You may remember Laura Hecht’s story… and her BIG dream of getting school supplies to kids in Africa.

(If you don’t, just click here to listen to a 15 minute podcast about her freakishly cool BIG dream.)

Well, she shot me an update… and you’ll LOVE it.

Here it is… in her own words…

Mitch,
I don’t even know where to start in getting you up to speed with what God has been doing with my dream.  So let’s just list them out (like good teachers do)

1.  I am going with my church missions group to Malawi in June 2009.  Yes, that’s right.  I am going to Africa!!!   I will be part of the educational team and distributing my supplies that I have been collecting.

2.  I have an appointment to meet up with Eric Idehen on Wednesday, 10/22 to discuss the needs he has in the orphanage and how I can serve those needs.

3.  Eric introduced me to Pastor Lawrence Bomett, who runs a school in Kenya.  I have been in communications with his son and I plan to provide needed educational supplies to that cause.

4.  I just met with Dr. Blessman (contact from Brad Krehlik, at Lutheran Church of Hope) and Jacques van Bommel from South Africa.  The bulk of my educational supplies will be shipped with their supplies of food in November to aid the people of South Africa.

As you can see, I have been a very busy girl.  Thanks to your virtual introductions, I have been able to make contacts with, and potentially bless, many eager minds yearning for literacy.  Thank you.

Laura

Isn’t it cool to see how she’s walking this out?  She’s simply a teacher (with a HUGE heart and a BIG dream) who’s going after her BIG dream and getting some help from other BIG dreamers along the way.

If you’d like to help Laura or if you have some ideas or connections for her…  just leave a comment here or shoot her an e-mail at laura@laura4literacy.com.

By Mitch Matthews

So… meet Katie Wittrock.

She came to the BIG dream gathering this week. 

She was nervous.  She didn't know what to expect.  She wasn't even sure about putting up her BIG dreams.

Well… she does a better job of telling her story.  Click here to hear about Katie's experience.

The cool thing is… this is just the picture of REAL people taking a risk… taking a stand for their dreams… and then being open to getting a little help from other REAL people.  No hidden catches.  No elaborate 27 steps to success. 

Just real people dreaming BIG and helping each other out!

It's cool and it's a little taste of heaven!

Thanks Katie… for taking the chance and for telling your story!  You are going to impact the world!  We all just know it!

Oh… and thanks to that person who steeped up as a connector and advocate for Katie!  You made a huge difference in the life of a fellow dreamer!  (You know who you are!)

So… what's one of YOUR BIG dreams?  Why not write it down and put it out there?  You just never know what might happen!

Keep dreaming BIG!

By Mitch Matthews

Okay… so I had the honor of getting to interview Mandy Van Maanen about a BIG dream that got a boost at our first BIG dream gathering. (click here to listen)

Listen in on how she wrote down a BIG dream that seemed impossible, and then hear how… over the course of a year… the dream played out to become a reality!

And remember… we don't tell these stories as a "how to."  We tell these stories to inspire you to remember and uncover your own BIG dreams and get clear on them. 

Then… we hope that inspiration will enable you to think about why your BIG dreams are important to you. 

Cuz, we figure once you're clear on the "what" of your BIG dreams, and the "why it's important," the "how" of your dreams… will come.

Listen to Mandy's story and you'll hear how this played out for her.  It's an awesome and inspiring story!

By the way… do you have a BIG dream that's played out?  Let us know and maybe we can feature your story this way.  Just click "comments" below or send us an e-mail at contactus@doyouQ.com!

And… remember… you can come and meet Mandy at the next BIG dream gathering on Sunday, May 16th.  Click here for more info!

Posted by Mitch Matthews

Well… Lucas and Mike have done it again.  Yup… our video dream team have put together a video update of two BIG dreamers.

Click the video link and hear about Charlie's inspiring dream to bring a taste of New Orleans to the world and to bring help from the world to New Orleans.  Plus, you'll hear an update from Kate about her BIG dream to bring heart AND fashion to real people. 

So, why not come to the next BIG dream gathering on May 13th and dream BIG with Charlie and Kate?  Who knows where it will take YOUR BIG dream?

Posted by Mitch Matthews

We’ve already heard back from Denise… that this dream is starting to get some traction.

But I wanted to let you know about it so you could help out… or so you could at least encourage her in it!

Here it is… in her own words:

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BIG Dream:

I want to write children’s music and create a CD of children’s songs that proceeds are used for missions, hospitals, etc.  And I want to create a children’s book from songs that I write that also could be used for missions, given out at hospitals, etc.

Some things I have:

• 4 songs written
• 1 song in mind to create a book/story
• Illustrator to draw children’s characters

Some things I still need:

• Assistance in creating/producing the CD
• Funding to make it happen
• A publisher/editor (Christian) who can help me with how to complete book

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So… if you have some ideas for Denise or just some encouragement… you can leave it here by clicking “comments” below.  Or… you can e-mail her directly at 4neyfam@mchsi.com.

And… thanks for dreaming BIG!

Photo credit and kudos to: humminggirl