APRIL 29, 2019 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
I continue to travel. I continue to volunteer. This is both home and abroad. My heart is telling me where I’m drawn to next but I’m opening up the floor to your thoughts as well. From sharing my previous stories with me, you probably realize that I’m pretty laser-focused when I decide to head out, but this doesn’t mean I won’t keep adding suggestions to my list.
Feeling absolutely helpless is what came over me when I viewed Puerto Rico those many days and even months after Hurricane Maria hit. The same was true for the US Virgin Islands and I think I have a special propensity for hurt people who also seem to be getting second rate regards. That is an added devastation.
I became acquainted with the Friends of Puerto Rico through a 2017 fundraiser, held at a local DC architectural firm. It was so well put together, offered so much and I was pleased that there was a place to connect with others and participate a little for the time being. I won my silent auction bid and was just recently feeling that I wanted to direct some more energy that way.
I went back to some email updates. I found this store, which is Café Ama and read the story of the seeds that survived the hurricane and how one 10-year old little entrepreneur decided she would be sharing these and other gifts of Puerto Rico. I don’t consider myself a coffee drinker. I wouldn’t want to compare myself to the real ones since sweet versions like café mocha are my chosen selection and complimentary tea usually fills my cup at work. I was preparing to check with friends to whom I might gift these, yet suddenly I fell for the most adorable little espresso cup that proved to be even more delightful in person.
My mind is telling me that I want to fly to the island. I have experience with continued recovery after an initial disaster. I may be going. I may be helping in another way. I like to be some part of various efforts that will aid people with limited resources. I believe in giving in all its forms. I believe in monetary help. I believe in physical help. I believe in kind words. I believe in smiles. I believe in encouragement and I believe everybody needs somebody.
Landscape Image by Joylne D from Pixabay