MIRACLE MAKER PLANNER

Encountering a video featuring the remarkable Sean & Jeong Hye-young couple nearly a decade ago left a lasting impression on me. At that time, they were raising young children, and their decision to forego an elaborate first birthday celebration, opting instead to donate the funds to underprivileged and ill children, truly struck a chord. Witnessing their selflessness provoked deep introspection, leading me to ponder how they managed to embody such an exemplary existence, radiating kindness to the world while remaining steadfast in their Christian faith.

Undoubtedly, their family enjoyed a life of affluence, where monetary resources were never scarce. However, from the earliest days of their marriage, they chose to embrace a frugal and thrifty lifestyle, driven by a genuine desire to aid those in need. While I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy towards their noble acts and financial capacity, there was something even more admirable about them.

What resonated with me most profoundly was their conscious choice to redirect the resources meant for their own cherished children, who undoubtedly held the highest place in their hearts, to save lives instead. Consistently extending their assistance to disadvantaged children both within Korea and abroad, their acts of compassion were not confined to routine charity work. On special family occasions, they sought to expand their joy beyond themselves, multiplying their blessings and sharing them with those in need across the globe.

This remarkable display of kindness transcended mere beneficiary benefits. It epitomized the wisdom inherent in these extraordinary and compassionate parents, who not only instilled a profound sense of purpose within their children but also imparted invaluable life lessons. Their actions served as a testament to the boundless love and beauty that permeated their family dynamic.

My Reflections on This Couple’s Generosity

As I reflect on their wisdom and generosity, a sense of shame washes over me. In the past, I held the belief that my own financial limitations prevented me from extending help to unfamiliar individuals beyond my immediate circle. While my family had engaged in acts of giving, a desire to assist those facing hardships would often emerge, only to be stifled by my perceived inadequacy.

Encountering World Vision: A Local Connection with Global Impact

It was five years ago when I was strolling down the street and came across a signboard that caught my eye—WORLD VISION. To my surprise, I discovered that the headquarters of World Vision was located right in the town where my family and I had recently settled. I couldn’t contain my excitement, exclaiming, “Wow! There’s a World Vision presence in my own neighborhood! It’s incredibly close to our house!”

The realization that World Vision was situated nearby filled me with a sense of joy and appreciation. I was aware of their incredible work, spreading the love of Christ while providing essential resources like food and daily necessities to underprivileged countries worldwide, as well as engaging in disaster relief efforts.

During that period, I had the privilege of serving as an interim Youth Director at my church. Naturally, this role ignited within me a strong desire to seek out opportunities for volunteering with World Vision, alongside the youth in our congregation. However, due to the intricacies of the students’ schedules, engaging in direct volunteer work at the World Vision headquarters proved to be impractical. Nevertheless, I remained undeterred in my quest to find meaningful ways in which we could make a tangible difference.

The Miraculous Journey of Clean Water: Global 6K for Water

I found the answer to my quest: the Global 6K for Water, an annual event meticulously organized by dedicated volunteers from across the globe. Taking place every year on a Saturday in May, shortly after ‘Water Day,’ this event served as a powerful demonstration of unity and compassion.

People from all walks of life, driven by a shared purpose, would come together to participate in this event, either running or walking a distance of 6 kilometers. Alongside their physical efforts, participants also raised funds to support a crucial cause. Each person made a valuable contribution by paying an entry fee, while others who were unable to join in person generously donated to the cause. The funds collected during this event were directed towards the impactful initiatives of World Vision, focusing specifically on digging wells and providing clean, life-sustaining drinking water to communities in desperate need.

It was during this eye-opening experience that I was confronted with a staggering truth: over 800 children under the age of 5 were losing their lives every day due to the lack of access to clean water. These innocent young children, along with women, endured grueling journeys of approximately six kilometers each day, burdened by heavy buckets, all in pursuit of this life-sustaining resource. However, the harsh reality was that the water they obtained was so contaminated that it couldn’t even be used for basic hygiene, let alone safe consumption. The heartbreaking consequences of this dire situation manifested in unimaginable numbers, with countless children falling victim to preventable diseases like diarrhea and other sanitation-related ailments.

A Special Birthday Gift

Upon discovering the severity of the situation, a strong urge to take action welled up within me. I was filled with a mix of uncertainty and fear about what I could do and how to go about it. Nevertheless, my compassionate heart grew even more resolute in its desire to assist those vulnerable children in need.

However, living in the United States presented a challenge as I needed to have a good command of English to participate in such an event. With my limited language skills, I lacked the confidence to independently plan, gather individuals, and organize the event. It was at this juncture that I turned to my middle school-aged daughter for assistance. Coincidentally, this realization occurred as my birthday was fast approaching.

“Sweetie, I have a special birthday wish, and I’m wondering if I could make it a reality with your support,” I gently spoke to my daughter.

Curious, she inquired, “What is it, Mom?”

“I have a strong desire to aid those who are suffering due to the scarcity of clean water. Would you be willing to assist me if I were to participate in the 6K event?”

Gratefully, my daughter readily agreed to lend a helping hand. She took it upon herself to spread awareness about the event among her teachers and friends at school, gathering participants along the way.

The People Who Joined My Birthday Party

The Global 6K for Water took place at the middle school where my second and third children attended. We met with the school principal and administrative staff to obtain permission to utilize the school building and sports field. I reached out to my relatives, requesting them to donate as a birthday gift, and also approached pastors, church members, and acquaintances for their support.

Many kind-hearted individuals graciously responded to my request, eagerly joining in the cause. Several friends of my children, along with their families, school teachers, church members, and neighbors, took part in the 6K event. Our oldest son captured the memorable moments by taking photographs.

One individual, in particular, our beloved music teacher who deeply cared for our children, provided invaluable assistance. He designed a 6-kilometer walking route using the sports field and a nearby forest path, ensuring that participants would not find the journey tedious. He marked the route with spray paint and prepared paper maps. Additionally, he helped maintain safety by collecting fallen branches and litter along the path. Going above and beyond, he even relocated the school’s microphone and heavy speakers to the event venue. Moreover, considering my limited English proficiency, he graciously took charge of hosting the event on my behalf.

Amidst a lively and joyous atmosphere, the 6K event commenced. Once the participants completed the course, we gathered trash bags and diligently cleaned up litter scattered around the school campus. We came together with all those who contributed to the preparations, organization, and participation in the event. To conclude the day, we relished the delicious Kimbap, Tteokbokki, and Mandu thoughtfully prepared by the women in our church. Hence, the 6K event held on May 4th, 2019, became an exceptionally special birthday party for me.

There’s No Fear in Love

Being reserved and timid, the thought of speaking in English in front of Americans filled me with anxiety. However, rather than succumbing to my fears and turning away from those in need, I began seeking out small ways to make a difference. And as I did, new possibilities started to unfold, and compassionate individuals began to gather around me.

As the captain overseeing the event, I wasn’t able to complete even half of the 6K course. Yet, as I quietly walked along that path, a sense of joy and fulfillment I had never experienced before washed over me. The vibrant image of children dancing and reveling in the delight of clean water, made possible by the funds we had raised, became vivid in my mind. It was at that moment that I felt the contentment of our Heavenly Father, beaming with pride.

Embracing compassion and love instead of succumbing to fear brought forth another valuable lesson. I learned that even with limited wealth or abilities, we still have the capacity to share and contribute. Moreover, I discovered that by uniting like-minded individuals, each of us can make a small act of generosity that carries a profound and positive impact on someone else’s life.

Through the combined efforts of the 6K participants and donors, we raised over $2,000. Although most of us were unfamiliar with one another, we came together and achieved this remarkable feat.

Enduring the COVID-19 Pandemic

Amidst the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we faced an unprecedented challenge. The mere existence of that tiny virus instilled fear and uncertainty within us. We became cautious, even suspicious, of one another, and the concept of gathering in groups became a distant memory. Venturing outside meant donning masks and holding our breath, striving to avoid any shared breaths or close encounters.

As we reminisced about the sunny days of May 2019, filled with the exhilaration of togetherness, the temptation to abandon the 6K event for the year 2020 loomed large. The already demanding schedule seemed even more overwhelming, casting doubt on our ability to prepare and organize another successful event. However, in the midst of idle moments, a friend from an American church posed a simple question, “Are we not doing it again this time?”

That query struck a chord within me, igniting a sense of determination. I realized that even without the possibility of physically gathering in one place, we could still make a difference by channeling our efforts toward individual fundraising. With the advantage of not needing to oversee the event personally, the path ahead seemed more manageable. Thus, I discarded the excuse of busyness and dedicated myself to persuading relatives and acquaintances to contribute to the donation fund, an endeavor that spanned two additional years.

Appointing My Daughter as the Coordinator

As we entered 2022, society and public schools began to regain a sense of normalcy. The leisurely days my daughter and I used to spend together, having meals, tidying up the house, pursuing hobbies, and enjoying relaxed moments, were quickly replaced with a jam-packed schedule filled with school classes, homework, extracurricular sports, and hanging out with friends.

When World Vision announced the 6K event schedule, I approached my busy daughter with a proposal. “Would you like to try being the captain for this year’s 6K? It’s the same position I had last time… you’ll get to form a team, organize the event, and lead your friends through the 6K. What do you think?”

Intrigued by the chance to do something meaningful while also having a great time with her friends, my daughter readily agreed to embrace the challenge.

Our Proud Children

She gathered her school friends to form a team. Despite being busy with IB (International Baccalaureate) classes that involved university-level coursework, exams, and an overwhelming amount of homework, along with sports and school projects, these remarkable kids managed to meet online, delegate responsibilities, and handle their tasks from their respective locations.

Some team members created posters and running course maps for advertising, while others took on the role of connecting the 6K team with volunteers. One team member, who was the president of the ARK (Act of Random Kindness) club, joined forces with club members to create 6K banners. This time, my daughter’s long-distance running coach provided determined the 6K running course.

On the day of the event, adult volunteers from our church cheered on the participants and provided them with water and snacks. My husband prepared Tteokbokki (spicy rice cake soup) to satisfy the hunger of both participants and volunteers after the run, fostering a friendly atmosphere for conversation.

My daughter independently coordinated with school officials, securing the use of the school facilities and contacting World Vision to obtain the necessary paperwork and insurance. She encouraged her team members to fulfill their roles diligently and promoted the event. She also approached a few restaurants for donations and sought the cooperation of the school’s sports coaches.

Meanwhile, I supported her from behind the scenes, purchasing necessary supplies for the event, guiding her on team formation and leadership, informing her about required documents and procedures, and suggesting whom she could seek assistance from. 

 Nurturing Givers Instead of Takers

According to Adam Grant, there are three types of people in this world: takers, givers, and matchers. Takers are individuals driven by greed and ambition who may achieve a certain level of success in society, but their influence ultimately diminishes due to their self-serving nature. 

Matchers, on the other hand, may appear rational and fair-minded, but they too find it challenging to achieve significant success. Interestingly, among those who have achieved tremendous success, a common trait emerges—many of them are givers.

Givers can be further categorized into two types: selfless givers and otherish givers. Selfless givers, while being exceptionally kind-hearted, are often taken advantage of by takers in their surroundings. As a result, their acts of kindness don’t always bear fruit as easily as they might hope.

In contrast, otherish givers strategically build connections with other givers and collaborate to amplify their positive impact. By working together towards a shared goal of making a difference, they accelerate their growth and achieve greater success. They leverage their generosity to exert a positive influence on those around them.

Our daughter’s journey aligns with this perspective. By gathering individuals who share her compassionate vision of creating a better world, she experienced firsthand how combining their wisdom and talents can accomplish far greater things than what she could achieve alone.

She willingly took on the role of captain for the upcoming Global 6K for Water event on May 20, 2023. She anticipates how many more children will participate and the diverse range of ideas they will contribute to make the event even more enjoyable and meaningful. Additionally, we pray that this virtuous endeavor will be carried on by her school juniors in the future.

Overcoming Challenges

I had a strong desire to instill the principles of servant leadership in my children. My vision was for each member of our family to contribute their unique talents given by God, playing a part in making our communities more vibrant and beautiful. Essentially, I hoped they would embody the qualities of beacons of light and agents of positive change in the world, regardless of their economic or linguistic limitations.

Yet, despite my encouragement, my daughter showed no interest in enrolling in leadership courses. It seemed that many children who pursued such classes were motivated by ulterior motives, and my own children had yet to fully grasp the true essence and value of genuine leadership.

They simply did not want to engage in leadership activities solely for the sake of bolstering their college applications. Therefore, when I suggested that my daughter take the lead in organizing the Global 6K for Water event, I anticipated her refusal.

Your child can communicate their dedication to service and a life of meaningful contribution through the following avenues: 1) Thoughtful letters of recommendation from influential figures such as teachers or successful individuals in positions of authority. 2) Personal essays were written by the applicant that boldly unveil their unique and shining character. 3) Engaging in extracurricular activities such as music, sports, competition achievements, clubs, scouting, and consistent volunteer work.

To be candid, there were occasions when even my own motivations were not entirely pure. At times, I couldn’t help but consider how these acts of kindness might enhance their college applications. However, my children rejected such motives outright.

Fortunately, as time passed, I was able to let go of those self-serving intentions. I relinquished the mindset of a matcher who sought personal gain through acts of kindness and instead embraced the mindset of an otherish giver.

Despite our limited resources, our longing to unite with like-minded individuals and make a meaningful impact grew stronger. It was then that I discovered the wellspring of genuine compassion hidden deep within my child, and only then could we truly tap into it.

The Blessing of an Abundant Giver’s Mindset Transformed in My Child

Interestingly enough, as we wholeheartedly embraced acts of kindness, we were met with even greater blessings. It was through this journey that my child truly grasped the profound truth that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Engaging in small acts of dedication to meet someone else’s needs had a transformative effect on her life. It not only expanded the purpose and significance she found in her own existence but also shaped her identity as a compassionate giver and active contributor to society. The experience elevated her sense of self-respect and brought forth a surge of joy and happiness.

Discovering the power of utilizing her God-given gifts, my child learned that she could make a tangible impact on the world around her. By taking the initiative to assemble teams, plan and execute events, and facilitate even greater acts of service, she honed her leadership skills. Voluntarily mobilizing her friends, she sought out and created new opportunities for serving others. As she embarks on her journey through college and beyond, I eagerly anticipate witnessing her service expand and her influence grow, leaving an indelible mark on the lives she touches.

Seize an Unmissable Opportunity

I strongly encourage all parents to consider taking on the role of captains in the “Global 6K for Water,” where our modest contributions can have a transformative impact by providing clean water to precious lives around the world. This event welcomes participants from across the globe and receives dedicated support and resources from World Vision to ensure its effective organization and execution.

The 6K presents a simple initial step that can be undertaken regardless of your location. As you plan and embark on this journey, whether on a small or large scale, your children’s minds will naturally cultivate a mindset of servant leadership and abundance.

The most prestigious universities in the United States highly esteem students who actively contribute to society, exemplifying the values of service and generosity. They understand that these individuals are poised to become the leaders our world craves. It’s not solely about attaining outstanding grades. What our children require is a well-rounded combination of some extent excellence in academic achievement, strong character, and authentic leadership in serving others.

Below is a summary of an analysis conducted by Kevin Hong, a US college admissions expert, outlining the latest trends in prestigious university admissions.r

Ivy League institutions like Yale and Stanford have officially declared their preference for applicants who can showcase unique contributions to their school communities. This information can be found on each university’s website, underscoring the significant impact that a spirit of service can have on admission to esteemed institutions.

While lower GPA or SAT scores may factor into the exclusion of certain students from the acceptance, strong recommendations, extracurricular involvements, and well-crafted essays serve as evidence to schools as to why they should consider admitting an applicant. When your child participates in activities that many other students are involved in, it is these elements that truly captivate the attention of schools and make them genuinely enthusiastic about extending an offer of admission.

Universities favor applicants who demonstrate the potential to become successful members of society, rather than solely focusing on academic accomplishments. The higher the number of accomplished graduates within a community, the more outstanding students will consistently apply to that institution, leading to ample financial resources. Financial stability, in turn, allows for the provision of generous scholarships and attracts well-prepared candidates.

Your child’s extracurricular engagements play a pivotal role in preparing for the aforementioned factors 1) and 2). Engaging in sports or playing a musical instrument, for instance, transcends mere enjoyment. If these activities have positively influenced their local community or society at large, it will enhance their likelihood of receiving strong letters of recommendation and significantly aid in crafting compelling essays. Your child’s positive impact will serve as a compelling asset throughout the college admissions process, even if they haven’t received notable awards or achieved exceptional feats.

When your child possesses a dream of making their community and the world a better place and actively pursues that dream within their school, church community, sports clubs, or similar organizations, top-tier universities in the United States, which prioritize character, will eagerly admit your child.

By taking initiative with passion and zeal, rather than simply following the crowd, your child will stand out among numerous applicants engaged in similar activities. Even if they fall short of a perfect SAT score by 20 to 30 points, an applicant with qualities of servant leadership will shine as a competitive candidate in the college admissions process.

Important Considerations

When it comes to practicing generosity, there are a few essential factors to keep in mind. One crucial aspect is establishing appropriate boundaries. It means being mindful not to expect oneself or others to give beyond what is genuinely feasible, going so far as to deplete one’s own resources. It’s important to avoid using words or methods that evoke guilt, shame, or fear in others, as this can have a counterproductive effect.

Prioritizing the fulfillment of one’s own physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs on a daily basis is paramount before extending care to others. By taking care of oneself first, it becomes easier to avoid burnout or losing motivation, enabling sustained acts of kindness in the long run.

Whether it’s your own children or friends, it’s advisable to approach their involvement in acts of service with consideration and create an environment where they can willingly participate. Alternatively, leading by example and inspiring them can be highly effective. By guiding them towards engaging in service activities that align with their available time, financial means, and physical abilities, their hearts, and minds will gradually expand and flourish.

Conclusion

It is possible for us to make a difference and help others, even when we have limited resources, lack certain abilities, or don’t have a large support network. Our small contributions of wealth, time, and effort will undoubtedly yield positive outcomes as long as we maintain a compassionate heart.

To begin, it is important to set clear goals and develop specific strategies to achieve them. By breaking down our goals into manageable steps and incorporating them into our daily schedules and calendars, we can start taking small, attainable actions right away.

The Creator has instilled within each of us a natural capacity for compassion. By living a life centered on sharing and caring for others, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to the overall abundance of the world. The act of benefiting and making a positive impact on others brings us joy and a sense of fulfillment.

Engaging in acts of giving elevates our self-worth and self-respect. It expands our life’s aspirations and dreams. As we find our life’s purpose and establish priorities, we become more focused and efficient in our endeavors. By demonstrating generosity, we attract like-minded individuals into our lives, and together, we can create a greater collective impact. This is the profound blessing experienced by those who possess an abundance mindset and embrace the role of givers.

Wouldn’t you like to join in and experience this blessing firsthand? And wouldn’t you want to pass on this invaluable blessing to your children?