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Published: March 8th 2015
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Another glorious morning at the Victoria Hotel - my Gratitude Journal is overflowing on this trip. Oh my goodness! It's an emotional roller coaster, too.
Started the morning getting some great photos down by the water - with a view of the Victoria Falls - so beautiful. Sun is shining. Birds are singing. And my buddy Sandy Salle and I recorded a special video for all of you. I've mentioned her so many times that I wanted you to see the pretty face that goes with the amazing personality - along with the extraordinary professional skills that she has when it comes to travel, customer service, and speciality offerings. Another great breakfast on the terrace and then back on the bus........and over to the church again, for Day 2 of Sales and Marketing training with the women from the market. Day 1 was over the top special - these ladies are focused, committed, totally engaged and so grateful. However, I believe that WE are learning just as much, if not more - and it is truly a blessed experience.
We got to the church and they were there, ready and waiting and eager for more. Once again,
we opened in song - their voices are like that of angels - and the words of the songs are just so special. It really touched my heart.
The focus today was (get this - my Mighty Mavericks clients!) knowing their numbers. Craig, a member of our team, is a specialist in the area of finance and he is leading the teaching this morning. He customized financial tracking worksheets for the ladies and we jumped right in. I was feeling a bit sad because while the training was going until about 1:00 p.m., I was leaving the group around 11 a.m. to catch a flight back to Johannesburg (watch for my blog post over the next few days to see what special things I am involved in for International Women's Day!!).
The worksheets were handed out, the flip chart paper was on the walls again - and away we go. The ladies are eager, interested, curious and delighted to get this particular bit of knowledge and to understand how it impacts their business (and their personal lives) over the course of a year. See the photos to get a sense of their level of engagement in this segment.
Then the time came for me to leave - well, what happened next blew me away!!! I was quite prepared to get out of my chair, say my good-bye to Sandy (and get my glasses back from her - her 'readers' broke so I lent her mine - my second pair was being used by 2 of the ladies in the group because, being close to my age, it was impossible for them to read the worksheets - and here I'm thinking to myself, why didn't I realize they would also benefit from having reader glasses!!!! Geez. Sometimes 'we' just don't get it and really take for granted all that we have to make our lives easier! Note to all my audience here: these ladies can use some reading glasses!!!) -
Anyway, back to the story. So, I got my glasses, said my good-bye to Sandy and then as I was grabbing my bag and heading to the door, Suzanne grabbed me by the arm at the front of the room and announced to the group that I had to leave. Ok - much appreciated. But then, all of a sudden, the women rushed to the
front of the room, surrounded me with hugs and kisses and best wishes, and wanted photos and then they all broke into song - sending me on a blessed and safe journey! Oh my goodness - I didn't expect anything like that and the energy in the room was just unbelievable - I couldn't hold back - I wept like a baby - like that 'ugly cry' Oprah speaks of all the time. The sobs were coming from my toes, I think. I will always remember that moment - I have never had such a love-filled experience like that before. The love and gratitude I felt were .......well......I just don't have words to describe it. And I am grateful!
Sandy and I walked to the van, holding hands, and both crying. What a sight!
And off I went to the airport - heading to my next adventure back in Johannesburg. I will say that the #GiveMovementJourney2015 was life-changing for me. Such a different experience from 3 years ago - and a pivotal moment in my life.
The flight to J'Burg was really awesome - comfortable, relaxing. I want to give a shout-out to South African Airlines -
again, the flight attendants are dressed to the nines - looking awesome, big smiles, a great customer service attitude and make you feel so welcome. And they serve meals on the flight! Real food - with real utensils!!!! (reminds me of the days of Ward Air back in Canada). I had a great little snooze - was met at J'Burg airport and taken to my next hotel - a gorgeous little boutique hotel called The Peech.
I will say that after a week with all the activity and all the people, that having this quiet room in this quiet, calm hotel was most welcome. AND I finally got a latte again - #Happy!
A lovely meal, a fabulous shower and crawling into bed early were just what the doctor ordered! One (little) think I love about this hotel room is they have plug-ins for just about every country! Small thing, really - but, actually, a BIG thing when all of my electronics are out of juice! Even a usb plug in the wall to quickly recharge my phone ......ahh, it is the little things that count.
So, once again, pleasant dreams, everyone! Love hearing your comments here
on the blog, your notes of support on Facebook, your private messages and emails - it is heart-warming to know that my stories and photos are causing you to think differently about travel to Africa, volunteerism, your own business and so much more that you are writing about .......thanks for connecting.
Come on back for more tomorrow - exciting things ahead.
Happy Pat
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Sharon Dahmer
non-member comment
Amazing
Pat, little did I know way back what an incredible person you are! :-)