Some people are dreamers. They envision endless and enormous options and opportunities, and believe the word “impossible” doesn’t mean something can’t be done, just that it hasn’t been done – yet. They can make a difference in the lives of others, as well as in their own.

Some people are practical. They see the possibilities, but also the problems in their projects and activities. They recognize obstacles – real and potential – and they understand what needs to be done to overcome them.  They can see projects through, from start to finish.

Some people are experienced. They have expertise based on their studies and research, as well as their work out in the real world, and they are focused and passionate about what they do. They can learn by teaching, and teach by learning.

Rarely do you come across people who are equally strong in all of the above. But such people do exist, and I recently met three of them.

I’ve just returned from Uganda, my seventh trip there in eight years. As you already know – if you’ve ever been a regular reader of my column or blog – this all began when my friend Tabitha, a native of Uganda, read a story about young women and girls there who were trapped in a cycle of poverty and prostitution. After visiting and talking with them during our first trip to Uganda together, we came home knowing we had to do something about the situation, although we had no idea what to do or how to go about it.

Since then, we’ve visited and worked with businesses, church groups, service organizations, government officials, and others, both in Uganda and in the U.S., to address and alleviate the many causes and effects of poverty – including not only prostitution but early childhood marriages.

One of our earliest plans and programs involved poultry farming, and it was a one-step-forward-two-steps-back endeavor – until now. Our team during this trip to Uganda included three people whose combined credentials include scientist, teacher, researcher, and engineer, among others, and who are experts in pretty much everything there is to know about chickens.

I’ll write more – and in more detail – about this another time, but for now, as I’m getting over jet lag and getting settled back in at home, I just want to enjoy the glow of a renewed sense of hope and confidence in what we’re trying to accomplish, and the knowledge that we’re doing it with the kind of people who don’t accept words like “impossible.” The kind of people who overcome whatever obstacles present themselves, and who are experienced, focused, and passionate about what they are doing.

The kind of people who change the world.

November 2, 2019
©Betty Liedtke, 2019

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