I had Bold Ideas,but never knew i did!

It's quite exciting to be in a space where we can spell out our bold ideas,and each of us share voices on how we can champion them!

I remember about one and a half years ago i had bold ideas,and i never knew that i had them since i had limits,nobody to really share with,and no encouragement.I had a voice,but i never knew i had it! Today it is different.I have found a space where i can contribute to the success of other people's bold ideas,and have others contribute to the success of mine.

The biggest power that i now know of is the power of communication.For me,blogging on PulseWire has created all the change for me,community,family,organizations,friends....

Just to mention a few,i remember during the post-election violence,when the country was hot with bullets ad fire,sexual abuse and hunger,and displacement from homes,name it, all over,i had my first face to face meeting with a PulseWire colleague,Anne-Christine D'Adesky,and she brought along a computer and printer for me and our organization that we could work with.I remember i had so much limits then for communication,and i couldn't believe i now had stronger ability to blog and communicate,also by using skype.

Through these communications,the internally displaced persons were able to get warm clothing through a donation from Jennifer Ruwart.I started to see the powers of sharing voices,needs and resources.In a short while our organization,and others that i had linked together started networking with groups and individuals we had met here on PulseWire.My daughter Leila,a member of the PulseWire Community,wrote an article that was printed on World Pulse Magazine and PowerGirls,and she also earned herself a handsome token!

Today,i have made uncountable achievements: I was able to attend the AIDS Conference in Mexico City,where i again had the opportunity to meet Jennifer Ruwart and her family in person! I got knowledge that i will share with every community forever.I was also able to give a presentation.In November this year,i got another scholarship from World Pulse to attend the AWID Conference in Cape Town,South Africa,to build my power and that of my community in The Power Of Movements,and Feminine Tech exchange.There i was also able to meet Jensine Larsen,the founder of World Pulse,and share our visions together.I also had the opportunity to share with the world how the power of Community,through PulseWire,has changed my life.

I always have lots of dreams.Now i have my recent biggest one fulfilled!!! Hooooraaay!!! I have a scholarship to attend get a training on AIDS Counseling and Testing.I have always wanted to be a counselor,for i work in a community that is poor in resources and i would love to reach out,and also being HIV Positive,i know the weight of suffering that people like me have,and the importance of testing at the right time.

Now i am able to receive lots of e-resources,and print them to share with my community.Useful links to share with other organizations and individuals is unlimited,and the power of sharing voices,resources and solutions is unstoppable! I know somebody i can get in touch with from so many corners of the world!

Another miracle happened too,and i started working with the World Pulse team,such a special,lovely team to work with! It is actually the most collaborative and compassionate team that i have ever worked with!

Now i am using World Pulse to develop communities around me,by listening to what they need and helping to reach out,and to share resources..Can all of us go the Web 2.0 way,here and all over?

In one year,i have undergone lots of transformations.I would write a book on that.PulseWire is my number one resource,it is actually my consultant,for i always get the answers.I now see all possibilities.A loving team at World Pulse to work with.An international community to share my voice with.Lonely communities and individuals to reach out to,needy communities to share resources with.Empowerment is unlimited.Shoulders are always there for me to lean on when I'm low.

I encourage all of us to use this space to move forward in achieving our goals,as individuals and in service.There is no power stronger than that that of networking and collaborating through communication.

Let us update each other as we look towards achievements to our BOLD IDEAS for the coming year!

Asante sana.

Leah Auma Okeyo.