"Heartswell"...

Heartswell...that probably isn't a word, but I am making it one.  It is what happened to my heart as I began to read a new book, However Long the Night,  by Aimee Molloy. 

"It is the unlikely and very inspiring story of Molly Melching, an American woman whose experience as an exchange student in Senegal led her to found Tostan and dedicate almost four decades of her life to the girls and women of Africa.

This moving biography details Melching's beginnings at the University of Dakar and follows her journey of 40 years in Africa, where she became a social entrepreneur and one of humanity's strongest voices for the rights of girls and women."

I knew I was hooked in the prelude when tears burned in my eyes.  Molly was recounting her early days in Senagal with no electricity, no clean water, yet she built a house and made a life. Memories of my too short time in Santhe flood my heart.  Hence, "heartswell." Molly talks about walking through the village feeling intense love for the villagers and knowing of their love for her. Heartswell!  This is how I want to live, love and exist here on this planet, making a difference and loving.  I remember so acutely the feelings I had in Africa; the simplicity of live, the extreme poverty, but undying joy, love and music!  

Dreams.  I have had so many since I returned and most center around being instrumental in making something positive happen for women in a developing area.  Molly's story is so filled with love, joy and hope and I haven't even finished the first chapter!  She knows that success is in empowering women.  Not flying in, putting on Africa and throwing around power, knowledge or money.  It is in educating, supporting and empowering those women who live there to find their path to a healthier life, in their own time and space. She does not impart great wisdom, she meets them in love where they are. I don't care about power, status, wealth, I care about my heart, and those of other women.  I want to be a part of that sacred, quiet revolution! Heartswell.  

I am dreaming my dreams, believing my dreams and hope to live my dreams of making a quiet difference, leading a quiet revolution, somewhere with women who are waiting for that support. 

Heartswell.