When I first met her in March and then again in May, it was purely by happenstance. A sad story of a young girl living on the streets of San Francisco. A situation so far from what I considered normal, it tore at my gut and my emotions. As reported in my May encounter, I couldn't let it go. I continued my efforts to build a relationship of trust with her and with her mom who lives in the US. Many emails, phone calls with her mom, and a couple of dinners with her, sans camera, were the building blocks of this relationship. And now, those efforts have paid off. Our two meetings this week were not by accident, but rather planned as significant milestones in her return to what will hopefully be a meaningful and productive life.
Because of my regular travel to the Bay Area, I was able to assist her mom in arranging her trip to visit her extended family, by facilitating with money, passport, logistics and most importantly moral support and encouragement. But I could not do it alone. Through the wonderful Flickr photo community, I met a great person with a warm heart who in the 11th hour was able to provide a boost of encouragement and ensure she got to the airport.
So as I write this, she is enroute. No one can predict the long-term outcome when she returns to the US, and for that, the jury is still out. But on the question of was I doing the right thing by taking a risk and intervening as a total stranger, the verdict is a resounding YES. Random acts of kindness can truly make a difference.
Taken 7/6/11
Posted 7/10/11 - Week 28
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