Finding Light in the Shadows

Even in the darkest of times, there is always light to be found.

There are times I feel as though my entire world has been swallowed up by quicksand. I'm left crawling through the muck and mire.

I am speaking from experience: when visiting a village a few years ago, the Amazon river was very low. We often had to jump out of our canoe and drag it ashore. Wading through mud that swallows you up to your knees or even higher. There is no walking in this mud. You must spread yourself out and attempt to crawl while dragging your canoe. The locals got a real kick out of watching the gringo trying to accomplish this feat.

It is a very good metaphor for what we go through building well-being in an impoverished community. As we build a community technology hub to help the community find ways to improve their lives. We are constantly fighting the ongoing financial struggles that seem to swallow up most of the community resources.

It also brings back a lot of memories from my own entrepreneurial journey:

Twenty years ago, my wife and I embarked on a journey that was as much about survival as it was about building a business. Battling a chronic illness that prevented her from traditional employment, she found solace and purpose in crafting for charity. That passion ignited an idea: an e-commerce site selling craft supplies. It was born out of necessity. A way to support her charitable work, supplement our income to cover mounting medical expenses, and, most importantly, give her a reason to thrive.

People questioned our timing. "Why start a business now, amidst such challenges?" they asked. But for us, it was the only way forward.

My wife, who had been struggling with pain and isolation, came alive. She poured her heart into researching products, planning inventory, and connecting with fellow crafters. The business became more than just a source of income; it became her lifeline, a way to channel her energy and find joy amidst adversity.

This experience gave me a profound sense of empathy. I saw firsthand how entrepreneurship could be a powerful tool for overcoming hardship, for finding purpose and connection when life throws you curveballs.

But our journey wasn't without its trials. As my wife's illness progressed, she began to lose her eyesight. It was a devastating blow, but we refused to let it define us. We reached out for support, learned new ways to adapt, and embraced technology to bridge the gap.

This led to a surprising transformation. I automated our product management system, streamlining inventory and pricing. This not only made it easier for us to manage the business with her declining vision but also opened up new possibilities. We were able to expand our product range, offering a wider selection to our customers.

Ironically, the challenge of losing her eyesight became an unexpected catalyst for growth. Our business tripled in size, proving that even in the face of adversity, innovation and resilience can lead to remarkable outcomes.

Even in the darkest of times, there is always light to be found. And sometimes, that light shines brightest when we least expect it.

Looking back, here are some of the key lessons we learned:

• Purpose Fuels Passion: When your business is driven by a deeper purpose, it provides the strength to persevere through difficult times.

• Adaptability is Key: Being able to adapt and pivot in response to changing circumstances is essential for survival and growth.

• Technology Can Be a Game-Changer: Embracing technology can help overcome limitations and unlock new opportunities.

• Hardship Can Be a Catalyst for Innovation: Sometimes, the greatest breakthroughs come from facing the toughest challenges.

• Community and Support are Vital: Reaching out for help and building a supportive network can make all the difference.

When building through poverty, we don’t have the luxury of resources to spare. We have had several unexpected challenges. Recently, Renato’s water tank ruptured flooding his neighbor’s house. This is only one in a series of unexpected events.

In the midst of this, he is launching a “meals on wheels” project to help provide meals for the families in his community who have been recently hospitalized. The work keeps going.

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My team and I wade through the muck and mire to apply technology to make a social impact. For several years, I have been observing the technological divide in rural and remote regions. I am publishing my insights on building digital literacy and regenerative economic solutions to help bridge the gap. My newsletter is free, but you can upgrade to paid to help support our projects.

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