Maggie's dream-Bringing hope to others around the world

It was like any other friendship, they met at camp, sharing the same cabin, staring at the same stars before they went to sleep. But this camp wasn’t your ordinary camp and neither were the new friends. Maggie Fisher and Rachael Paulson met at a camp for children grieving from the tragedy of 9/11. Fisher, 11, lost her father on Sept. 11. Paulson, a mother of two who lives in Sparta, was a counselor for the camp. She shared her grieving process regarding the loss of her seven-year old brother when she was 14 years old. Paulson is also the author of two children’s books based on the memory of her brother. “I was 14 when my brother died,” Paulson said, “so I knew what grieving was like and wanted to help these children, so I went to use my book series to share the fact that I wrote my books and used writing as a way to express my grief.” One evening at the camp, Fisher was frantically searching for a photo of her father she had brought with her. At 3 a.m., in the bunk next to Fisher, Paulson was wondering how she could reach the grieving children when she found the photo. From that moment on Paulson knew what her mission was, and the two became fast friends. “Over the years Maggie has watched me start a teen mentoring/leadership group, Global Kids, and soon joined in various charitable projects,” she said. Paulson’s most recent venture with Global Kids is a trip to South Africa to install a pump to provide running water for schools in Kwazulu, Natal. This will be Paulson’s second trip to South Africa for the project. According to local data, there are roughly 600 schools that do not have running water, causing the women and children to walk miles for their daily supply. Paulson has worked with the United Nations’ Environmental Program, the Barbara Bush Literacy Program, Colin Powell’s Americas Promise, the America Forest and Paper Association and the National Geographic’s Jane Goodall Foundation. “The embassy has offered to translate my book series into Zulu and we will use the series, one of the books being about life and water, to motivate and educate the South African students,” she said. “While the drilling goes on and the water’s installed, the teens will give workshops, and lessons on science and water. We will recycle paper, paint murals on walls, and do planting out in schoolyards.” Hearing all the South Africa plans being made, young Fisher asked Paulson if she could be the first to sign on for the trip. Fisher was so enthused about bringing water to people that didn’t have the advantage of running water in their homes. “She showed me pictures of the merry-go-round pumps that the children can play on while it supplies water,” said Gail Fabiyan, Fisher’s mother. “She understands it will be a lot of work and she is ready for it. I think she will remember this trip always.” Fisher has another idea for the Africa trip. She plans to dedicate the water pump in the memory of her father. Since water symbolizes life, Paulson agreed that the dedication will be appropriate. “This trip is so special because it is an experience of a lifetime that I may never have again, and it will benefit so many people and make their lives much easier,” said Fisher. The group leaves for South Africa Aug. 16. The group has hosted a number of fundraisers, most recently a performance by local bands Greene Beans Cafe and a car wash. Now Global Kids are going to auction off a bridal gown to assist with the financial demands of the trip. While having a dress altered at Eneldas Happy Bride, Paulson spoke of her upcoming trip to Africa. Enelda offered to donate a wedding dress to the cause. “I was so surprised and thankful,” said Paulson. “(The auction) will help support Maggie’s dream of dedicating the pump in her father’s name. And then I thought how beautiful a wedding gown would be, as it would be giving life to so many children in Africa, from someone who is starting a new life.” In addition to the wedding dress, valued at $2000, Flowers by Nine is also donating a cascading African tropical flower arrangement. Owner Glenine Gregory Ryan is giving the bride her choice of bouquets, with a value of $250. Opening bids for the wedding dress will begin at $1,000. The dress is on display in the window of Eneldas Happy Bride, located in White Deer Plaza. All bids must be submitted before Aug. 5. Appointments are needed for fitting and the dress can be ordered in any size. While visiting the bridal store one day, the owner, Enelda, allowed Fisher and Paulson the opportunity to see the dress while Fisher tried on a fancy dress and tiara. As the two exchanged glances, their close bond was apparent. Donations to Maggie’s Dream are accepted at the bridal shop or at any Wachovia Bank, where an account has been established for Global Kids.