I had a ‘back down memory lane’ remembrance of my dad’s vision and impact with the International YMCA thanks to the honor of recently hosting a Tea and Conversation event in my home for the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington.
In preparation, I had looked back on an article printed in 1968, in which my father was featured, entitled “The Uganda YMCA – An Action Y with a Nation-Building Impact …this developing YMCA finds creativity and imagination its chief program tools.” Among much more, the article highlighted a photo captioned “YMCA youth “take over” the city government” which ultimately depicted their commitment to the Ugandan community’s needs for youth development and civic responsibility.
During the event at my home, Maria and Jon, two teenage, shining stars of the Y Youth and Government program, shared the outstanding impact the power of vision and community was having in their lives and on the lives of their peers.
I enjoy connecting the dots! Listen to this …
So, the fulfillment of my father’s desire, from the age of 13 years old, to live and work on the African continent led to opening our family’s lives up to the world; eventually connecting me to the local stories of Maria and Jon; and, thereby connecting them to my childhood friend Amber, who was not only present at the tea and conversation event, but who also played a role as “the Mayor” during one of the youth city government takeovers half-way across the world in Uganda so many, many decades ago.
Do you see what I mean? That’s the expansive power and reach of vision!
What’s your power of vision story? Please share it with others, and me too …
Expand Your Vision!
