Dinner with a Guest

Live From Around the World

April 06, 2010, New Orleans

Posted by Margaret, a St. Paul's youth

Tonight the group went out for po-boys, and rather than just a po-boy we were treated with a wonderful conversation with one of Bryan's old school friends. The conversation was certainly not what I thought it would be as we waited for her to arrive (while Bryan was sweating with anxiety that we might do something embarrassing), but I believe I definitely took more out of it than I had first imagined.

Traveling around the world as a 'nomad' (while volunteering), working for Kiva, and raising money for many organizations, Sloane had a wonderful story to share with us all. It was very interesting to hear how she has managed to incorporate so much giving back in her jobs while doing the things that she loves. She even managed to raise 19,000+ dollars during her "Cause It's My Birthday" campaign for mosquito nets, celebrating her birthday around the country while collecting donations. The way she applies her knowledge and experiences to better the community (local and global) is wonderful, and hearing a story such as hers really allowed me to see how I can make the same opportunities possible for my interests, a very reassuring lesson.

While I had a hard time digesting a few of the topics we brought up, such as the "armchair button" donation, tonight's meal certainly opened my views on the incorporation, participation, and even the definition of giving back in ways I had not yet considered.

Comments

Posted by Travis on 2010 04 07.

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I find it humbling to be around people who are so dedicated to the works they do for others. Especially when their work is so evident. It sounds like both this group and Sloane are doing great works.

If I gather correctly, Sloane travels around and collects donations for particular causes. It seems that she takes on the responsibility that is waiting for all of us—the responsibility for the state of the world. I imagine that in her company I might feel the guilty incongruence between my beliefs and my actions.

I wonder how hearing about her actions have impacted you. Has it impacted how you view yourself and the role you choose to play in the world? I wonder what challenges it presents in your own life. Are there new questions that you grapple with? Or maybe there is more information for old questions?

I hope it is not too bold of me to ask such questions. I would never be so forward, but for Bryan’s encouragement.

With appreciation for your works,

Travis

Posted by Mary Hunter Ayer on 2010 04 07.

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I know you guys are having a great time. That is great news about the showers. Hope it continues to go well.

Posted by Beth Sturges on 2010 04 07.

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Hi Bryan, hope you get this message. Your father encouraged me to keep trying!

We are raising money at church to provide mosquito nets—the children give quarters each Sunday and the parents and parish help,too.

Hope all is well. I will keep reading and praying.

Love,
Beth Sturges

Posted by Charlie Appel on 2010 04 07.

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I am assuming that the friend of Bryan’s was Sloane Berrent. I am so glad you all liked her presentation. She does fantastic work in so many places. She (like Bryan) was one of my students during 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.
I am very proud of her and Bryan both!
Here is Sloane’s FB page if you’d like to follow her on FB:
http://www.facebook.com/sloaneberrent?ref=ts#!/sloaneberrent?v=wall&ref=ts

Posted by Margaret Benson on 2010 04 07.

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To clarify:
Dad - I had a chicked po-boy (yes i know, slightly boring) but it was quite amazing. wonderful seasonings and such
Kate - According to Sloan, an “armchair donation” is basically as you said, when people can click a button online or what have you to donate money. My indigestion was mainly because I feel as if there are more affective ways to serve the community, though Sloan really brought up that even if that’s all they do, it still helps a great deal, and can trigger more participation in service based activities.

Posted by Carl Benson on 2010 04 07.

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. . . but did you enjoy the “po-boy?” Don’t they make them with all sorts of different stuff in them, like clams and oysters, as well as ham and turkey?

Posted by Sue Bland on 2010 04 07.

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They call Wednesday Hump Day for a reason…Just read thru yr postings; sounds hard but good. Carl’s right on the bright light being hot but helpful & there might even be a metaphor in it. I’m with Kate, I’d love a little more rib meat on the bones of your conversation with Sloane and indigestion. Hang/sand/mud/paint in there, y’all. Peace & prayers b with you, Sue

Posted by Kate Jenkins on 2010 04 07.

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OK, I’ll reveal my ignorance here- what is an “armchair donation”? Where you just give money and aren’t required to do anything else?

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