On working with Klemmer and Project Mercy: Transcending Perceived Potential

By Klemmer Leadership & Amanda Andrews

We are all about breakthrough moments. At Heart of the Samurai this past June, one of our incredible graduates, Amanda Andrews, was able to stop a program that has been running in her life since Elementary School. She shared her experience and we felt that it was a powerful example of what we teach and embody. Amanda's words are courageous and we are happy to share them with our Klemmer family.

Transcending Perceived Potential

“I have no idea how I could possibly complete something like that,” “This is not my lane, other people are far more fit and qualified for this work,” “I would love to try something like that if my time wasn’t already at maximum distribution between my current pursuits, work, and relationships,” are paralyzing narratives that often come to battle with my earnest impulses of curiosity and courage. I have recently come to a powerful realization that these narratives are hushed when the task at hand is designed to help others.

This past June, I got to participate a 6 day leadership seminar with Klemmer & Associates that focused on contribution and purpose. One day we were instructed to arrive wearing clothes we would be okay with ruining and to bring sunscreen. While I was excited to embark on the day’s invitation, I shuttered inside, with an assumption that the activity would involve physical activity outdoors. Over the past few years, I have developed a positive relationship with exercise and being outside. However, growing up I was ruthlessly ostracized for my lack of athleticism. I have memories of recess in elementary school where basketballs somehow were always hitting me in the head. At my new middle school, out of a desire to make friends, I tried out for every single sports team, and did not make it onto any of them. This is not a sad story, as it all worked out when as I found friends in P.E. that also ran miles over 12 minutes. I more or less accepted that I was not fit for physical activity. In my adult life, I am quick to offer a friend help with moving, or to say yes to a camping trip, and my commitment is followed with a sunken confidence. “What if they realize I don’t know what I’m doing,” or “What if I’m not really able to contribute?,” my unathletic 6th grade narrative will chide.

As the leadership group gathered in our clothes that were ready to be met with grit of some kind, our passionate facilitators Krystal Zellmer and Kimberly Zink shared with us about an incredible organization, Project Mercy. Project Mercy builds homes and beds for people, specifically children, struggling to survive in Tijuana at the California border. The organization’s work stems from a study proving that children have a significant higher chance of living if they are sleeping elevated above the ground. As I absorbed the footage and stories about Project Mercy’s work, my heart grew heavy and my anxiety dissipated. My insecurities became irrelevant because I wanted to make sure these kids had beds to sleep in!

We all journeyed into a lot with a comprehensive assemblage of supplies we had collected as a team. We broke into groups and spent the day building, counting, distributing, painting, loading, cleaning, time managing, and ensuring each other’s wellness. Together we built 6 homes and shared an extremely joyful and gratifying experience. Throughout the day, as I positioned wood pieces and hammered nails, I was not the fastest, nor was I as precise as my OCD would have desired, and I was only met with support and recognition from the team. It felt like me just being there and wanting to make the best contribution I could, was more than enough. And, I actually did more than I thought I was capable of. I have since been able to meet opportunities involving manual work with a new sense of self-assurance, as this event impacted my heart far more profoundly than the event of being a frizzy haired 9 year old with thick glasses who kids threw basketballs at. It was a powerful experience to see what could be accomplished when I directed my energy to a purpose bigger than my own circumstances and stories. To do so in solidarity with a group of individuals that were also committed to the same goal, was a monuments gift. On this day, politics and religion were irrelevant, as together we all fiercely chose and acted in favor of humanity.

photo credits Melinda Hunter & Ethan Lopez