Footprints

It is interesting, as my final weeks in Colorado approach and my life transitions to yet another chapter (I now will be moving to Nicaragua), it has been a time of reflection, particularly of the last decade.

Ten years ago I moved to Costa Rica to work as an engineer for almost 4 years, which was my first move to Central America. It was backed by the support of a multi-million dollar corporation (Intel) and a decent salary. Now, in less than three weeks I am leaving with the support of some donors, friends and family to continue to work with what I believe is my calling.

Over the past 10 years Empowerment International has been taking shape, slowly and organically. It's been an amazing decade and it will be interesting to see where the next one goes. Never did I dream I would be a 'founder' of an organization helping 270 children when in the beginning, I just wanted to help kids working in the streets. Never did I dream I would leave all worldly possessions behind, one of my two dogs, my friends and more to continue with this work that has taken hold of me. The road has not been easy yet totally worth it. While I am sure there are many challenges to come, there seems to always be a reward or two with every challenge. Am I scared? Definitely. Am I excited? Absolutely!


Dear flickr friends, I would like to thank for your uplifting and supportive comments for not just my photos but for my life work and 'my kids'. Gregory (CARF), Ana_Lee_Smith, Happy_Horizons, Natureluv, CJphotohound, Russell.Bride, Jon. , Aeshaul, Chito, David_G and many others thanks for your friendship, financial and emotional support and so much more...

When I was a child I loved this poem and looked it up tonight to add it to this photo. It seems appropriate. If you you prefer to change God for another word such as spirit, universe etc, I recommend what works for you. I am not religious in a traditional sense but I am very much a spiritual being.

Footprints in the Sand

One night I had a dream.

I dreamed I was walking along the beach
with the Lord..

Across the sky flashed scenes from my life..
For each scene, I noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand,
one belonging to me, and the other to the Lord..

When the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that many times along the path of my life
there was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times in my life.

This really bothered me
and I questioned the Lord about it:
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why
when I need you most you would leave me."

The Lord replied:
"My precious child, I love you and would
never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints, it was then
that I carried you."

by Mary Stevenson

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