We meet the most amazing people in this job...

This entry is to tell you about something that happened today that actually started three days ago, having a conversation at the booth. On Monday, while working, I stopped Jamey and his family. I started talking to them about the sponsorship program and how much of a difference we can make when we take the step to sponsor a child. Our conversation finished with a sincere "We will do this, but we need more time to think about it." We meet a lot of people who say that but I could tell that Jamey was being honest and truthful about it. Besides, we had a great conversation and they all (him and his family) really seemed they want to help a child.

Wednesday I was walking back from the mall after my shift and all of a sudden someone honked at me. I looked over, a little concerned about it, and then the guy driving said "I know you! I talked to you about sponsoring the other day." It was Jamey. He kindly offered me a raid home which I accepted since I was getting a little tired already. While in the car he told me how moved he and his family were after our conversation and that they have agreed to sponsor two children next year. I was really happy. In our conversation I asked Jamey if he knew of a place that sells used bikes since I was thinking of getting one to move easier here in Penticton. He mentioned something, but I honestly don't remember.

Today, when I went in the mall I bumped into Jamey and his family. He

Jamey and I

said to me "Hey! I was thinking; we have a bike we are not using and it is seating in the storage. Me and my wife thought you could use it. Do you want it?" My answer? "Of course!" I was so grateful for Jamey's gesture. As promised, later today he brought the bike to the mall. It is a brand new bike, just so you know.

I think this is something a lot of us have lost, helping someone just because. Jamey clearly hasn't lost that at all; and is a lesson that is being passed down to his children. We get tons of rejections, tons of people saying no, people not stoping at our booth; but we also have incredible opportunities to meet the most amazing people, like I did with Jamey and his family. I mean, who is willing to help a stranger giving him an almost brand new bike? I don't know that many people who does that.

Thanks to Jamey and his family I now have a better way to move myself around in Penticton.

We meet the most amazing people in this job.

The Lantern Project
-Javier Cuellar-