Thoughts Along the Path . . .

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Do you feel fulfilled when volunteering your time and energy in a worthy endeavour? Do you believe that education should be available to everyone throughout the world? And what about girls - do you think that empowering them is key to a better future for all? Do you like to travel or hear other people’s travel stories?

As I composed the questions above, I found myself thinking “yes” every time. What about you? Do these ideas resonate with you, too? St. George resident Barbara Melara recently spent 3 months in Kenya doing volunteer work that involved all of that – and more.

Not just there as a tourist, she explained to me by email that her time in Kakamega, Kenya was a rich experience blending the so-called developed world with the less-developed world. She feels fortunate to have worked in such a satisfying and meaningful way, through a non-profit that provides scholarships for girls. Throughout her time there she had connections with many other people, too. And if that isn’t already enough, during her off-time she traveled through many villages, joined other service projects, and even went on a safari.

I’ve been wanting to bring Barbara’s story to Ayr ever since I heard about it in April. And now, with the back-to-school season upon us, this seems like the perfect time. Fortunately, she agreed to come to Ayr on the evening of Friday 29 September for the next Unity Café. She will explain the project in Kenya, explore how educating girls uplifts all of society, share stories, and show some photographs, too.

As most readers of this newspaper already know, Unity Cafes are hosted by the Baha’is of North Dumfries with the aim of bringing friends and neighbours together to share ideas in an open, relaxed atmosphere. This month marks 5 years since the series began. Not even the pandemic stopped us – though of course we had to change the format during that time.

Please consider joining us Friday September 29 at 7:30pm at the North Dumfries Community Complex for Barbara’s presentation and discussion. Social time will follow including refreshments. All are welcome – though I should warn you that her enthusiasm for volunteering and for travel might be contagious.

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