Inspiring Performance Over the past few months the only way to describe what has taken place, is Life Changing. Never more so since I was fortunate enough to meet this man, Jamie Fitzgerald. I first heard Jamie speak in May of this year, at the Young Leaders Conference in Wellington, the event that kick started the realisation of this dream.
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| Silent Auction - Jamie Fitzgerald (Guest Speaker) |
If you've followed my blog of you will know I contacted Jamie and shared with him how moved I had been by his keynote presentation and the journey I had just begun. The support and encouragement I received from this man was outstanding, he treated me more like a friend than somebody who had randomly contacted him out of the blue. Upon meeting we certainly shared many similar opinions and ideals, it was fantastic to meet somebody who also shared the passion for life and positive change that I do. Jamie agreed to be the guest speaker at what I hoped was going to be the main fundraising event I held to get to Kenya. Somewhere along the way Jamie went from Guest Speaker, to mentor, friend, Inspiration and sponsor. I can never speak highly enough of the support he has shown me and the belief he has in me to make this happen, for that I am indebted.
Randy Pausch
Of course many everyday people influence and dictate our lives, these influences shape how we do things, how we act and the way we conduct ourselves, both negatively and positively. I've been fortunate enough to meet some amazing people along the way and have listened to their advice and learnt from their (and my own mistakes). But obviously there are more obscure external influences that also impact on us.
A few years back I began to really sit up and take notice of these external influences, and one in particular, Randy Pausch was brought to my attention by a colleague. In my opinion his attitude to life, family and his illness, though simple and sometimes very obvious are incredibly apt and have continued to resonate with me on a daily basis. I reread his book and watch his Last Lecture regularly, and always feel rejuvenated emotionally when I've done so.
Randy Pausch
Sadly this inspirational man is no longer with us, he succumbed to pancreatic cancer in 2008, but not before inspiring millions with his The Last Lecture: Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.
“Its important to have specific dreams. Dream Big. Dream without fear.”
― Randy Pausch
― Randy Pausch
Two short videos featuring All Black Conrad Smith sharing his
So They Can experience.
Follow the link below to the TVNZ - Close Up interview with Conrad Smith sharing a little of his experience with the So They Can organisation.
Conrad Smith generously donated an All Black's Jersey signed by the entire 2012 team to my Silent Auction. This alone raised in excess of $600:00 Thank you Conrad, again you've made a difference in the lives of the children of the Holding Hands Children's Home.
Closer to Home
About four years ago, I was blessed to become friends with a person I can only describe as Amazing.
Her life reads like an inspirational, movie. From growing up in a loving, caring family that gave their life to Mission work, to her career as a teacher not only in New Zealand, but Samoa, Tanzania and now working as a mentor in Malaysia.
This amazing woman has faced challenges and that a person so young, and so devoted to helping others should never have to face. But every time she has risen up and been an inspiration to those around her, and it's her unshakeable faith in God that gets her through.
Personally I've never been a deeply religious person, but have great respect for all religions and a persons beliefs should never be belittled or undermined in anyway. Something drives me daily to be a better person, to try and leave my world better today than it was yesterday, if this is "Faith" then yes I too have faith.
So when I received the message I've copied below from the person who I hold as one of my biggest inspirations, it made me even more determined to make the Kenya dream a reality. Thank you my friend.. without support like yours this might be too high a mountain to climb.
OK super woman - you have just had me in tears as I read through your blogs. sorry it has taken me this long. What an honour, and blessing to be your friend. As I read through your ups and downs I was reminded of this verse
Zephaniah 3. 17
"The Lord your God is with you,he is mighty to save.He will take great delight in you,he will quiet you with his love,he will rejoice over you with singing"
I know you love music and I imagine you at night, sleeping, waking, thinking, planning, worrying etc - meanwhile your Father in Heaven is singing over you!!!!!
Much love my thoughts and prayers are with you
Carry Your Candle (With Lyrics)
www.youtube.com
"Go light Your World"
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