In 2009, we launched our Backpack Project… the first of over 60 projects in the last 15 years.
We were in a rock quarry, where our partner Charlie had been burdened by the overwhelming need of the children there. They didn’t have opportunities that other children had. They lived in straw huts in the dust of the quarry, they were dirty, often hungry, and Charlie wanted desperately to do something about it. He wanted them to know they were seen and loved.
A little girl named Gayathri was the first recipient. Little did we know she would go on even past 8th grade, let alone on into college, and amazingly even then go to work for an international company someday.
We were so excited earlier this year, thousands and thousands of backpacks later, to meet back up with Gayatri. We hugged, cried, caught up, and paused to reflect on the small choices that took place one day in 2009 that have led to us both being a part of something so special. Awesome.
