When You Stick Your Toe In, You Find Your Whole Foot Is Wet!

"When you stick your toe in, you find your whole foot is wet" - Sandy Shires

Sandy and Mike Shires are no strangers to giving their time, energy and money to projects that support and sustain the community. Over the years they have moved around, but now have found themselves back in their birthplace of South Africa. Mike Shires even served as president of the Rotary Club of Knoxville when he was dean of The University of TN's Vetineary School.

We had the great pleasure of staying as guests in their beautiful and warm home in Knysna. It felt as if we were staying in a luxurious bed and breakfast. Sandy and Mike showered us with comfort, delicious meals, and most of all love.

One evening over dinner as Sandy was explaining the initiatives she'd started in Knysna and the members of the community who had become like family to her, Liz and I sat in awe of this woman-- This dear woman who bears so much of the hardships of others on her back ... This strong woman who never goes a day without planning how to continue to help ... This superwoman who juggled running not only a weekly feeding scheme for 70-150 men, but also chauffering us around and making sure our stay was enjoyable-- We were amazed and Liz finally said, "you know, you do so much" and Sandy simply replied, "well when you stick your toe in, you find your whole foot is gotten wet, don't you?"

And that is how it starts. You begin small, but in a world where the need is so great, the small things you do can turn into big projects! Mike Shires, showing a quiet strength, has been the ying to Sandy's yang and they make quite the team (and wonderful hosts)!

Actually, all of our hosts have been fantastic and we've enjoyed their kind hospitality. And just as Sandy stuck her toe in the philanthropic pool of kindness so does the Rotary Club of Knysna, Stanford and Knoxville and the friends of Rotary such as Katheryn Johnson ... All serving others above themselves.