Our World - so big, so small
I spent last month exploring the Wrangell Saint Elias Range in Alaska. The adventure served me in many ways: from pure enjoyment to testing my patience and ability to survive. This year's expedition ended in satisfaction as everyone returned safe and healthy. Throughout our days we either sat in a snow cave trapped on a small island surrounded by deep snow and crevasses or escaped into the massive mountains, which extend like a sea in every direction. Needless to say our world would change drastically from the smallest environment with zero visibility to an environment which seemed to rival the universe.
In everyday life individuals become engulfed in their personal small worlds. When the big world is found accomplishments become more obtainable. In the mountains clear skies offer endless opportunities to cover ground and explore new places. In life outside of the mountains reaching out beyond yourself can change lives and make differences. EFAC is supported by individuals who live in a big world. Individuals with clear visibility who see beyond their own world. Developing countries may never succeed without learning how to stand on their own.
Africa may not see the big world unless we help them find it. One of the amazing things Rod Van Sciver, one of EFAC's founders, discovered during the EFAC journey is that the Kenyans do see the big picture. Our students are hungry to learn about the rest of the world. They see themselves as members of a huge world wide community rather than members of a small village. They want to explore that world. We are just a bridge to where they know they are going with out without us.
Lisa
