Honoring Those Who Came Before Us ... and making them proud

As I write this, I'm sitting in a hospital waiting room, outisde of the ICU. My grandfather is inside ICU and although my family and I have spent many days, and sometimes weeks, in this hospital and others near here, this time it seems much worse than before. I'm not sure if we'll be taking my grandfather home with us this time - but we're hoping for the best.

I'm writing this not as a eulogy to my grandfather, but to honor his life and what he's taught me. I am his eldest granddaughter so I know I have a special place in his heart (or maybe I'm making this up?). He holds a special place in my heart, too, because he's taught me about resilience, honor, hard work, having a strong work ethic, and treating people with respect and dignity.

My grandfather came to the U.S. as a refugee, just as my parents did, so he speaks from experience when he says a strong work ethic is important. He's raised 5 daughters and he means so much to his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Many people throughout the world don't have the opportunity to be with their loved ones when they pass away. While I don't know if this is my grandfather's time, I'm grateful to be here with him and try to keep his as comfortable as possible.

I hope we turn the tide and we see happier days ahead. Please keep our family in your thoughts.

Best,

-Megy

Fair Trade Futures Conference just hours away!

In fewer than 48 hours, I'll be on an airplane headed toward Boston for the Fair Trade Futures Conference and very much looking forward to it! 

Fair Trade Futures Conference, Boston, Sept 10-12, 2010

While the Fair Trade Federation organizes a conference annually, the Fair Trade Futures conference is scheduled every five years and attracts over 700 fair trade supporters, importers, retailers, students, and activists. It's a great opportunity to interact with fellow fair trade supporters all over the country, but all over the world as well since many come in from outside of the United States and Canada to learn more about what is happening in the movement nationally and internationally.

Also, Chicago looks like it's going to have a rather large contingency, which is very exciting! Chicago Fair Trade will be there in full force! 

I've made it to most of the conferences since World Shoppe launched almost 7 years ago (I've missed some because of work schedules or weddings planned over the same weekend as the conferences.) and I can tell you first-hand that the conferences are top-notch, inspiring and refreshing. Yes, you'll enjoy your typical speakers (I'm actually speaking on Sunday on how to attract media attention to your fair trade work - 10:30 a.m. on Sunday if you're interested in joining me!) but in addition to the speakers, you'll meet others who are in a similar place in the movement, whether new to it, wanting to learn more, just opened a shop, have been managing a shop for decades, just started importing or importing for several years, etc. You'll also be able to shop the Fair Trade Marketplace with more than 75 companies and organizations showing their products to the general public and retailers interested in stocking new fair trade products in their shops.

If you're attending the conference, please let me know - it would be great to see you! I'll be at the Marketplace, too, so stop by and say hello. 

Here's to a successful Conference! See you soon!

-Megy Karydes, Founder

World Shoppe

www.World-Shoppe.com