are wonderful everywhere you go, that is why it is such a great experience to give.

Meredith and Joe were part of the Generation Joy Foundation; their trek involved bringing donated goods to the children of a small town in Africa.

The Generation Joy Logo is a symbol of unity in diversity; oneness of humanity in spite of cultural differences.

Curtis Betzler the founder of the Generation Joy Foundation is a science teacher at Beaver Lake Middle School in the State of Washington. He says that the idea of “kids helping kids” began nine years ago on a personal trip to Ghana.

Betzler found that there was an incredible need for educational resources and the basic needs that we all take for granted.

“Knowing that I teach in a place where, in many cases, we have an excess of resources and most all of our basic needs are met, I began working on a way to connect the two regions.” Betzler believes that in the right environment; all people want to learn and also that all people like to share.”

“This idea really took off due to the efforts of the children in the community where I work. They readily gave not only resources, but time, energy, planning and commitment to see this project through. The effort was rewarded when I witnessed the joy of children in Africa when receiving these resources and the impact it has had on their lives and community.”

Last year, Generation Joy filled two 40-foot freight containers with supplies. Among the thousands of goods packed in those vessels were 11,000 books, 170 computers, 60 bicycles, and hundreds of soccer balls.

You can view the Generation Joy South African slide show by clicking here

“The potential is endless,” he said. “I think kids enjoy giving. They just need an outlet and a resource.”

Another group of teenagers growing up in Cincinnati started a program called H.O.P.E. with the idea of making a difference in the world. H.O.P.E is an acronym for Help Other People Endure. You will be very impressed with what these young ladies have accomplished. When you view the video make sure you view it in full screen mode.

Just click here.

We have a wonderful network of giving on South Whidbey; what a blessing to live in this community!

Good Cheer!