Five or so years ago, I had the pleasure of being introduced to Jane Goodall through a very dear friend of mine from the UK who had known her for many years. She invited me to join her with a small group of her friends and we spent a few hours discussing the world and what kind of things we could all do to make it a better place. I walked away from that first meeting and the tears streamed down my face. I was so emotional... to be in the presence of someone so full of compassion and grace was awe inspiring. She is one of those women, those rare women who simply radiate beauty and power at the same time. The power to influence and make positive change. Last year, Jane returned to Boston and I was again invited to join her with a small group of 6 or so friends at her hotel shortly after she had lectured and received an award at Harvard University.  It was shortly after I'd been matched with Kajal so I was able to share Kajal's photo with Jane and Mary, her Exec VP and right hand. They were both incredibly loving and supportive, wishing us well and asking me to keep them updated as things came along. Jane started a foundation for children around the world called Roots & Shoots. Children come up with ideas to help animals, the environment or people and then the foundation helps them implement the projects. At the last meeting we talked about the importance of children as our future, that through them the earth can become healthier and more peaceful, through them, compassion can grow between countries and cultures. I realized that being an adoptive mom of an international child there are several things I'll want to instill in Kajal as she grows. I'd like to help teach her the importance and joy in giving back while at the same time helping her stay connected to her birth culture. Roots & Shoots is a perfect way for us to strive to do that. My goal is to have her up and running with her own chapter by the fall of next year. This is a program I'd like to find a way to promote through other international adoptees and their familie, with over 200,000 adopted in the US in the last ten years this could help grow the program dramatically.

Last year, hanging out with Jane in her suite... talking about Kajal and dreaming of the future... holding her famous Mr. H.

A few weeks back I was honored with another invitation to meet Jane and Mary back her in Boston. She travels 300 days a year sharing her vision and spreading hope and inspiration. I can't imagine, I get tired just thinking about it. Mary wrote to me that Jane and she wanted to meet Kajal and were hoping I could meet up with them while they were in town. I was suppose to travel to DC for a business trip (just for the afternoon) and with the understanding of work, I canceled the trip. For the days leading up to the visit I showed Kajal Jane's movie (Return to Gombe) and several of her books. I explained the difference between a monkey and a chimp (Jane was the one who first educated me that the biggest and easiest to see is that the chimp doesn't have at tail... and of course, they are much closer to us) Kajal kept saying to me, like Dora's pet Boots? I explained that Jane saved animals, Like Diego? She would ask. Yesterday, the day finally arrived and we jumped in a taxi with my mother and headed out to meet Jane. Kajal wore her favorite India outfit (she looked amazing) and had bangles from her wrists to her elbows.  We drove out to the Boston Nature Center for the anticipated meeting.

Kajal... waiting patiently to meet Jane.

We were ushered into a small private room where tea was being served and Jane soon came in. She was across the room from us (about 15 or so people in the room) and Kajal recognized her from her pictures immediately. As shy as Kajal can be when she first meets someone, she wasn't at all with Jane. She pushed her way through the winding crowd and went right up to Jane and smiled and said hello. It was the bravest and sweetest thing I've ever seen. They talked for a moment or two, Jane was incredibly warm and kind with her and then Kajal came back to me. Mommy, I really, really want to be her friend. I laughed at the simplicity in her statement and the honesty. We were able to spend a little while with Jane and Mary, catching up and talking of India and Kajal. Jane surprised me by telling me that she'd read my blog, this blog and that still has me in awe. Jane, if you read this, I love you! You inspire me to make positive change, and to spread your message of love and hope!
Kajal made herself right at home. We had purchased a Mr. H jr for Kajal which she sat next to his namesake.  Mr. H had been a gift to Jane by a friend of hers who was blind and did amazing things with his life. She introduces Mr. H as a sign of hope.. he spreads love and joy wherever he goes. This stuffed Monkey has been touched and held by Presidents, Prime Ministers and other world leaders and here was Kajal, grabbing the toy, sitting it on to the table next to her own and creating a new game. Hang the bangles on Mr. H. We all had a wonderful laugh, and watching Kajal so naturally play with Jane was priceless.
Kajal continued to hang out by Jane as Jane signed her autograph for a few others
Mom , Kajal, Jane and I
That night as I was putting Kajal to bed, she asked me, Mommy, will you take me to Africa. Maybe Kajal, why? So I can see Jane and help her chimps...
Ah, another seed is planted