I Am Always Inspired By Generosity.
The photos you see to the right are the evidence of generosity. They are the physical manifestation of an outpouring of kindness that began in one special moment when an inspired Mother reached into her purse and gave $19 to another inspired Mother.
Underwear For Africa Was Born Just 21 Days Ago.
And today, thanks to the the help of many Mothers here on ActiveRain and many other Mothers around the United States, five 20 x 20 x 20 boxes stuffed to capacity, each weighing 50 pounds, are making their way to Nairobi, Kenya via Virgin Atlantic.
The response to "How The Sight Of Underwear Brought Me To Tears" has been amazing. I'm sure the folks at NP Dodge had no idea what was going to transpire when they put together the backpack for my wife.
That Was Just 10 Days Ago.
This is the power of social networks when they are called into action. They work with great speed and the power of large numbers works to create results in mere days that would have taken weeks to achieve using traditional methods.
Those Of You Who Gave, Thank You.
You know who you are and so do I. I can only hope that when you look at these photos, that you have a sense of joy and pride. And when you see the photos of the faces as they receive your gifts, I hope you will take a moment to let those feelings rise up again and inspire you even further.
There Were Many Tears Shed Tonight.
My wife is fulfilling a dream over these next 21 days. For years, Rocky has longed to go to Africa to provide assistance. And you have helped to take that dream to a new level. For that I am extremely grateful.
I was reduced to a slobbering idiot as I watched a very happy, very tearful Mother hug her children goodbye this evening. She had not let herself believe it was really going to happen until the very last moment. Then it hit her all at once. This was really happening. It was pure joy.
And, with any luck, it will continue to happen.
We received a large box of underwear today that could not make it on this journey. There will be others going on their own journeys who will become the messengers for future boxes. But these boxes are going to tell a story. You can follow along if the mood strikes.
My Journey To Africa - an online diary of her journey.
Mothers Fighting For Others Flickr Photos - photos taken along the way.
Mothers Fighting For Others - the official MFFO blog.
There will also be a video diary and I will come back and update the link for that when it is available.
Once again, thank you to each of you gave your encouragement, either in the kind words uttered in the comments, or by your actions over the last 10 days.
You have helped fulfill a dream.
Jeff Turner aka respres
That is absoluteltly awesome, you are awesome.
Life is not about the money, the fame, the title, Life is about giving.
My favorite poem is by Emerson who says: Success is to know one life has breathed easier because you have existed.
The little things we take for granted...making a world of difference. I am more disappointed now that I didn't make that trip to Blackwater to see you guys. My thoughts and prayers with Rocky (& you) while she's on her journey.
Jeff,
I never met or spoken to her but it seems she puts others ahead of herself. Sometimes it is hard to commit to something such as this and you should be very proud of her. I'm proud of her because I could not partake in such a great thing she is doing. I'm not religious but I know when you do something like this it will come back to you as a very positive thing and someone is looking down at her ...saying...You done good:)
Wow - You always make me take a deep breath and evaluate. First I think you are a brilliant man and so willing to share. And then there's Rocky, who through your writing I feel I know and so aspire to have such "human" goals. I am thrilled she's making the trip. I wish I knew sooner for I would have "contributed".
Heck, I joke with my team that we all need such a humbling experience to appreciate what we truly have in a "life" prospective. You Go Rocky.. I'll be reading that journal wishing I was there.
Jeff - This is an incredible testament to the wondrous things that happen when folks put their hearts and minds together. You are truly married to a wonderful woman and are obviously very proud of her - and rightfully so. But the flip side of that is that she probably would not realize her dream without your support. Together you both are unstoppable.
Thank you to you and Rocky - for all those smiles that are soon to be generated in Kenya. I am so proud for both of you.
Nick... maybe we're both idiots? ;)
William... you and I need to finally meet face to face my friend. A trip down to San Diego is in order when my wife returns. Perhaps a mini AR gathering?
Chris... I would never have imagined. She is already lining up volunteers to take the next load of boxes. Part of her goal for the trip is to establish real connections with groups that she can work with on other projects as well, like water purification.
Joe... I do. I'm a very lucky man. Very. Thank you.
Bob... I wish the same thing. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Sarah... you know she's going to be recruiting you hard when she returns! :)
Linda... I know that for a fact, all of it!
Neal... you're right. It's very hard to commit to something like this. But her passion is unwavering on this. It's just a part of who she is. It's in her DNA. And you surely don't need to be religious to understand the truth of what you're saying.
Desiree... thank you! I'm going to be reading it wishing I were there too. :)
Carol... thank you. I can't wait to see the photos and read her thoughts. I'm literally chomping at the bit.
MY country USA never seems to amaze me for the help we keep pouring out to others no bad how others try to make us look.
Susan... 100% true.
I just got off the phone with Rocky. She landed safely in London for her transfer to Nairobi. Skype rocks. :)
Jeff:
I am so proud of Rocky, of you, of the Active Rain supporters--and of the results from this effort. How many kids are in the orphanage?
We look forward to seeing a few slide shows from Rocky's trip!
Thanks so much for sharing this effort.
Sarah... :)
Roberta... THANK YOU! Truly special.
Lisa... ten days, starting from zero. Amazing.
Thesa... I have a feeling there's more to come. :)
when you coming to south FL..?! :)
EDIT: commented just fine now. the 8 was from this morning.. PS. you two are incredible..! 10 DAYS!! daaaaang. i had 6 weeks. you are both super heroes, right? :)
Jeff, Very inspiring post. From the little I know of Rocky you are one fortunate man. Did you know we have something in common? If not you just wrote it:
"She is a woman with exceptional strengths and exceptional weaknesses, and I love each and every one of each."
Well stated my friend.
Nick... then we are most certainly idiots! :) As soon as I can, my friend. As soon as I can.
Bryant... thank you. I can imagine you know exactly how I feel. :)
Desiree... OK, Deal!
Hi Jeff-I have been following Rocky's journey on her personal blog and I am truly amazed at what she has accomplished. She is an amazing lady and it rocks that you both can see beyond the United States as far as needs of humans and the fight for poverty.
As I get older, I am wiser...at least I would like to think so.....there are no boundries when it comes to human life......we all have to do a small part in order to make a difference. Life is precious regardless of who it is!
My parents have taught me to be giving and charitable....imagine your children have these awesome stories they will be able to share about their role models. They can follow if they choose....you two are making so many other's dreams come true.... I am so excited for Rocky..for your family...for the orphanage. How incredible that these children will be touched by someone as beautiful as Rocky.
I can't wait to read her blog...I know I will probably need tissues and my reading glasses. God Bless you and your family Jeff. Rocky is Woman!
p.s. I love her hair and I think she is one of the few that can pull it off...
Rocky: Please let us know of other needs--especially those that might fit into shoe boxes:-) Thanks so much for checking in and keeping us abreast of your travels. Stay joyful!
Jeff: Thanks--and keep the updates coming!
In times of War and negative news....... There's Rock Turner and Julie..
Rocky is certianly a soldier of a different kind. She fights from the heart n soul.
I'm blessed and fortunate to know her; and learn from her. The lesson your kids are getting from her actions are much more than any school could ever teach, and her impact is farther reaching than we imagine.
Can't wait to read her posts and hear all about her efforts.
M
Midori... thank you. We hope the kids get it. We talk about what they're mom is doing every day, even when she is here. I think this trip will bring it to life for them.
Kim... No, thank you!
Roberta... They are safe in Nairobi and yesterday were able to deliver the first of the underwear to a different orphanage than the one they are working in. They have already coordinated with some of the other volunteers from around the world to help them deliver the extra underwear to other orphanages. There are "only" 40 girls in the orphanage they are working at, but one of the volunteers is going to an orphanage with 800 children. The need is great, so the 5 boxes will not go unused by any stretch of the imagination.
Jeff - Thank you for keeping us in the loop. I wish Rocky the very best on her journey and look forward to checking in with her on her Journey to Africa blog.
I am excited to say that I have been working on putting together an Underwear for Africa drive here and hope to have another box or two for Rocky when she returns home.
You both are truly an inspiration. Thank you for all you do.
;-)
Roberta... I'm sure there will be, as Jennifer's comment illustrates. :)
Jennifer... that is fantastic! I just got off the phone with Rocky. She still has not been able to locate an internet connection, so she dictated her first day's pot to me. It can be found here: http://myjourneytoafrica.wordpress.com/2007/09/30/day-1/
That's great Jeff. Thanks! I'm off to read Day #1 post. ;-)
This whole social network thing sure has alot of power. NP Dodge Company wishes your wife the best and hopes her travels touch many lives.
Jeff,
I had said on your first post, about this, that you and your wife were wonderful, But now more than ever you should be proud!!!!
I think it's very Honorable :0)
Tom Weiss
I am in tears right now. Rocky left me a message to transcribe. I put part of it up on MP3 so you could hear the emotion in her voice. I'm so happy for her.
http://myjourneytoafrica.wordpress.com/2007/10/02/day-3-arrival-at-st-monicas/
I listened to Rocky's message and it almost made me cry. I will pray that her journey is safe and she has many more exciting journeys ahead. She is great for doing this ... and Jeff you are great for allowing her to do this.
You are a very generous man to share your wife. Kudos to both of you!
I just received some photos from a Mother in the United States that Rocky met online and met in person for the firs time... IN AFRICA! Amazing story. They are now up at Mothers Fighting For Others On Flickr. A couple of the photos speak volumes to me. This one of Rocky:
And this one of my sister, Juli Salvante:
The last Rocky and Child photo at Mothers Fighting for Others in Flickr (on the first page) is amazing. It sure puts things into perspective, at least for me.
Everyone involved with Mothers Fighting for Others...You are all angels.