My Miracle, My People and WorldPulse

My perception of miracles could be different than yours. To me, every great idea that succeeds is a miracle. Every idea that generates change is a miracle. Every solution is a miracle. Procrastination is a sin. And so is aimless browsing. Or is it?

I stumbled upon World Pulse website back in September if I remember correctly. While browsing through the website out of sheer boredom, I came across the Systers Award opportunity posted by a pulsewire member. I read it. Left in one of the browser tabs like many other web pages.

Few days later, I was told that some young women from the local community had come to see me. They wanted to meet the ‘only woman’ who was photographing the protest of two thousand people in the streets of Layyah. I felt uneasy. Women want to see me? In Layyah? I was the least ideal a woman for the pardah clad ladies of the region. I went to meet them. I greeted them and sat with them on the woven cot ‘charpai’ under the ‘bairy’ tree. “I went for an interview at an aid agency today. They are working for flood victims near the river. The interview was successful but I need to feed data into computer system. We had seen you use a computer here,” one of them, who were also a neighbour, came to the point directly. She was referring to my laptop. “Can you teach us how to use a computer? That was the only thing stopping them from having the job. None of us have the skills.” the representative of the three ladies continued.

I was perplexed. I was in Layyah on a short trip. I apologized. I went back to working on a story for my new hobby; blogging. The incident preoccupied me a bit. Earlier, the local school principal I was helping had asked me how I managed to upload things on the internet. My ability to send reports, videos and photos through internet inspired other women to learn.

I do not recall how I went back to that tab I had forgotten about. Must be an argument with my husband. I had too many tabs open! It slowed down my system hindering skype calls. I should close a few. Within hours, I found myself designing a project to set up a ‘Community Technology Center for Women’ in Layyah. I submit my solution. That was September. In November, I get an email. “Your exemplary proposal has been selected for the Systers Award!” At first, I stare at it. Then I smile. I had re-discovered the 'solution designer' in me after almost two years! A small grant, a huge incentive to work for my people again. Thank you everyone who helped me find the vision of my life again. Vision for my people!