The fast moving train

I jumped on board of a fast moving train with US-Brazil Connect.  The organization is like an infant learning to walk but one of those happy infants that never really cries and is eager to learn and grow with the support of anyone offering.  The first weekend of training with all the other Team Leads I was both excited to be part of this journey but also slightly scared of it.  I looked around the room and was overwhelmed by the leadership that was present.  These leaders had such diverse backgrounds and life experiences and showed such confidence that I felt somewhat intimated by them.  I was thrilled to learn from all of them and add value based on my own experiences and it confirmed I was in the right place. 

I recall having a fear about being vegan and sharing this with all of them.  I recently had decided to be vegan based on many years of health issues. As I wandered down this new path I was not as support by family and friends as I thought I would be.  I was often ridiculed for the decision or people feared I would push it on them.   I was shocked by the responses I received.  I recognize now that I was not confident in my decision and wanted to feel confident it was the correct choice.  I was looking for evidence from family and friends as well as from other sources outside of me when all I needed really was to believe in myself.  Being vegan is important to my journey to Rio which you will se unfold through the process.

To my surprise that weekend I receive a ton of support from everyone around me being vegan, which again confirmed I was in the right place.  These were my people, they respected the decisions I made for me and I respected the decision they made for them.  What I have loved about US-Brazil Connect is the values they stand for: building creative partnerships on all levels of the organization and supporting each other in creating the best program through its individuals as well as creating an environment of appreciation.  At this time in my life I was truly realizing the power of appreciation and how your experience of life changes through gratitude. 

For some time I have been on a journey to find a sense of community, a place where I can thrive being who I am and a space where I can still stumble and fall on my way to being the best person I can be.  US-Brazil Connect has provided me this place and these opportunities, which I am truly grateful for.

It all Started with One Email

This journey begun in February of 2013 when I received an email through YNPN (Young Nonprofit Professional Network) Denver list serve that US-Brazil Connect was looking for Team Coordinators to work with American fellows coaching English to Brazilian high school students which included a one month trip to Brazil.  Normally I deleted these types of emails from the list serve as I had a job but I had a few friends looking for inspiring work with nonprofits and therefore I was keeping a closer eye to the jobs that were being posted. I forwarded this opportunity onto them and thought nothing of it for myself.  The next few days that followed I started to get the itch… you know the travel bug itch.  The passion I have for international education and going aboard on a project like was calling me on a deep level and I answered the call.

I took a look at the position, looked at my scheduled and said, “I think I can make this work.”  June and July are slow months for me as most of my fundraising events take place in the Spring and Fall.  I called a few clients to chat with them about this opportunity and all of them said I had to do it.  My clients know me well.  J

I applied, got an interview with Meg and was thrilled when she called to offer me the position.  I did not even have to think about it…I just said yes without really knowing if I could financially make it work.  I knew I was meant to do this and I knew the universe would take care of me in the end.  I had a full-out dance party in my apartment by myself to celebrate when I got offer over the phone from Meg.  I just could not contain myself.  I was going to Brazil!  A country that was not on my bucket list but would soon change my world, I just did not know it yet.

Inspired to Be the Difference - My Journey to Rio

My Journey to Rio...

I was inspired by not just one person to write more about the things I am experiencing but by two people in the last two weeks.  I have not written on my blog in over a year and so with all the changes I am making in my life now seems like a great time to start writing again and to share my story for those who want to listen.

Last July I had the opportunity to take my first adventure to Brazil.  Little did I know that it was not going to be my only trip to Brazil over the course of the next year and this is where my journey to Rio begins....

I call it my Journey after reading my dear friend Gideon's book- Your Unique Journey.  What I took away from that book was that each of us does have a unique journey that we are on and I need to honor others people's journeys as much as I need to honor my own.  Each of us are like a work of art, all different and yet all beautiful when you truly look at it.  So this is part of my unique journey and I hope that you enjoy what is about to unfold.  Be prepared to smile, laugh and possibly cry as this journey has had all emotions and more but already there has been so much growth and opportunity.