This book really hit me hard. While I would not compare myself with Lisa Shannon, I recognized her desires as my own and at each step of her journey I cried for what she accomplished, that which I have put off.

I loved her writing. It was true, raw and sincere. "I felt ridiculous, who am I to take on Congo?" This book was overflowing with wisdom. Her father's old note to her as she left for India was pure wisdom, mentioning motivations sometimes being connected to self-promotion of ones esteem. That made me question my own motivations. Perhaps I put things off because I want them on a larger scale. Maybe I'm waiting for the "big" idea that will have the largest impact. Perhaps I am, what I took from both Lisa and her father's wisdom was to do what you are capable of now and the rest will follow.

I've supported global poverty issues financially and through volunteer work since I was 20 but have never come across a more worthy and necessary organization as women for women international. I've studied international development with an emphasis on women and poverty and have had the opportunity to speak to some incredible people and study some wonderful organizations. This one, however, is the "big" one. They understand that women are the fabric of society. They get that self-respect is the key to a woman's healing.

So, thank you Lisa, I will be doing more because of you.