One sunny afternoon, I was relaxing outdoors in the garden with *Margaret. As we sat there, with the wind tossing our hair and birds’ quarreling filling the air, she repeatedly brought up the sun, and how basking in it felt so amazing. At first, I found this to be quite silly. Afterall, I would spend lots of time in the sun, walking between classes or during an afternoon sports practice. But Margaret’s joy over something so simple, yet precious, taught me the value of finding joy in the most mundane of moments. 

Sometimes, we get worn out from the constant hustle and bustle, struggling to balance giving back and not giving up. From the overwhelmed activist to the busy mother, I encourage all of you to take a moment to pause and savor the intangible.

7 am. With the early morning dew showering blades of grass with tiny diamonds, and the roosters crowing like a wretched chorus, I roll myself out of bed, making my way outside to the garden where my grandpa was already working. He was near the chicken incubator, and I stepped in just in time to see the tiny beak of a new life making it’s way into the world. Time slows down, freezing for a moment….

Many basic human needs such as shoes, water, and books (education) are often taken for granted, while they are a luxury to those who are captives of human trafficking. This week’s vignettes explore the overlooked stories of these objects. I hope this is an encouragement to pause, ponder, and consider your perspective.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”-Margaret Mead

The other day, I was chatting with *Patricia. While we discussed some of our past travels and highlighted fond memories, she recounted her trip to Sacramento, pointing out that she didn’t really remember what happened that weekend, the restaurants and tours all a whirlwind,  but she said, “I  remembered who I was with.”

Here’s a poem that I wrote to *Bob and Janet, who have been tremendous mentors over the past few years. Cheers to your adventurous and forever childlike spirits ! I am inspired by your curiosity and willingness to learn, even from younger people like me !