My recent trip to Bangladesh was definitely an eye opening experience. On the return flight home, with the beautiful U.S. coastline coming into view; I couldn't help but marvel at how truly blessed I am: I sometimes wonder what I did to deserve all of this beauty. Since I moved here from Trinidad 21 years ago, God has continued to  Bless me with a loving family and has granted me the priviledge of maintaining a successful business.  As I enter a new chapter in my life, I feel that God is calling me to do something great in another part of the world.  With the support and help from the wonderful parish at "The First Presbyterian Church" in Quincy, I was given the opportunity to share my vision.

            What I observed in Bangladesh was vast and sometimes overwhelming poverty; which was only outweighed by the beauty and grace of the people.  In addition to everyone being welcoming and kind, I cherished the beauty of the women's colorful saris (robes) and the many rickshaws (transportation carts) that dotted the roads. This country and its people instilled in me a new image in the concept of beauty.

            For me, one of the highlights of this trip was the experience of giving pedicures to the selfless and shy women who were "Mothers" at the local orphanage. The look of confidence that resonated from their faces after allowing themselves the gift of being pampered left me with an indelible impression. The mothers were overwhelmingly grateful for their beautiful treatment, which left them feeling loved.

            My long term goal and vision pertaining to this pilgrimage is to someday be able to train the young women and ready them for a career within the beauty industry. In return, they can train others, and therefore get the proverbial ball rolling to educate generation after generation. It will give children the opportunity to begin an education within a trade; the hope lying in the result of eventually being able to market their beauty skills in Bangladesh and to make a living.

            I would like to use this moment to segue into a short personal story, one that is both funny and true.  When I was born into the world, my mother decided to name me after a Miss World Contestant. I find it perfectly ironic that I wound up in the beauty industry, and am now expanding my craft to volunteer in certain parts of the world.

            In closing I would like to thank all of you for your continuous support and ongoing prayers. We are all truly blessed, and we all have the innate ability to share our blessings with others. If you would like to help the people of Bangladesh by making  a monetary donation to the orphanage, you can feel free to contact me via Allure Spa or the Church, and I thank you for your kindness in advance. If you would like to provide wealth to the world via prayers and well wishes I would like to thank you greatly for that as well. We need all the support and help we can get in regards to the Home Of Joy, children's orphanage.