Hopes, Dreams and Growth

As we get to the end of the first month of 2014 I have been able to deeply reflect on the human spirit, leadership and the world around us. I visited Mumbai, India for a work commitment. On Day 1 Tim Costello CEO World Vision, Australia hosted us in the slums. We met such generosity from people who are working 11 hour days to earn $2. The flowers they gave me are the most beautiful and meaningful that I have ever received. The smiles that accompanied them made them so much more beautiful. Tim Costello had a great phrase that he discusses in his recent book called Hope. We often confuse the cost of living with the cost of lifestyle.
What was also inspiring is the role women have taken in the community to form small businesses  to provide educational opportunities for their children. We met a girl studying Micro Biology in University but living with her family in a room 6 x 6. She is full of hope and dreams about the difference she will make in the world and I have no doubt she will! A true focusing moment for me.