Full story here. [Note: story has now been taken off UDJ archives. Please see link to same story picked up by allbusiness.com. KH]
Wednesday morning:
Tomorrow night’s event at Tierra is beginning with a splash: mine. Across the front page of the local paper. A bit unnerving, I have to admit. Someone reminded me that people need good news flashed across the front pages of papers and that put things more in perspective for my nervous ego. This is not about me. This is about us. Working together. And so we did. So there I am this morning, above the fold from all the stands, wrapped in the love and support of your wonderful creations, just as our Pakistani children will be when they are at last in their hands. So, thank you. And many thanks to Richard and Sarah for doing such a bang up job of covering the story.
I have already heard from two local women who want to contribute scarves for the project. (Fed. Ex. donation box at Tierra tomorrow night??) It’s bizarre needing to weigh the benefits of a better package against the ever looming (and growing) Fed. Ex. bill. My inclination is to continue to say, “Yes, thank you.”
Even as I am writing I hear a truck out front and it is Federal Express delivering five more scarves, from a lovely woman in NJ, Nancy, and her two friends. Gayle and Melissa. Nancy’s mom, who had wanted to contribute but found arthritic hands uncooperative included $25 more dollars towards shipping, bless her heart. I will include photos of these and (at least) two other scarves before week’s end.
My life has taken on a dreamlike quality, though I am mindful to stay grounded. I have not seen my dining room table in weeks. Thus this slightly out of focus tweaked photo seemed to speak to the situation.
I’m clear that one of the ways to continue to move gracefully through this Scarf Dance is to continue to share the blessings and challenges as they come. Today has been a really really good day. And tomorrow what I was thinking was The Last Scarf is arriving from Oklahoma. But this entire experience only grounds me further in the knowing that surrender is a good tool for Grand Dreams.
[OK, someone at the door at this very moment. It’s the mailman with Dee’s beautiful scarf from Oklahoma, and twenty dollars tucked among the threads. The Lord and Southern hearts provide. And the Universe and I have big smiles on our faces–OK, and maybe a few tears in our eyes.]
Thank you for walking with me in this project of the heart. Don’t forget to include Nazir Sabir in your prayers, for he is our Pakistani partner, and he is the one who has volunteered to see this through to the end of that road. Here is the road, again:
And here is Nazir Sabir’s precious rugged face. This is a man who spent the night near the summit of K2 (second tallest mountain on Earth) without a tent and survived. He has climbed Mount Everest and K2, and he is taking care to deliver our scarves. If you want something challenging done, get a kind hearted (internationally known!) mountaineer. (And if you want the expedition of a lifetime, email him!)
Thank you, dear readers. And thank you, Nazir Sabir.
Love and heartful blessings,
Kathryn xoxo
Posted on November 19th, 2008 by Kathryn
Filed under: The Scarf Initiative
Dearest Kathryn with your heartwarming story. I have been following closely and reading these posts to my blind sister, Nancy, that you know through our notes. She served in the Peace Corps in Afghanistan in the 70s and spent her entire life wrapping her arms around those less fortunate. She wept as I read, knowing that kindred souls like you make a huge difference for those less fortunate. Bless you, dear one, and enjoy the most beautiful Thanksgiving Day, knowing you have made a powerful impact on those you touch.
Oh, Joey, knowing now that you are reading to Nancy has really touched my heart and I am teary-eyed (again!). I am so moved that she was part of that group of adventurous souls who went to Afghanistan. Did you notice that two of the men who came to the showing were also Peace Corps volunteers in Afghanistan? This is so interesting! Three in one week have come forward! It makes perfect sense they would be particularly appreciative of this effort, and I now have two new local acquaintances who feel a kinship with this project. (What will happen next??) Please give Nancy a very big hug for me and thank her for her dedication and service to the less fortunate of Afghanistan. I’m certain there are people there who still remember her kindnesses those many years ago, and are richer for it. It is these small seeds of love that blossom into beautiful trees of gratitude. Love, Kathryn xox