When I first began this trip I had no idea all the wonderful things I would encounter. When I first
started the trip I pondered the question, What does it take to change the world? And after a
month and a half of traveling I have come to a few conclusions:

1. Embracing the good that is already there. Over and over again this week I have heard
   Dave Hansow speak about the second half of LGH’s mission…and that is to invite
   people of the U.S to be a part of something bigger than themselves and embrace the
   power and love that they already had within them (whether it be through Light Gives
   Heat or something else). As Christians (though we often forget) we believe that Jesus
   lives inside of us and for those of us who do not believe…I still believe that the good
   within you comes from this same source. The truth is that most of us are needy cop outs
   with low self esteem…yes…its true. I’m not just talking about myself…I’m talking about
   you too! Although we are not all extroverts (like myself) we all have the inmost desire
   to apart of something greater. No matter what your religious stance is…we NEED to be
   NEEDED. We bring fulfillment to our lives in more ways than one when we are a part
   of something bigger than us and this “bigger thing” looks different for all of us. Again,
   we NEED to be NEEDED and the bottom line is…we are needed. You are needed by
   the lady holding groceries who cant open the door, you are needed by the lonely elderly
   man who just desires a conversation, you are needed by the orphan who needs a loving
   touch. Who? Me? Yes. You! Life alone gives us a good enough reason to cop out. You
   may have debt, you may have a job, you may be unlucky…but those things can not
   stop you….again, the power is already inside of you. We think we are not great enough
   to accomplish great things. Well then how do you think the greatest people of our time
   have accomplished great things? They did not possess magical powers, they simply
   embraced what was already great within themselves. It is there…use it.

2. Its not ALWAYS about you. As you can see, changing the world includes you. The
   children sold as sex slaves in India, the homeless man on the side of the street most
   definitely have to do with you. Why? Because we are no different than each other, we
   are linked by humanity. It has to do with you. It does involve
   you. But its not always ABOUT YOU. On my trip there were times where I was out
   of my comfort zone. For example, I hated doing my makeup and hair in a two by two
   inch mirror every day and don’t even me started on the porta potties! In more serious
   times of frustration I had to look outside myself and see the bigger picture. I had to tell
   myself, “This includes me…in fact…at times this depends on me. But…its not about
   me.” There were times on this trip where I had to change the petty things that I thought
   were important. And although I didn’t always do it…in many ways I had to put my selfish
   desires aside. I heard a quote on this trip that went like this, “Everyone wants to change
   the world…but no one wants to change themselves.” –Unknown

3. Don’t be afraid to love. We live in a cruel world and society tells us not to trust others
   for it will only stab you in the back. We are given a distorted view that teaches us that
   if we love we will only get hurt. We don’t compliment a girl on her pretty dress because
   what will we get in return for that? We don’t help the homeless man because he has
   nothing to give back. We don’t smile at the stranger because they may not smile back.
   We are taught not to love and because we fear we will not get anything in response.
   We are taught not to trust because we will only get hurt. (Now I'm not saying to not be
   careful, my mother always taught me that if a strange man asks you to see his puppies
   in his van to not do it and I still never would!) On this trip, as we traveled city to city I
   met many people. I opened myself up and let Gods love flow threw me. I can honestly
   say I was deeply loved by many. I met so many wonderful people who opened up their
   homes, cooked meals for me, engaged in great conversation and fearlessly offered their
   friendship and love. If I had been afraid to love, I would not have been able to receive all
   the love that everyone showed me on this trip and if they had been afraid to give love, I
   wouldn’t have been as blessed as I am now.

So, as I am still on my journey to change the world, I have learned many things on
this trip. You can only change the world by embracing the power that is already there,
realizing its not always about you, not fearing love and finally go forth and be ready to
keep learning!!!!

One Love,
Amanda

*Thank you to Dave and Morgan Hansow and all the LGH staff for being so awesome!
Thank you to my team mates and the friends we met on the road! You are always in my
heart!