At Strong Automotive, we live our core value ‘Optimize’ by embracing bold experimentation. This spirit shines in our First Four employees—Tara Kirk, Reeves Parrish, Amelia Bennett and Josie Green—who will travel over 30 hours to volunteer in Kenya with Hope for Kenya.
Led by our good friend Philip Coltart, the team will support Joy Schools International in Ndhiwa, contributing to classroom projects and vital community efforts like drilling wells for fresh water.
Tara is our Office Manager, going on 5-years with the company. Growing up in the small town of Hartselle, AL, she describes herself as a ‘country girl’ and shared her thoughts on this big world adventure:
What was your “I’m going to do this!” rationale for answering the call?
Lately I feel I haven’t been as grateful for my blessings as I should be. I have all the comforts, we have no debt, and everything you can want is so convenient by a click of a button. It was not so much as “I’m going to do this,” as “I need to do this.” I need to witness and be involved in a life-changing opportunity in order to be more appreciative of life and all the blessings I’ve been given. I need to be out of my comfort zone and be inconvenienced.
What do you most look forward to?
Everything!! Interacting with the children, working on projects, visiting the schools, and really learning about their culture and the journey they’ve taken so far.
Did you ever imagine yourself doing this?
Never. This is such a rare opportunity, so I do feel blessed I was chosen.
Gotta ask, any fears?
Not really. The only thing I’m concerned about are all the flights and crying too much.
To you, Tara, I share the observation of author William P. Young: “Don’t ever discount the wonder of your tears…sometimes they are the best words the heart can speak.” I cannot wait to hear the stories after 12 days in Kenya.
God bless the First Four!