I was in Southern California all last week for a little work and then a little play. I have headed out to Malibu the first week in May for the past two years to attend a Summit for the non-profit board I have the pleasure to serving (UrbanPromise International). Our other in-person board meeting is in Camden, NJ in November, so there is quite the dichotomy of meeting locations—and if you’re wondering, yes, I attend both!

These meetings are attended by the most extraordinary people. There are people attending from all across the globe, starting with right there in L.A. to Honduras, to Africa, and more. Most of the Executive Directors have created ministries serving hundreds of children in their home country on what we would call a shoestring budget. Their passion knows no bounds and the lives they have saved are too numerous to count. I leave every event, May and November, absolutely awestruck with these extraordinary people and what they have accomplished. I arrive stuck in my own world and I leave with a full heart and inspired to do more and help more. It’s an incredible organization!

Monday and Tuesday in Malibu I learned that the company you keep is REALLY important. Malibu didn’t do it, the people do, because I feel the same way when I leave Camden. Whatever I thought was important, when I landed in California, isn’t. Look around you. Who are you spending time with? What is your passion? Who are you helping? This trip is always a big reset for me and I needed it. I think I am helping Urban Promise International, but it appears as though they are helping me as well.

Let’s GO! WE GOT THIS!
Beth Fitzgerald

P.S. This is me and Lucy in Malibu. She runs Young and Empowered with her friend, Dorothy, in Malawi, Africa. Check them out on Facebook! They teach young girls amazing skills, like sewing, that gives them a skill that will always provide and income—which can ultimately change the trajectory of their lives.