Spending A Lifetime

Most of us know that the country of India is a vast and wonderful country. With great potential and diverse problems, it has many needs. Jesse and Ann Williams went in 1971 to be part of India's solution. "Honey,” said Jesse...."pack a few bags, get out the atlas. We're going to India." As a professor of animal husbandry at the University of Minnesota, Jesse responded to the influence of his Methodist upbringing. He grew up in a small town in the U.S., hearing of missionaries and their enticing stories of far away places. He wanted to get out of town. Even though he was a transplanted Texan living in Minnesota, he was not fulfilled simply teaching in the U.S. He wanted to take his knowledge of animals and help... he wanted to do more! So, "go" he and his wife did. They set up living life as closely to the Indian locals as they could. Jesse believes that by enlisting the help of the local people, and sharing your vision with them, their passion rises, and solutions to problems are born. Because of his success, when most of the 200 U.S. AID workers in India in the 1970's were required to go home, Jesse was one of three who was invited to stay. He had the listening ear of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi any time he needed it. As a result of his work a 55,000 heifer dairy farm was created. This has made India one of the world's largest milk producers. After a while, Ann heard those words again... "Honey,” said Jesse "pack a few bags, get out the atlas. We're going to. . ." She has heard them 29 times in 25 years… as they have moved and lived and helped 29 different countries be more successful and productive. They certainly did make a difference... all over the world. In the year 2002, Jesse celebrated his 83rd birthday. Know how he celebrated? Well, first by getting his 2 artificial heart valves checked out by his cardiologist, and then by packing those suitcases again. That year, he went to Cambodia just to see how he could help! Amazing couple, huh? I would love to see their family photos! Think about it though... a man and his wife spending their lifetimes pursuing their dreams of helping people!!! They believed enough in the people of this world to share their knowledge and compassion by going to their countries and living among them. Have you ever thought about what you would really like to do? rnYou know... life is short and even if you live to be like Jesse, there's no time to waste.