Random Thoughts on Giving
By Roger L. Whiting
Recently I had lunch with a close personal friend, my former physician, and a trusted confidant for over forty years. During the course of our 2-hour conversation he happened to remark that he could tell that I was happy. "Really, I thought, how do you know?" My immediate remark was, "Yes, I am happier than I have ever been in my entire 63 years. I am working harder than ever before - more hours, more energy, more enthusiasm, more worry, and a heck of a lot more fun."
How could that be when I'm not making any personal income from my current project, Growth Through Learning? In fact, I finance my own return trips to Africa. I made a very good living from the insurance and financial services industry. It allowed me to support my family in reasonably fine style, and even provided a few luxuries along the way. What was it then that caused me to take a "step back" from this relatively easy life and become an advocate for the benefit of a people that are so removed from anything I had ever known?
In 1996 I went on a two-week photographic safari to East Africa. Prior to my journey I knew virtually nothing about the people who lived there. I only knew that our group was going to enjoy the splendor of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and the magnificent animals that inhabit those vast plains. Little did I know, or even dream, that it would be a life changing experience - a virtual transformation from the American corporate philosophy of "how much money can you make for us, and secondarily for yourself?" Instead, my thoughts have reversed to the concept of, "how much can I give back to the world?"
Frankly, I pray for the strength, energy, and longevity to give back some of my 63 years of relative ease and comfort. I personally have never, ever, wanted for the basics of life, and I never had reason to even seriously think about it - at least, not until I visited Africa for the first time. From that experience I decided that perhaps we should teach people "how to fish." Providing a fish would only sustain them for a day or two. Education could sustain someone for a lifetime. Thus, Growth Through Learning was born.
This past October I returned to Africa for the forth time. While there I visited nineteen schools and twenty-seven of our scholarship recipients. I took, and had taken, as many photographs as I could. At one school I was photographed with two of our students. In order to squeeze us together I innocently put my arm around one of the girl's shoulders. She immediately leaned into me! It is obvious from the picture that this young child virtually "melted" under my embrace.
I think that the expression of our concern and caring is what propels me back to Africa as often as possible. Those kids need hugs just as much as our children and grandchildren do. I guess there is no quota on hugs. They don't cost anything, but yet... hugs can mean the world to a young child. Many of our students are orphans. They don't get many hugs!
It is most inspiring to receive the gratitude from these young students. They know that GTL is working hard to offer them financial support and encouragement toward empowerment and self-sufficiency. When we receive a thank you note from an orphan girl that says, "This is the first time in my life that I knew anyone loved me." Well,...?
I believe that every one of us has something we can give, whether it is time, understanding, patience, money, or love. When you give you have all kinds of alternatives. You can give any or all of the above. It's your choice...but much more fun no-matter what. When I visit our scholarship recipients in East Africa the girls already know that we have contributed our money in order to pay their school fees. But, after I have talked with them for a few minutes they also know that GTL is devoting its caring time and effort in order to provide support for their opportunity for a better life. Most of all, they know of our concern for their well being.
While I was in Arusha, Tanzania a school Headmistress pointed out to the students that I was very modestly dressed - that I was a simple man. I was wearing Docker slacks, boat shoes, plain shirt and necktie. My papers were in an inexpensive canvas carryall bag. At first I was a little taken back. Then I realized that she was trying to tell them something. I was not there with a bag-full of money. I was there representing GTL, and its contributors, many of whom are of modest means, who truly care about their future, and the future of the world. That is exactly correct! Material goods don't seem to matter as much to many of us anymore. I personally get my joy from working hard to send these girls to school - young, beautiful, deserving kids that would not be there otherwise.
To give, or to get? The difference for me has become blurred at this point in my life. I have enjoyed the wonderful bounties available in this country. And now, I enjoy the extremely wonderful bounties of giving back. That is how I get. When my own children or relatives ask what I want for my birthday or Christmas, I generally have one simple answer - give me a check payable to Growth Through Learning.
There are no strings attached to a freely given gift. GTL has received donations ranging from $10 to several thousands of dollars. Each and every contribution is treated the same - with gratitude, respect, and acknowledgment that everyone who donates to GTL is concerned about the betterment of the world, and particularly the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves.
The amount doesn't matter. It's the giving that counts, and that's what makes life really fun!
Last modified: Mar 07, 2004, 16:22 EST