Blessed by Fritz Healy

​My name is Fritz Healy. I am a 62-year-old retired businessman from North Carolina.

Unlike Mike Harden, I am not a tough guy. I have had an incredibly blessed and joyous life. I pinch myself every day. I often say that I will wake up one day and say, "I had the most incredible dream." I am grateful every single day for the blessings that I have received.

That being said, it is a strong statement to say that my trip to Kibera with Crossing Thresholds was one of the greatest experiences of my entire life (a life filled with many great experiences).

It goes without saying that Kibera is, in many ways, a land of "have-nots." There is no government assistance, trash pick-up, running water, or reliable electricity. I was prepared for this, but it's still shocking to see.  

However, I was not prepared for the palpable joy and gratitude I saw on the faces (and in the hearts) of almost everyone there. I, too, teared up many times, not so much at the lack of things but at the positivity I witnessed.

We often ask ourselves, "What can I do?" Well, this is it. Time and money spent at my children's colleges only make a comfortable life more comfortable. Writing a check to some unnamed group feels good for about a day. This trip changed lives for the better - mine included. 

If you were to go onto Amazon, you could buy dozens of books on "gratitude." One could also invest time and money to make a "charity dinner" more successful. However, if you really want to make a contribution that changes lives- come on this trip!   

There are no words I can use to describe the joy on these kids' faces. It was magic to my heart and theirs. While I hope I am lucky enough to go every year, these memories will stay with me forever.  

I am particularly appreciative of the friendship(s) I made with my fellow travelers. In a world of "spoiled kids" I saw young people use their graduation money to come on this trip. If every young person in our country could see how blessed we are and the difference they can make, the world would surely be a better place.

I am beyond grateful for this experience. Not a day goes by without my thanking God for this gift. 

- Fritz Healy
Crossing Thresholds Trip Volunteer