The Red T-Shirt

Today was just one of those days where I found myself with racing thoughts, mixed emotions and lack of relishing my current situation.   Luckily, I came across an article written by a friend,  Jonathan Kalan,  about "endless possibilities and opportunities" that occur in our lives. He lined out his life story in a nutshell and brought it together by stating that it's the people and connections he has made that brought him to this present state.  "Revolution is whatever you want it to be, and it's wherever you want it to go. It's there, waiting for you, And the people you meet, from the mundane to the most inspiring, are the ones who will unlock it, break it open, or help you find it".  We all know this, but sometimes we need a reminder.  His article was able to spark this reminder but again I slowly sunk back into the sliding feelings.

As I sat around pondering my sense of being at our family friend's home, my eyes suddenly caught the T-shirt of their house help. This young girl with a strong face flashed her delicate smile at me as I asked her "Judy, where did you get that shirt from?", proudly she spoke, " I got it at the Kwangari market, for 100 shillings, Mama".  The Kwangari market is near the Kwangari slums where she lives.  My jaw was on the ground.

The red t-shirt that she got for a little over $1.00 was the very same one that I had when I was a student at the University of Illinois at Chicago. My alma matar logo and team name written right across it.  Here I was at some random home in Kenya meeting a random person with the very same T-shirt that I had once wore.  This brought back memories of Jacqueline Novogratz memoir "The Blue Sweater". I was having my very own "Blue Sweater" moment.  Granted I didn't write my name on the tag like Jacqueline, so I couldn't verify  if it was MY red T-shirt, regardless there it was worn out with the nostalgia that the logo gives me.  Some can argue that such a thing is common, but what are the chances that I would come across this very T-shirt I once wore as a student, on this very day? I was awestruck!

The words of Jacqueline spun in my head:

 " The story of the blue sweater has always reminded me of how we are all connected. Our actions -- and inaction -- touch people every day across the globe, people we may never know and never meet. The story of the blue sweater is also my personal story: Seeing my sweater on that child renewed my sense of purpose in Africa."

I suddenly had my sense of purpose renewed. These reminders are necessary, that we are all connected in a world that appears so emotionally disconnected.  Empathy, love, and emotional connection are vital for our ever changing world.  I took Jacqueline and Jonathan's words in, and let myself absorb that moment as I talked to her about the red T-shirt. I reflected on all the things that happened to me in the last few years to get me to where I am today. Some very hard to still grasp and some I'm very grateful for, regardless they all had an impact. The Red T-shirt reminded me of impact and connection.  Despite never liking my University colors or logo, I was pouring with excitement at the mere sight of it. Today I had my own mini revolution, now on to make a bigger one.....

The Red T-shirt and lovely Judy! 

Tell us a Story......

As a child I had few toys and games to entertain myself with, I kept myself busy by listening to stories of my mother or other elders around.

I would immerse myself in these stories and at times they were so good that I would try to reenact them.  The most famous of all is the story of my mother and I coming to America. This story highlights my mother's plight, struggles and strengths.  

I find myself telling this story a lot lately. Especially since I've begun this fellowship. Before I wouldn't share this story widely, to the point of avoiding questions or sometimes even pity.  I wasn't ashamed of my history, I just didn't fully understand the impact I could have when telling a story.  I used to think things like this are solely for the purpose of entertainment and once it's over it leaves the listeners mind. I didn't know how to convey myself to make the listener realize what my stories mean.  In short, I was a bad storyteller.  

Over the years, I worked on this skill. I always had it in me but I just did not know how to do it. Finally I had a chance to truly put myself out there and test my story telling skills. This was for our annual Investor Gathering at Acumen Fund. I had one minute and 30 seconds to tell a story about myself and why I'm in this fellowship.  My fellow fellows all had extraordinary, inspiring and funny stories to share in that minute and half. 

 I felt like my story, though good, was conveyed very dull-like by me. Even the weeks of listening to various stories from the founder of Akilah Institute for Women and her students to the homeless in the Bronx to Jacqueline Novogratz herself, I still felt like I couldn't merely inspire my listeners the way they did.  

I worked hard and when that faithful day came on November 10, 2011 I went on stage and told my story. A minute and a half was certainly not enough time to tell my life story but I was finally able to convey myself and why I'm here.  With gaining the strength and courage to get up and say it I have since begun the art of mastering my storytelling skills.  

In the Masai Village the Masai children gather around, John our trusty and excellent guide, to hear  a story. 

I find myself in Nairobi cafes and couches talking about why I am here today. I talk about Acumen Fund and the model, the stories of Sproxil and how they are changing lives and of course my own stories.  I find my listeners drawn, engaged and sometimes emotional about them.  

Similar to my childhood days, I like to find myself on the other side, the listener.  There are so many stories to be heard. From the Nairobi taxi drivers complaining about traffic, bad roads and corruption to the expats telling me about their mission, goals, dreams and favorite local joints to the single mothers sitting on the side of the streets waiting for a cleaning job at someone's home or office.  I know my life will be touched and hopefully I can touch lives by the stories I have yet to be told and spoken.  

Everyone has a story...What's yours going to be today?

The video from the Acumen Fund's Investor Gathering! (Tamsin I know you love that I posted this!) 

P.S. My fellow fellows have some fond "stories" from the title of this post!  ;-)