Looking Back, Moving Forward

Over the last 10 years I have seen many changes take place not only in my own life, but in the lives of those around me and in the entire global community. The last year has shown us just how much things can change on both an international and local scale, and there is something transformative in being able to look back and see how far we have come. It is also an opportunity that gives the experiences we've had a deeper meaning and significance.

That is what I find myself doing now, as we come upon May 19, 2021, marking 10 years since Marialla, for whom this foundation was established, past away. There is a strange duality when we remember someone who has passed; it is a time to honor and celebrate a life and the love you have for that person, but also a time to reflect on the fact that they are no longer physically with you. However, this strange juxtaposition exists in many areas of life, and is part of what makes the difficult things we go through the very things that sculpt and develop our character. From the ashes we see new life and hope born, and is why the mythological Phoenix was incorporated into the Foundation's logo. Our hope and goal in realizing the mission of the MVM foundation is to take something more hard and painful than words can describe and make something beautiful, and life-giving.

To date the Foundation has awarded $12,000 in scholarships and awards through its' Arts and Sciences scholarship, Goodwill fund and other projects. Additionally the Foundation has engaged with schools and local farmers in a rural community in Haiti, seeking out women head of households to utilize micro lending to develop a sustainable agribusiness to support their families. But we don't want to stop here. More than ever people are searching for purpose and fulfillment, and we believe by sharing our time, skills and resources we can make an exponential difference through empowering others. "Sustainability in Health, Agriculture, Resources, and Education--SHARE-- is our motto and guiding principal as we move forward.

As I pause to remember what set me on this journey, and reflect on what I have learned, I am filled with gratitude for the journey that my sister Marialla made- teaching me to love more and appreciate every day. Thank you Marialla for being brave, caring and passionate during your life, and showing us what is possible if we simply accept the challenges that life brings with courage and love.