Greetings,
I have discovered that humans become retrospective when a new chapter of life is turning its page. I suppose I am no different. As I turn my eye toward this new direction, I entertain thoughts of days gone by. An unknown wise person once said, “If you look back too much, you will soon be headed that way.” So, realizing that the past is the past, I look forward with a certain anxiousness to what the future holds.
The German author Johann Van Goethe said, “There is only an eternally new now that builds and creates itself out of the Best as the past withdraws.” When I discovered the above quote, I noticed the capitalization of ‘Best’ and verified that indeed the author intended the word to be capitalized. I wonder what he was thinking when he decided to give the word an uppercase beginning. Perhaps he wanted to personify the good portions of the past in an effort to unmingle them from the tarnishing power of bad memories. Perhaps he was referencing some kind of higher power. In any case, it seems that he had come to understand that the present is sculpted by our opinion of the past.
When I was young, my family took a trip to a large waterpark in San Antonio. Towering at the entrance to the park was a three-story building with an immense slide careening down its forward face. I immediately wanted to try it and soon found myself inserted into the chute. While waiting in line, I had taken note of slide’s height and angle. As I sat there, I decided that I did not want to die and began debating my rash decision with the attendant who was working the ride. My wonderful father stood behind me; I could not see him. After a few moments of discussion and unknown to me, he silently motioned for the attendant to proceed with her duties. She hit her switch and down I went… I returned to that ride a dozen times before the end of the day. The future seems daunting, but it must be risked or the thrill of success can never be experienced.
The months preceding my first departure to Niger in 2006 were characterized by a general feeling of impending doom. At the time, I felt like one of those daredevils who willingly climbed into a barrel in an attempt to plunge over Niagara Falls only to have second thoughts a few feet before the edge. I still remember the date of my first departure, August 10th. This time, however, I feel as if I possess a bit more control, though I’m not sure if that feeling is based on reality.
My plan is to be in Niger as soon as possible, perhaps by end of July. Here is what my finances look like. I currently have $750 in confirmed monthly pledges. I have about $8000 in standing cash. I have decided that I can go at $1000 per month and about $10,000 in standing cash.
Your gifts and monthly pledges are greatly appreciated. My ongoing existence in Niger depends upon your faithful support. If you have been thinking of supporting me, I would appreciate your assistance as I make my final push.
I now have the ability to accept donations online on my website at www.seejeremygo.com. Click on the ‘Give’ page. You can also still mail your tax-deductible donations to the address below. More information for giving can be found on the website.
If you would prefer to receive an electronic newsletter and not a paper copy, please send me your e-mail address using the ‘Contact’ page of my website. I will also be sending a more frequent link to my blog.
I want to say thank you to all of you for everything you do. Perhaps one day you will meet the people you are helping, if not in this life, in the next.
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