En route to the mall a few evenings ago, my hubby and I drove around our neighborhood and admired the Christmas light displays. We were feeling quite festive by the time we reached our destination. With no particular gift ideas in mind we wandered through shops and ended up chatting with quite a few people. One businessman in particular is always a joy to speak with, at any time of the year…but he wasn’t around—for the past month he’s been in South America. 

I know, you’re probably thinking he’s escaped the harsh Canadian winter and is enhancing his tan by laying on a beach somewhere, or is perhaps sipping a refreshing beverage and letting the stressful life of back home fade away…or maybe doing some other touristy thing.
Truth be told…last year he went to South America and spent many months learning the language so that he could return this winter and stay with locals, speak their language, teach them how to grow gardens, and purchase meat for them (normally a treat the locals can only afford 0nce-a-month) and feed many.

And now a month later, he’s seeing rosier cheeks and happier spirits within the people he’s reaching out to in the many communities he’s traveling among.

For this local businessman the rewards are priceless! –A wonderful gift for himself and others!

Melanie Hack
Author of Who Killed My Sister, My friend
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