Seventeen. Practicing in your neighborhood

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead

I need to start this chapter with a confession. I truly suck at being a good neighbor. I’ve been to 30 nations serving people I’ve never met, but I am terrified of going next door. I’ve given the last 27 years as a full-time volunteer to teach and train others, but I’ve never helped a neighbor’s kid with their math homework (math is another thing I’m terrified of). I’ve risked my life feeding the homeless in Central America, but can hardly muster the courage to invite some strangers across the street for dinner. It’s amazing how we can compartmentalize our lives like that, eh?