I have a dream...part 2

So, here goes. The part where I admit what I have been dreaming.  I don't want to completely because I fear failure.  But there is such a stirring in my heart that I can not deny.  Some days it feels like it could happen any minute and others I feel silly for dreaming. Mother Teresa was quoted as saying, "we can never do great things for God, we can only show great love."  I want to be like her.

I've had a dream for years.  Such a deep burden that nearly makes me cry.  I am going to find a way to help kids who may be called by the system "at risk" but who are beautiful and talented individuals who need a chance, not a label.  I want to open a community garden in an abandoned lot of an area that is just right and invite youth to help tend it, care for it, reap it and sell it.  In the process we will teach marketable job skills, we will earn food handlers permits and make homemade and delicious food to sell and present our product at farmers markets.  It will be a job for the youth, but each of us will learn business, sales, marketing and sustainable food.  Each of us will learn to help others and make a way for our own lives, regardless of what we've been dealt.  I hope to make a portion of this venture something that will partner with schools nearby and include teaching gardens and science curriculum or business and economics curriculum so that the community will come together and create something beautiful.  The remaining produce will be shared with families in need through the food bank or other local services that provide food to others.

I have a site in mind and I had a realtor offer to help me find the owners of the lot.  I have volunteers who want to help me.  I am sure there is grant funding somewhere for it.  I know that these youth just need a little time, a little investment, a chance and together, we can make our community a much more beautiful place to live.

Perhaps I am silly to you reader.  That does not daunt me.  I know that somehow, in my own little way, I will be able to help our youth, our community and our planet.  I am not discouraged by doubt, but willing to find a way.  God knows.  He will direct.  And you, if you want, you may help, but if you don't think it will happen, I understand.  Life is uncertain and dreaming is scary.  It's vulnerable; it risks failure.  But without it, I am not sure I can go on.  Life is full of possibilities and in some way, some where, I will see a dream come to pass.