Older and (Hopefully) Wiser
BY CYNDI GREENING, PHOENIX, USA -- Yesterday was my birthday ... a milestone birthday ... the big 5 dot 0. When I was younger, I never thought I'd make it through five decades and I sure as heck didn't think it would happen so quickly! I can't believe I moved to Phoenix 23 years ago. I can't believe I was teaching at the community college for 16 years. I can't believe Alec is 19 already. I can't believe we went to Zambia to make a documentary and feature film. As I reflect on my life thus far, the word that comes to mind is UNBELIEVABLE. It's been unbelievable.
In many ways, I think I am one of the luckiest people on Earth. The Zambia project is proof of how unbelievably lucky I am!! In addition to getting the funding to take 14 students and four (4) faculty to make the feature film and documentary, we had the good fortune to finish shooting both films. On top of that, I was super lucky and had the most amazing crew! Their professionalism and diligence in making the films was extraordinary. Their kind and generous posts wishing me a happy day show how supportive, gracious and thougtful they are as human beings.
We've been back in the U.S. for three months now. Most everyone has returned to work and/or school. Some of the crew have made large geographic changes (Shawn, Alec, Jacob), some have made major life changes (I fall into this category), while the remainder have incorporated their experience more gracefully into their daily existence. Time stops for no one and each of the FilmZambia crew march on his or her appointed path toward whatever it is that life has in store. As the elder participant, I am blessed to have had such an opportunity and I know just how special it is. Some of the younger participants may not realize (until they've passed five decades) what a unique and wonderful opportunity this was. As is evidenced by the posts, these extraordinary people definitely deserved this experience ... and I was fortunate to have them with me. I love them dearly and cannot begin to express my gratitude for all they did and have done!
This year, I've come to believe that the best gifts are often the grace and generosity of another's presence in one's life. The FilmZambia crew has been one of the greatest gifts of my life ... if not THE greatest. I love you guys ...