In the heart of every community lies a story waiting to be told. Our story is one of passion, purpose, and the profound impact of giving back. It begins with a simple belief: that each of us holds the power to create positive change in the world around us.
For years, we’ve been privileged to sit down with leading nonprofit professionals, visionaries who have dedicated their lives to serving others. From bustling city streets to remote villages, their stories have echoed with resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment.
Through countless interviews, we’ve delved into the depths of their experiences, capturing the essence of service in its many forms. Each conversation has unfolded like a chapter in a grand narrative, weaving together tales of triumph over adversity, moments of profound connection, and the transformative power of community.
From the bustling streets of Jordan to the rural landscapes of Mexico, these stories transcend borders and boundaries. They speak of the universal language of kindness, empathy, and the inherent desire to make a difference.
Our journey has taken us far and wide, shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Their stories are not just about the work they do, but the lives they touch, the hope they inspire, and the legacy they leave behind.
As we embark on this collective journey of exploration and inspiration, we invite you to join us. Together, let us celebrate the spirit of service, honor the power of giving back, and discover the profound beauty of the human heart. Welcome to 29 Journeys – The Book, where every voice matters, and every act of kindness creates a ripple of change that resonates across the globe.
Taken For Granted
“‘Knock, knock,’ Liana said when she was right
behind Zara with the heater in hand.”
A month and a half ago when Liana went to a coffee shop in the middle of
Amman, Jordan. She did not know that her life would change forever. It set into motion
one of the biggest, most impactful projects of her life. Something she remembered over a
decade later.
Liana couldn’t stop thinking about her experiences at the refugee camp, she felt
there was something more to be done. Finally, one day as she was walking between
classes at the university with her headphones in, listening to a playlist on her little iPod
with a dial, she realized what was missing, and what she needed to do. That day all she
did was go there and listen to the people, sure she brought blankets and toys, and perhaps
that made the children a little happier. But she didn’t truly help them. At least not in any
way equivalent to how much they had opened her eyes and impacted her.
So as soon as classes were over for the day she got back in touch with Latifa, her
mentor in Jordan. Rotary was what brought her to Jordan and provided her with the
experience to study abroad and learn. But Latifa was the one who truly showed Liana
how life in Jordan was, and how so many people were willing to help.
While the phone rang, Liana thought over her plan. In Azraq, Liana noticed that
one of the recurring troubles amongst the refugees was their lack of workable conditions.
It was freezing inside the homes and families could not get by much longer in such
conditions. The families only had a couple of blankets, jackets, some food, books, and a
mattress. After only a couple of rings, Latifa picked up.
“Hey, Liana! How are you? It's been so long since we spoke.”
“Yeah! I’ve been meaning to speak to you for a while now. Oh by the way, thank you so
much once again for helping me get in touch with the other clubs and people!”`
“I am happy to help, oftentimes we have students who come, but don’t end up serving as
much. Of course, we are still happy to sponsor their travel and education, but it is so
rewarding to see you so involved and passionate.”
“Honestly, Ms. Latifa, when I first met you and came to the city I was so unsure. You
seemed much older than me. I was unsure of what service to do. I knew there were many
little things I could do, but I wanted to make a real impact and difference in people’s
lives. I wasn’t sure of how I would do that and how I would even go about a project if I
somehow managed to find something that I could contribute to.”
“I’m happy to hear that you are finally getting settled in and you feel more welcome.
Now tell me, how can I help you?”
“You know the trip to the refugee camp last month and about the presents and toys that I
had gathered?”
“Yes, that was an amazing service project. You were very determined and I am sure you
impacted a lot of people.”
“I feel the same way, but that project taught me so much and I feel like I can do more.
Being at the camp showed me how much people like you and I have and how much we
have to offer. There were many things that I know they still need, I figured that I could
help with one thing in particular.”
“Ok, hit me with it. What is your plan? I’ve had my coffee, and I think I can digest
whatever plan you came up with.” she joked.
“I thought I could help with the heating system there. We get cold running from building
to building here, imagine how cold the refugees and children are way out there.
Especially the babies who have to share one blanket with the whole family, and don’t
have any heating system even though they have electrical outlets.”
“Oh, I never even thought of that. What do you propose?”
“So I researched a little about fundraising and how to apply it to our world. It is such a
large concept so I wanted more details. I also know that there are over 7 clubs with
hundreds of Rotarians in just Amman, Jordan. I thought that perhaps I could reach out to
the clubs and the people who could donate any extra plug-in heaters they have. I’m also
sure some companies have extra heaters that need to be sold by the end of the year so we
can negotiate a lower price in the name of service.”
“That is an amazing plan that I think would help the people, and our club has connections
we could reach out to. We will direct them to you so be ready and I think we can make
this work.” Latifa responded just as enthusiastically.
“Alright! Great! Talk to you then! Thank you once again, Latifa!”
Over the next month, Liana responded to many emails and calls, spending late
nights organizing for more volunteers and heaters to be prepared for the big day. But not
once did she tire.
Finally, it was the big day. There were over 700 heaters from various donors,
sponsors, and companies along with numerous volunteers and trucks ready to transport
the heaters. Liana was so excited and filled with a sense of pride and joy as they made
their way back to Azraq and to her dear friend Zara. As soon as Liana jumped out of the
truck to speak to the security, she breathed in the clean familiar air of the mountains and
desert meeting at Azraq. Once inside, she instructed the volunteers well, and trusting their
abilities, she immediately went looking for Zara. It had been two months since they had
seen each other and in this time Zara had managed to get more supplies. At Zara’s home,
Liana stood outside the home by the line of people waiting to get checked. Zara’s
eyebrows were knitted in concentration as she tried to help one child who split his
knuckle in a game of soccer. After a few minutes of waiting, Liana walked back to the
truck to grab a heater for Zara.
To Liana’s surprise, many of the heaters were already distributed. She noticed the
volunteers were working hard but were also experiencing the same meaningful feeling
that Liana had on her first visit. Feelings that even though they were working hard they
found great peace within themselves and were present in the moment.
Knowing that all was well she made her way to Zara’s house. The same warmth
from before surrounded her home. Except this time there was a line of almost a hundred
people waiting outside with problems ranging from a cold to broken fingers.
“‘Knock, knock,’ Liana said when she was right behind Zara with the heater in hand.”
Zara was startled.
“Ahhh oh my gosh Liana! How are you? Wait one sec, guys I’m taking a break early.
Sorry guys.” She closed the door after everyone filed out and hugged Liana very hard.
Zara’s bright Arabic accent sounded so happy.
“Hey, Zara I missed you too, so much! ” That’s when she noticed Zara’s oldest son and
daughter in the corner. Liana brought her voice down a notch and continued her
conversation
“Oh, are those your children?”
“Yeah!”
“It’s nice to finally put a face to them!” Liana noticed Zara’s eyes wandering to the heater
in her hand.
“Oh, I brought a heater for your family. I think I’ll bring one more since this is a bigger
space.”
“You shouldn’t have done that Liana!”
“Oh don’t be so humble, after I left I couldn’t stop thinking about you and the clinic and it
inspired me to do more so we brought over 700 heaters!” Zara was amazed by Liana’s
determination. They continued their conversation late into the evening well past when all
the heaters were distributed. Liana knew the volunteers would work hard and did not
need her help, she also knew they would cherish the extra time to talk to others and create
strong friendships like the one Liana now had with Zara.
“Ok, I’ll talk to you later and we should meet more often after you get your citizenship.
Until next time Zara!” Liana said as she waved from the truck with a smile on her face
and a feeling of fulfillment in her heart.
In the heart of every community lies a story waiting to be told. Our story is one of passion, purpose, and the profound impact of giving back. It begins with a simple belief: that each of us holds the power to create positive change in the world around us.
For years, we’ve been privileged to sit down with leading nonprofit professionals, visionaries who have dedicated their lives to serving others. From bustling city streets to remote villages, their stories have echoed with resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment.
Through countless interviews, we’ve delved into the depths of their experiences, capturing the essence of service in its many forms. Each conversation has unfolded like a chapter in a grand narrative, weaving together tales of triumph over adversity, moments of profound connection, and the transformative power of community.
From the bustling streets of Jordan to the rural landscapes of Mexico, these stories transcend borders and boundaries. They speak of the universal language of kindness, empathy, and the inherent desire to make a difference.
Our journey has taken us far and wide, shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Their stories are not just about the work they do, but the lives they touch, the hope they inspire, and the legacy they leave behind.
As we embark on this collective journey of exploration and inspiration, we invite you to join us. Together, let us celebrate the spirit of service, honor the power of giving back, and discover the profound beauty of the human heart.
Welcome to 29 Journeys – The Book, where every voice matters, and every act of kindness creates a ripple of change that resonates across the globe.
