It's Time to Give Back

If you wish to experience peace, provide peace for another.

- Dalai Lama

Long ago, when Scott and I were dreaming and scheming about this trip, we said that one of the things we would like to do would be to give back.  Because we have been moving so much this hasn't really been possible - but not anymore!  Now that we are going to call Grenada "home" for the next six months or so we have some time to pay it forward, as it were.

We have been incredibly lucky and fortunate throughout this trip - so many people have contributed to our cause, given us encouragement, kind words, inspiring emails...we have been kept out of harms way and been awed by outpouring of support from our fans and followers.  I have always, always believed that we are given two hands for a reason; one to help ourselves and the other to help another.  It is what we human beings crave; connection, companionship, compassion, community...love.

We chose the Queen Elizabeth Home for Children as our cause.  Not only do Scott and I love children - but I think there is nothing more devastating than a child to grow up feeling unwanted and unloved.  Children are so beautiful, innocent and so easily broken.  Far too many children are born into this world without a fighting chance - and it is organizations like the Queen Elizabeth Home for Children (QEHC) that really make a difference.  It's cliche but it is so true, children really are our future.

We visited the QEHC the other day and they were so grateful for our presence and support.  We were given a tour of their grounds and met with the lovely and regal Marion G. Pierre.  Marion is a force to be reckoned with.  Born in Grenada, she spent most of her life in the USA.  After graduating from Columbia University she went on to an illustrious marketing career with Chase bank and other firms where she climbed the corporate ladder.  She can name-drop with the best of them; her good friends range from international ambassadors to high profile business owners - her peers are all movers and shakers.  When she talks, you listen.  She is highly educated, incredibly well traveled and - most important - has a heart of gold.  When she moved back to Grenada about 8 years ago she became the Executive Trustee of the QEHC and has never looked back...

The home, right now, is undergoing a major expansion project that included more bathrooms, a new therapy room, a large play pavilion and more.  Because of the construction they can only hold 18 children but once completed they hope to house more.  Despite this - they are in dire need of funds.  Not only will Scott and I be donating our time to the home in the form of tutoring, playing with and reading to the children - we will be doing some fundraising for them as well.

The children of the home range in age between 2 and 10.  All are victims of some sort of abuse (sexual and physical) and have been removed from their homes by child protective services.  To hear some of these children's stories is not only heartbreaking but sickening and a powerful reminder of how wicked humans can be.  Our species has the ability to do so much good - and yet we are also capable of the most incredible evil.  The mind boggles.

Anyway - we had a wonderful afternoon meeting the children and playing with them for a bit before heading back to the boat.  My mind is overflowing with ideas on how we can help raise money and support and we are so excited to be able to give back.


This is just the beginning...

Love,
Brittany & Scott