This is an open love letter in honor of the kindness of strangers and for the loyalty of friends. Maybe I'm too optimistic about the world, but I do like to believe that people in general are good at heart and will choose to help others.
In my last blog post I wrote about my niece, a college kid who has been presented with an amazing educational experience. A kid that has been knocked down financially more times than she can count, but continues to thrive even if it really is on ramen noodles alone. She needed $3,300 in ten days to go on a trip with her ASU Anthropology class, and prior to my post she had managed to raise $40 in addition to having a jar full of coins that had undoubtedly came from looking under car seats and couch cushions. In a little over two hours of my posting the financial plea on her behalf, donations began to occur.
People I had not seen in over 15yrs, people who/whom (I never know which one to use) had never even met Jorden, were contributing to her trip. And those who could not give financially were sharing and reposting my blog all over the place. Within days her site as well as mine, had over one hundred views and shares. That outpouring of promotion and consideration far exceeded anything that I had imagined. I seriously did not expect nor anticipate the support in which it received. I was sitting there looking at my notifications thinking of how blessed I am to know the most awesome people ever.
At the end of her ten days she had a total of $1,000! I'm horrible at math, but that's like way more than $40. In addition to the funds raised, she was awarded a scholarship by ASU to cover her outstanding balance. So now she has not only the trip completely paid for, but also enough for any additional travel expenses. Oh, and she can now afford to send me a post card from the jungle!!
In all seriousness, I cannot even begin to thank everyone who has made this trip possible for her. Between the likes/shares/donations there is a message to be gained from you all. Everyone of you took the time and energy to not only read my blubbering mess of a blog, but to also help out a kid you don't even know. It speaks volumes about your character and of how you genuinely care for others. My words of thanks will never be enough, and I ask that if there is anything that I can ever do for any of you then please do not hesitate to ask. And then I'll make Jorden do whatever you need. Really, I will. No, because she's going to be too busy doing jungle-y stuff. But in all honesty, I will be here and will be glad to lend a hand or even a word if need be.
