“In the future, women, rather than men will be the ones to change the world.” ~ Malala Yousafzai

A couple years ago I had this idea for Hearts Around the World Project after reading so many stories about my ancestors—particularly women. These ancestors, who were amazing, normal, ordinary people, who had extraordinary lives. They went through so many trials, and heartache, triumph and love, yet their stories had been forgotten. These ancestors chose to be brave, vulnerable and had to make hard choices, things I don’t think I could make. I love what Brene Brown says about vulnerability.

“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it is our greatest measure of courage.” That’s what these ancestors are to me, courageous.

As I learned more about some amazing women in my family tree, I found that my ancestors had similarities with myself, my sister, my mom, my grandmother. I realized that we may be from a different time and place, but we are all similar. We all want love, happiness and peace. We all have a story to tell. We don’t always realize it, but we can all learn from one another, support one another and grow and blossom. 

Stories have been around from the beginning of time, we are all drawn to stories in one way or another. I began searching for women from all over the world who had a story to tell. I asked family and friends and I was amazed at the willingness of people who I got to know through this project. When I started, I thought that I would share a few good stories, that I would help that person share their story and maybe heal a little bit. I thought a few women would be able to relate and that was it. What I didn’t realize is that it would change me. I was impacted by these women and their stories. Each woman that I talked with, taught me something. I may not relate to their experiences, but I understood the emotions and learned from them more than I could have imagined. I feel such a love and respect for these beautiful women, they became my friends.  

Michele was the only person that I was able to meet in person. She was from Vietnam and France, but came over to the U.S. as a young woman. Michele invited me to her home, and it has become one of the most emotional and beautiful experiences of my life. Michele taught me about bravery and courage. She never was a victim, but a survivor. I loved learning about Michele’s courage that she has shown throughout her life. 

Claudia became a friend immediately. We live over 5,000 miles apart, myself in Utah and Claudia in Romania, but we were connected. I may not go through the same things she goes through, but I am a mother as well. I have watched her pure love of a mother get her through the hard times. She is such an example to me. 

Celia is a beautiful mother and grandmother. She lives in Hong Kong and we didn’t even speak the same language, but her daughter translated my questions and her answers. Celia showed me her beauty and grace. It took many trials, but she learned how to love herself and know that her Heavenly Father loves her too. 

These women are strong, brave, loving, beautiful, courageous women. I am a better person for knowing their stories. I love what Dennis B. Neuenschwander said about why are stories are so important to our descendants. “A life that is not documented is a life that within a generation or two will largely be lost to memory. What a tragedy this can be in the history of a family. Knowledge of our ancestors shapes us and instills within us values that give direction and meaning to our lives.” 

A year ago, I went to Europe with my sister, I wasn’t sure why I needed to go, but I felt this need to go, there was a purpose for me. We spent time in France, Belgium, and The Netherlands. In each place we met many people, and each left a little piece of themselves with me. As I got to know different people, without prompting each person shared a little bit of their story and why they were there. I even learned more about my purpose for the trip as I shared with strangers who I was and my own story. 

There was a woman we met, who I will never forget. I call her the Belgian Woman. I never knew her name, in-fact, we couldn’t even understand each other—we spoke different languages. We were walking in a busy touristy part of Brussels, the world seemed to be bustling around her and she stood frozen in time.

When I first saw her, I felt sorry for her, she appeared to be a beggar on the street. We saw many people in France and Belgium who were asking for money and it’s hard to know if they are really in need or just trying to get easy money. When I saw her, I didn’t care the reason, she had a light and I wanted to help her. She held a cup in one hand and a cane in the other. This Belgian woman wore a hijab on her head and wore a button-down green coat. It wasn’t what she was wearing that drew me in, it was her smile. Her skin weathered from time, but her eyes sparkled. I was just drawn to her.

As we walked toward her, I held out my money and gave it to her. The coins gave a loud cling as the bounced inside the cup. She put her cane in her other hand. Without speaking words, she said thank you as she held her hand against her heart.

I held up my camera questioning if I could take a picture of her. She nodded and smiled again. My sister gave her more money as I took a couple pictures of her. Again, she held her hand to her heart and bowed her head in thanks. After my camera dropped against my chest, I gave her some more money. My heart was full. 

We saw her again in the same place the next day. I don’t know her story, I have no idea what she does with the money she is given, but I knew how she made me feel. Not how I felt after I gave her money, but how her smile made me feel. I felt her love and peace. I know that she has had experiences that I may never go through or understand. We don’t always know what is true and what is just perceived by our own thoughts and ideas about someone. However, together we can love, forgive, and help each other. “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.” Mother Teresa was so right when she said that. Our stories are important and need to be told. We can help one another by sharing our stories and listening to others. We can learn from each other. What story do you want told about you? Do you want to be the storyteller of your own life?  

I’m so excited to share Hearts Around the World Project with Season For Family. It’s been such a special experience for me, and I think our stories are important. I hope that some of these stories can help others as much as they have impacted my own life. 

“We are mosaics—pieces of light, love, history, stars—glued together with magic and music and words.” ~Anita Krishan 

DANI OLDROYD

roots2blossoms.com
IG: @roots2blossoms