Random Thoughts and Star Fish
By Roger L. Whiting
Have you ever had something good happen in your life that caused the tears to just stream down your face?... I have, several times. How could I ever forget the birth of my two sons, or the birth of my eight grandchildren - all healthy little rug-rats. Does it get any better than that? My part in those events was rather minimal when I really think about it. But how about the events occurring outside the family that also really count toward unforgettable memories of one's life.
Last June I needed to return to East Africa. There were several reasons for this; my sincere love of Africa, my need to meet more of the African people that were helping GTL administer its program, and my need and desire to see and meet with some of our scholarship recipients. I was not disappointed in any respect. Our volunteer African coordinators are hard working, conscientious professional people. I am extremely proud of all of them. In turn they are very, very thankful for the part that GTL plays in the life of their people.
The sixteen scholarship recipients that I met were so grateful that it was at times almost embarrassing. In many cases, the students and/or their parents were on their knees in front of me, clinging to my hand, thanking you and me for caring about them. Tears?...yes. These were people that I didn't even know on a personal basis. I know them now. And I will return to Africa this coming September to meet more of them.
Josiah Muganda and his wife, Grace came from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and attended our annual meeting this past fall. Yona Andrew from Arusha will be here for our Board of Directors meeting this coming June. There is no question but that we are establishing a real, meaningful connection between the U.S. and East Africa. We are making a difference.
I do not ask Growth Through Learning to finance my trips to Africa. First of all, GTL cannot afford it; secondly, I am determined to return as many contributor dollars in the form of scholarships as possible. That's why you give, and that's what you will receive in return for your generosity. Just prior to my return to Africa this past June a close personal friend handed me a check for $1,000. I said, "What's this for?" The answer, "You should not have to pay for this trip all by yourself." Tears again?...You bet!
The generosity and concern that has been expressed by so many people, and in so many different ways continues to amaze me. One of my sincere beliefs is an axiom that a business client said to me many years ago, "We are all in this thing together." Just think about that for a moment. Worcester businesses rely primarily on the local community and other Worcester businesses for support. In addition, particularly with the advent of the Internet and catalogue sales, many of us deal nationally. How many of the products we purchase are made in Asia or Europe? I can well remember buying an expensive suit several years ago that was manufactured in Korea! One of the best suits I ever owned.
Perhaps we should more seriously consider the true potential of Africa. It is enormous! The labor force is virtually unlimited, labor rates are low, natural resources are abundant, the eagerness to learn is overwhelming, and everyone will benefit from helping the third world countries of East Africa to unite in a meaningful way with the world economy.
Joys, tears, and regrets, where would we be without them? Those are the human emotions that drive us toward becoming better people, toward a better life, and toward a commitment for a better world. We can no longer close our eyes and deny the needs of other societies or cultures. It is stupid and self-defeating if we do, the world is too small. In just fourteen hours of flight time one can be in the heart of East Africa. Like it or not, we truly are, "all in this thing together."
At this point the casual observer might ask, "What possible difference do you think GTL is making by providing educational funding to a mere handful of girls and young women?" I think the following story might help to answer that question.
One Person Can Make a Difference*
A wise man was taking a sunrise walk on the beach. In the distance he caught sight of a little girl who seemed to be dancing along the waves. As he got closer, he saw the little girl was picking up starfish from the sand and tossing them gently back into the ocean. "What are you doing?" the wise man asked. "The sun is coming up and the tide is going out; if I don't throw them in, they'll die." "But little girl, there are miles and miles of beach with starfish all along it; you can't possibly make a difference." The little girl bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it lovingly back into the ocean, past the breaking waves. "It made a difference for that one," she replied.
Please help Growth Through Learning save another "starfish" with your tax-deductible contribution. Together we can make a difference.
* Thanks go out to Attorney Robert O. Doucette and the Foundation Law Center of Leominster, MA for referring us to their Web site at flc.lawoffice.com
Last modified: Apr 28, 2002, 12:14 EDT