Story from Paula Ashbaugh!

I got your info from Gideon. He thought you may want to hear my story with my pay it forward bracelet. So I am from the USA which means we are not supposed to visit Cuba for reasons of a war that happened before I was even born! Because I live in Mexico, I just had to go. I received my bracelet from Gideon. I was in a small pueblo just walking around and had several bracelets (probably 6 on my wrist), all of which were of relative value and beauty. When I was walking on a small road where vendors were selling various touristy things, a woman came up to me from one of the vending sites and pointed to my bracelet, asking me in Spanish if she could have it. Thinking before I looked that I would unfortunately have to say “no” because everything I was wearing was a gift, I looked down and she wanted the “pay it forward” bracelet!! I preceeded to explain to her the idea of pay it forward, giving good deeds, smiles, positive karma and kindness to the person who receives the gift! I also explained how this is a movement to spread love and peace throughout the world. She was very moved by the story and when I gave the bracelet to her, she wanted to give me something from her table as a trade. I explained to her that is not how it works. That I give her kindness and pass along the bracelet, so she can then wear it for a couple of weeks and pass it along, telling the story. Later in the day, I passed by the same street. She remembered me and ran up to me almost in tears, hugging me and telling me she was going to give it to her son of 17 years who will spread the word. It was very touching. So Pay It Forward is now in Cuba!!! From this American who wants peace. Thanks for reading.

Paula