LOVE LETTER TO A CAT
by Steve Goodier

A love letter to a cat? Why not? At least Andrew thought it might work. This is an actual love letter written by a boy to his cat.But before you read the letter, you must understand this about the cat.

She is about as affectionate as a cactus. And besides, she goes to great lengths to avoid Andrew. She would rather sleep the day away in one of her many hiding places scattered throughout the boy's house than be near him. And on one of those rare occasions when she makes an appearance, he can forget about touching her.

If he never has anything to do with her, that is all right by the cat.The boy tries his best to be nice. He looks for her, searching the house for an occupied hiding place, and feels abundantly grateful if he should stumble upon his treasure.

He is occasionally allowed to stroke her once or twice before she flits off. He even feeds her, hoping to eventually win her confidence and perhaps even a bit ofaffection. But he is seldom rewarded with anything like attention.

Now that you know something about the cat, whose name is Mehitabel, by the way, what about the love letter? It was found next to the cat's food dish. This is what it said: "To cat (he couldn't spell Mehitabel!): I love you. Before you love me I will love you more. Love, Andrew. Meow!"

What a selfless love! "I love you. Before you love me I will love you more." That is the kind of patient love a parent may have for a child. And the kind of love God has for us, God's children.There is something beautifully excessive about a love that says, "Before you love me I will love you more." I believe we can use more excessive lovers!

__________Steve Goodier's books & newsletter: http://LifeSupportSystem.com

Next Level
Its raining,
and I am waiting for the rain
to stop.
No taxi in sight,
and bikes we call okada
have just been banned.
Now we have to take Taxi.
God Bless El-rufai.
He just moved Abuja
to a new level.

I don't know where else
God's grace will take me to next,
but am optimistic it is going to be
a right next level...
Lets see.
Maybe Uni, Maybe not,
maybe broadcasting,
maybe social work.
But whatever it may be,
I will have to watch pray more to find out!

The poem above was inspired by Kat Macleod. Actuall culled it out of the email I was sending to her. lol. The best is yet to come by God's grace. Happy independent celebration Nigeria! Enjoy this interview: http://www.vso.org.uk/about/volunteers/jennifer_ehidiamen.asp

Next Level
Its raining,
and I am waiting for the rain
to stop.
No taxi in sight,
and bikes we call okada
have just been banned.
Now we have to take Taxi.
God Bless El-rufai.
He just moved Abuja
to a new level.

I don't know where else
God's grace will take me to next,
but am optimistic it is going to be
a right next level...
Lets see.
Maybe Uni, Maybe not,
maybe broadcasting,
maybe social work.
But whatever it may be,
I will have to watch pray more to find out!

WHO'S YOUR BEST FRIEND? by Steve Goodier
Former prisoner James Knapp confessed to police that he'd robbed two stores in Oklahoma, because he missed his old cell mates. Police said they'd see if James could be reunited with his old friends. I think Mr. Knapp may have expressed something important, however. Friends, wherever we find them, are absolutely necessary.But do you know who your best friend is? Automaker Henry Ford was having lunch with a man, when he suddenly asked the man that very question. "Who is your best friend?" Ford asked.The man hesitated and Ford went on. "I'll tell you who your best friend is," he said. Then he wrote this sentence for the man to read: "Your best friend is he who brings out the best that is within you." Our best friends are those who do more than simplylike us. They also believe in us. They support us but, occasionally, they nudge us as well.Someone put it well: "A friend is someone who knows you as you are, understands where you've been, accepts who you've become, and still, gently invites you to grow."
Now...who is your best friend?
__________Steve Goodier's books & newsletter: http://LifeSupportSystem.com

..my prayer for you is this:

In this coming week, God will surprise you good. He will perfect all that you have been believing Him for. Watch out for His uncommon move in your life. Get ready for your miracle!

There is something about pleasing God that will cause Him to pass over a million people just to get to you! Stay connected to Him.

Have a Blessed day.

Jennifer

"Desiderata"

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career,
however humble,
it's a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham,
drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Have a great weekend!

The best is yet to come by His Grace!

STAY CONNECTED

Hush...
hear the sound of the tomtom
being played by the African child
it is a rythm of love, peace, and joy.

stay connected to the right source
it is all free of charge
get all your problems solved
and be sure to be on the safe side

I am connected to the right source
that is why my life is so sunny
do i sound a little bit funny?
oh no! i am not trying to be cunning
stay connected to Jesus Christ
He is the true and only right source i know

Jesus christ
...the solution for a fulfilled and joyous life!

(C) Jennifer Ehidiamen
www.jennifere.4t.com

Believing in Others

As our van pulled up to the ranch to start a three-month program fortroubled boys, we passed a cowboy on his horse. Bill was the owner ofthe ranch, and he sat at the gate to wave us in. We made eye contact through the dusty window and he winked at me and touched the brim ofhis cowboy hat in welcome.

All summer long Bill and his ranch-hands taught us to ride horses, bale hay, chop wood, and roundup cattle. He understood the value ofworking with your hands, and we respected him for his knowledge and gentle leadership. He knew how important it was for boys like me toknow that someone believed in them. He trusted us to do the job and do it right, and we didn't want to let him down. Several times that summer he took me fishing and we not only talked about how to cast aline and bait a hook, but also about my dreams and what I wanted from life. He encouraged me to make goals and shared stories from his own experiences.

The last day at the ranch, Bill pulled me aside and commended me for the work I had done that summer - not only on the ranch, but also onmyself. He told me if I ever needed anything I could count on him.Four years later, I took him up on that offer. I called him up and asked for a job. I told him how his confidence in me had given me the courage to change my life. I explained that I wanted to help others in the same way. He offered me a job on the spot. I'm proud to say that each summer I'm the one who opens the gate for a van full of young men who need someone to believe in them, so they can learn to believe in themselves.

"The values we live by are worth more when we pass them on...."

Food for thought: "God won't judge our exploits... but our motive behind it!"

Fighting HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases

“My interest to embark on an HIV project grew when I saw how young people are the most affected by HIV. I feel that as part of my contribution to the emergence of an HIV-free population, I can help by first finding out more about this virus and then disseminating this knowledge to other young people who share in my vision or are otherwise interested in saving humanity.” Jennifer, 20 years old

Jennifer lives in Nigeria, where HIV/AIDS gets a lot of attention. But even though the issue is all over the media, Jennifer knows that young people still engage in high-risk behavior that could expose them to HIV. “Being informed is one thing,” she says, “but being well informed is another.”

As an intern at Journalists Against AIDS (JAAIDS) Nigeria, a media resource centre on HIV/AIDS and reproductive health, Jennifer has learned all about HIV and other diseases and is determined to share this knowledge with other young people. She is busy organising youth-based projects, including an upcoming roundtable with both youth advocates and young people living with HIV to discuss ways of achieving behavioral change.

MDG 6 aims to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria and other deadly diseases by 2015. Jennifer hopes to build a network of young people who will be fully committed to sharing their knowledge and working together to see the emergence of an HIV-free population.

“Working towards the good of everyone is a passion-driven thing that goes beyond personal interest,” says Jennifer. “I am happy to see so many young people both at home and abroad who recognize the importance of volunteering and dedicating their time and skills towards building a fairer world.”

http://www.unicef.org/voy/takeaction/takeaction_2366.html

http://www.unicef.org/voy/speakout/speakout_564.html

A bit of inspiration...

Hard things are put in our way, not to stop us, but to call out our courage and strength. -- -- What are your dreams, your hopes, your ambitions? Now is the time to follow them with the passion that you know you have. Now is the time for action, for commitment, for purpose. Putting it off until later will only cheat you out of what you could have become. Do it, be it, live it now. It's the grandest opportunity you could ever imagine.

"Necessity may be the mother of invention, but play is certainly the father."
- Roger von Oech

We all need to be inspired don't we? Well, here are a few Words of Inspiration to Brighten-Up Your Day. And if you like them, and they cheer you up, why not pass them on to a few of your friends ...

Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun every year.
How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on.
Birthdays are good for you; the more you have, the longer you live.
Happiness comes through doors you didn't even know you left open.
Ever notice that the people who are late are often much jollier than the people who have to wait for them?
If Wal-Mart is lowering prices every day, how come nothing is free yet?
You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened.
We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors....but they all exist very nicely in the same box.
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

Pass it on!

THEY ARE ALL OUR CHILDREN by Steve Goodier

There are few things in this life more difficult to experience than the loss of one's child. Jim Wallis, in Who Speaks For God? (Delacorte Press, 1996) tells about a sad and terrifying incident that occurred during the tragic war in Sarajevo a few years ago.

A reporter who was covering the violence in the middle of the city saw a little girl fatally shot by a sniper.The reporter threw down his pad and pencil and rushed to the aid of the man who was now holding the child. He helped them both into his car and sped off to a hospital."Hurry, my friend," the man urged, "my child is still alive." A moment or two later he pleaded, "Hurry, my friend, my child is still breathing." In little later he said, "Hurry, my friend, my child is still warm."When they got to the hospital, the little girl was gone. "This is a terrible task for me," the man said to the reporter. "I must go tell her father that his child is dead. He will be heartbroken."The reporter was amazed. He looked at the grieving man and said, "I thought she was your child."The man replied, "No, but aren't they all our children?"Jim Wallis adds this: "Yes, they are all our children. They are also God's children as well, and he has entrusted us with their care in Sarajevo, in Somalia, in New York City, in Los Angeles, in my hometown of Perry, Georgia, and...in Washington, D.C.

"What a fascinating question: Aren't they all our children? Under our roof and across the street? In the next town, the next state, the next country? In Europe and North America? In Africa and Asia? In prosperous nations and developing countries? In the jungles of South America and on sandy island coastlands?Aren't they all our children? Ours to feed? Ours to clothe? Ours to educate? Ours to keep safe? But mostly, ours to love?"If we have no peace," said Mother Teresa, "it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." If we belong to each other, they are indeed our children. Ours to care for.Is there a greater privilege?

__________Steve Goodier's books & newsletter: http://LifeSupportSystem.com

A-Z of HIV and AIDS for Young People
A: Avoid pre-marital/casual sex
B: Be faithful to your spouse
C: Consistent condom use with your partner
D: Don’t share Sharp Objects like razors, Clippers, Needles, and syringes etc.
E: Encourage and care for People Living with HIV and AIDS
F: Feasible HIV campaign ideas should be shared with the right people and not shun
G: Get tested and know your HIV status
H: HIV does not kill
I: Insist on sterilized clippers and other sharp objects if you must share
J: Just don’t ignore simple safety measures
K: Kick against stigmatizing people living with HIV (PLWH)
L: Learn how to live happily and stay alive even if you are HIV positive
M: Make HIV treatment available and affordable for PLWH by advocating for them
N: No knowledge is a waste; learn new facts about HIV today.
O: Operating an “I don’t care attitude” puts you at risk of being infected
P: Protect yourself and protect others by living responsibly.
Q: Question HIV issues and policy if you are in doubt
R: Remember HIV and AIDS are two different things
S: Sex education is a topic you must never shy away from
T: Talk to a trained and experienced HIV counselor for more information about HIV
U: Underestimating your chances of contracting HIV with risk behaviour is risky/Unite for Children, unite against AIDS!!!
V: Verify your first HIV test result by taking another test
W: With media support, accurate information about HIV can be effectively disseminated
X: Xerox A-Z of HIV and AIDS to other young people
Y: Yes! We can have an emergence of a HIV free youth population if we work together
Z: Zipping up is still the most effective & reliable way of Protecting yourself from HIV.

In the fight against HIV and AIDS, Young people should not fold their hands and seat back to watch the future move on without them. They should get involve and self-develop themselves by keying into the numerous positive opportunities and wide range of information made available locally and internationally. Take action- make a difference!

Cheers
Jennifer Ehidiamen

A wise person does not battle against stone walls, but finds a way around them, under them or over them! Be wise ma people! Be wise Jennifer! Yeah.

Calabar.......

My third day in Calabar, a neat city/town. Okay, two things I have always been told about Calabar:

1. The town is NEAT and the Governor has done a lot= True
2. Old/elderly women here love to dress in skirt and not wrapper= True. At least, the ones I have seen are smartly all dressed in skirt...lol.

Okay.... what else????????? will have to run off now.... dis cyber cafe is so slow...I mean the server/ISP... will talk more l8tr.

Cheers

Happy New Month!

Its september everyone! A beautiful month indeed. A new door of opportunity and possibility is opened, we must tap into that grace of God that makes a man function without struggle, excel and shine on.

Enjoy this new begining, live, laugh, achieve, sow and reap! You are more than you have become and the best is yet to come!!!

I need to know

I hunger to know more
When I lay my head at night
I hunger to know more

When I wake up in the morn’
I praise and worship with my Bible
Searching hungrily to know more

To know how to give without remembering
And take without ever forgetting
To know how to keep the friends I make
And not break the chain

To know to in wisdom grow
In stature and in wealth
To know how to shine on in peace
Without blowing out others’ beam

I am not where I used to be
But certainly not where I want to be
So I need to know as muchas my hungry mind can take

(C) Jennifer Ehidiamen - culled from "The Dancing flood"

Are You Over Scheduled?
Stephen Borkowski

You don't have time to read this. You should be squeezing in 20 minutes of study time before you punch in at your part-time job. And after your shift ends you'll have to hustle if you want to make it to practice on time.
Sound familiar? Then you ought to make time to read this.
Some stress is a natural part of life, but maxing out your schedule to the point where you're constantly stressed out can have real dangers. Overtaxed students may find themselves abusing drugs or alcohol, engaging in risky behavior, making poor ethical choices and coping with depression.

"There are a comfortable number of balls that even the most skilled juggler can juggle, and beyond that it becomes impossible and the balls start tumbling down," says Carleton Kendrick, a family therapist and author of, Take Out Your Nose Ring, Honey, We're Going to Grandma's: Hanging In, Holding On and Letting Go of Your Teen. He discussed some warning signs that might help students recognize when they've got too much on their calendar.
Signs you're over scheduled

Sleeplessness. You have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up. Rest is critical to your health. Falling asleep during class might only hurt your grade, but nodding off at the wheel of your car is dangerous. "You cannot continue to take out of the sleep bank, and not be punished by it, mentally as well as physically," Kendrick says.
Nothing gets done. You add three items to your to-do list for every two you cross off. Over-scheduled students have a difficult time maintaining priorities. And if they are able to get things done, often they're not done well.

Low self esteem. "Since you're not accomplishing what you're attempting to accomplish, there's a drop off in self-esteem," Kendrick says. You enroll in less challenging classes to guarantee a good grade, or look for the path of least resistance in another facet of your life.
Forgetfulness. "It can range from vital, important things, like when to turn in a paper, to the mundane, like when to feed your pet," Kendrick says. "You're out of synch and out of rhythm." As a result, your grades and schoolwork suffer.

Sport injuries. Stress can affect your ability to focus on the field, which can result in injuries. If your performance is dropping in sports you've excelled in for years, it could be a sign of stress.
Personality and attitude changes. Kendrick says that for stressed out students "there's not as much excitement or joy about school or extracurricular activities." You feel like you've lost your sense of humor, lost your patience or find yourself complaining more often. This can hurt your relationships with friends and family.

Physical health. Stress can manifest itself physically in the form of a nervous tick. Stuttering or stammering while you try to express yourself can be a sign that you're mentally clogged by everything you're taking on. You may experience migraine headaches and become ill more often.

You're overwhelmed. You've lost perspective and aren't sure why you're involved in half the activities you're committed to. You feel like you're not in control of your life. You feel trapped. If this is true, it's appropriate to reassess what you're involved in.

If you are stressed out, turn to your parents, siblings or friends for support. Scale back your activities and choose to get involved in the things you love. Focus on pursuing one or two things you're passionate about, rather than getting involved in half a dozen clubs you were told look good on a college application.

Kendrick says, "You have to take a look at the number of hours in the day and say, what really is possible for me to handle, and have a life. And a life where I can kick back for awhile and play a video game or catch a movie and just veg out."

PURPLE HATS
In honor of women's history month and in memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer. Here is an "angel" sent to watch over you.
Pass this on to five women that you want watched over.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck (written after she found out she was dying from cancer).
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day be! cause my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything! just because it was practical, wouldn't show so il, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I love you's" More "I'm sorry's."
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it.. . live it and never give it back.

STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!! Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us. Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with , and what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally. I hope you have a blessed day.

If you don't mind, send this on to all the women you are grateful to have as friends. .. pass it on to phenomenal women today in celebration of Beautiful Women's Month.

The birth last night.

I stayed awake all night last night, busying myself with my new baby. The birth sure took that much from me, but who am I to complain? I spent a good part of the night scribbling and scribbling, just to get the right writes.

And finally! The birth of new baby! A new collection of poetry for tweenies and teens. Watchout for more on this.

The best is yet to come!!!

YA GOTTA LET GOby Steve Goodier
Miguel de Cervantes, author of DON QUIXOTE, wisely said, "Love not what you are, but what you may become." The problem is ... we may not be crazy about what we are, what we do or even where we're going, but thinking of making that big change is overwhelming. Or scary!

If you are longing for something different, but you are a bit wary of the next step, then consider this:Life is like a performer on a trapeze. She swings back and forth. And then she encounters another trapeze bar. It is swinging toward her and it is empty. Now she has a decision to make. She may continue to hang onto her present bar, or let go and grasp the new one. But she can't do both!

She can't hang onto the old and grasp the new with her other hand. She HAS to decide which she wants!If she chooses to let go of the past and grasp the future, she finds herself suspended for a moment in mid-air. She has lost her security and has yet to safely grasp the new bar. It is a risk!

But a risk worth taking, for the new bar will travel to new places and her lifewill move forward.You know what I'm talking about. You have let go of an old job in order to take a new one. You may have to let go of an old relationship before fitting a new one into your life. You have to let go of other priorities on your time or money before grasping than new opportunity you may want.

As Pumba (THE LION KING) says, "Ya gotta put your behind in your past." Then you're ready for whatever comes next!

__________Steve Goodier's books & newsletter:
http://lifesupportsystem.com/

International Youth Day Celebration 2006 in Abuja, Nigeria

The city of Abuja on the 12th of August witnessed the second day of the international youth day celebration as sixty seven (67) youths from all over Abuja and neighboring states gathered at the British Council Abuja to talk, learn, share, network and take action.

The event which was themed “Tackling Poverty Together” had in attendance great contributors like Dr. Abdulkareem Lawal, from DFID, who besides giving the keynote address on the first day, also actively participated in the group session on HIV, Education and poverty, John Richard, the Country director of British Council who gave the welcome address on the first day, briefing audience about British Council and their role in supporting Global Xchange programme.

Mrs. Esther Avbuere, the director of youth, Ministry of women affairs also gave a goodwill message. In Her speech, she noted that the present administration remains deeply committed to ensuring that all our youths, particularly the disadvantaged youths are properly integrated into National Development programmes and given a realistic and purposeful hope of a meaningful adult life. To fulfill this objective, however, its hoped and expected that government action would be increasingly backed and supported by Non Governmental Youth organizations which have a key role to play in the development of our youth”

Other great contributors and adult facilitators who brought their valuable knowledge to the event includes Dr. Olajide Ademola, reproductive health adviser, UNFPA, who gave an educative lecture and passionate advice on how young people can take action, with emphasis on importance of personal development and time management. In “Youth and Adult Partnership in tackling poverty” group session, Jasper Oei from UNICEF during his feedback emphasized on the need for youth not to limit youth and adult partnership to just young people being at the receiving end, but resourceful youths should learn to take out time to share their knowledge with adults around them. Mr. Uza T., from Partners for development trained the youths on financial management and entrepreneurship. Gbenga Adebusuyi from WIRE Africa also educated participants on youth empowerment with ICT.

The Global Xchange country management team, Mr. Kayode Akintola and Mrs. Ramatu Umar-Bako enlightened the participants on what Global Xchange was all about. . In the introduction, they pointed out that Global Xchange is partnership between organisations that are equally committed to the idea that International Volunteer Exchanges can help develop active global citizens, who are committed to working for positive change and can positively impact local communities in the UK and Nigeria. These organisations are the British Council, VSO and an implementing partner in Nigeria.

Some Global Xchange Volunteers co-facilitated the different group discussion session with the invited adult facilitators. Fatimah Umar and Jennifer Ehidiamen, of the Global Xchange made a narrative presentation on “goal setting as a tool for tackling poverty”. A big brother Nigeria celebrity and broadcaster, Katung was a surprise guest at the event. He shared his experience as a young broadcaster and his new status as the big brother Nigeria celebrity. Participants were allowed to ask questions which he answered intelligently.

The event’s objectives of the celebration was to equipped participants with accurate information on current trend around the issues of youth poverty and how to tackle it, give participants the opportunity to meet and interact to rally support with key stakeholders and mentors in development work. The knowledge they gain during the brainstorming session will help them in creating a framework for their take action community projects.

Muyiwa Adebayo, who was the MC of the event, thrilled everyone with music and jokes as he even composed a GX anthem for the event. The media played important role in support of the observance of the Day to promote public awareness of youth issues.

The event which was organized by Global Xchange youth volunteers with support from British Council and Voluntary Service oversea was rounded off with a skill acquisition training session on soap and Vaseline making. Fatima Madaki, one of the global xchange volunteers shared her skills and knowledge in this area with the hope that it will go a long way in gainfully engaging young people; help develop their innate skills and ultimately tackling poverty.

“Thanks for inviting me to the meetings. I learnt and took a great deal from them. As I traveled to Abuja from Akure, I asked myself, 'Lawrence, what are you going to do in Abuja? Are you sure these meetings are for you? Would you learn from them?' I could not return home since I had gotten to Okene. After the first day of the meetings, I think I got answers to my questions.

...I got a great deal from those meetings. I learnt about Volunteering and Goal setting. Dr. Ademola Olajide, during his practical advice, spoke to my heart. That day, I got to where i stayed and began to write some plans for my life” Lawrence, a participant writes after the event.

The two-day event which was organized by the Global Xchange Youth Volunteers with support from the British Council and Voluntary Service overseas Abuja was indeed a success.

Jenny was there!
Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude. Excellence comes not from education, money, ability or connections alone. It comes from a commitment to do the very best with whatever you have available.

On Youth and Volunteerism

I have spent the past 1 year doing lots of Volunteering work, both locally and internationally. I sure did learn a lot... you see, its about time youths all over the world begin to understand the importance of volunteering.
A good volunteering experience + School/Class room Education=? Guess?

• increases resumes to increase employability
• relevant skills and contacts with professionals
• discover new places and cultures
• learn new things about real world!
• activate critical thinking and learn skills to deal with real life concerns!

The list is endles!!!

Want to Volunteer? Do Not hesitate to contact me if you need an experienced volunteer's ideas on how to get started. or a youth volunteer trainer! Have a vast knowledge on Youth Volunteerism and Youth Volunteer management and Youth Volunteering resources.

Thanks to practical experience and lots of resources available to learn from (Thanks Theo!).

Success is an acquired taste. Those who learn to enjoy the activities which lead to success and achievement are the ones who attain that success. The best players genuinely enjoy the game. The most successful entrepreneurs are the ones who truly love their work.

"I am not yet where I want to be... but of course I am not where I use to be!" My latter will be greater! By His Grace... my best is yet to come!

Stay Connected
Hush...hear the sound of the tomtom
being played by the African child
it is a rythm of love, peace, and joy.
stay connected to the right source
it is all free of charge
get all your problems solved
and be sure to be on the safe side
I am connected to the right source
that is why my life is so sunny
do I sound a little bit funny?
oh no! I am not trying to be cunning
stay connected to Jesus Christ
He is the true and only right source I know
Jesus christ...
the solutiton for a fulfilled and joyous life!

-Jennifer Ehidiamen
(from the book: In Days to come)

Food for thought...
"We are here to be excited from youth to oldage, to have an insatiable curiousity about our world... We are also here to help others by practicing a friendly attitude. And every person is born for a purpose. Everyone has a God-given potential, in essence, built into them. And if we are to live life to its fullest, we must realize that potential." -Norman Vincent Peale"

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled (when dreams come true)is a tree of life(there is life and Joy)".Proverbs 13:12

"There is no thrill in easy sailing, when the skies are Clear and BlueThere is no Joy in doing only things anyone can doBut there is some satisfaction mighty sweet to takewhen you reach a destination that you thought you'd never make"

Because He lives... I can face tomorrow!!!

Visit my website: http://www.jennifere.4t.com/

I SURRENDER
show me a way
a channel, a route
through which I could reachout to this hurting world
and wipe out that tears rolling down her cheeks

I know, I know
I must tread only on that part I know well
else I cramp my style with stinking gibberish

My wallet is flat tonight
please don't count on that
Still this urge to belong
an undiluted desire to serve
yearns so loudly I can hold back no more

I surrender
in total submission my heart cry
"use me lover of my soul"

to be a helping hand in my society
to learn to give without asking for anything in return
to be able to influence others into aiming for the best
never to try playing god over my peers
to you my king I obediently surrender

(c)Jennifer Ehidiamen