One man making a difference.

I had the opportunity & honor to visit with Mr. Tony Reyes who is the Executive Director of Mission 911 in Corpus Christi, TX this morning (11/13/10). This happened because of my involvement in Leadership Corpus Christi class XXXIX (BEST class EVER!!). He is pictured on the left sitting down, Jimmy (the facility manager) is pictured standing. Jimmy was giving a short talk on the cold hard reality of not having a home. The Mission on 911 Park Street is now his home and his life because of Mr. Tony Reyes' dedication and hard work. Mission 911 is an old elementary school facility that Mr. Reyes attended as a child. He applied for a grant to purchase the property over 10 years ago and has been there since. While it has been cleaned up and repaired, this wasn't always the case. Mr Reyes informed us that it took 8 very large construction dumpsters to clear out all of the trash and junk from the old dilapidated school. From walking the facility this morning, you can tell that the people living here take pride in the property. The lawn is mowed, the trees are trimmed and it the facility looks tidy. There are people living here that want to change their lives for the better and Mr. Reyes does all he can to help them. The grounds and facility require constant upkeep and improvement. I urge you to donate time, or support in ANY form. Please check the following link: http://www.ccmission911.org/pages/Support.htm

SAPPY or not, written on the wall pictured here was this:

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is good and acceptable and the perfect will of GOD." Romans 12:2.

What does this have to do with a 40 something crossfitter? "Open Source" and renewal. Being open to change and ALWAYS learning. Everyone has something to offer if you're open to receiving it.

We as human beings tend to take advice and comments (constructive criticism) as a personal affront. We can sure as helk dish it out though. It's human nature. We've all been there. It doesn't take a 40 year old to know this. Integrity and honesty are large.  I'm not on a soapbox, I'm not perfect, never said I was.

If someone offers advice and you don't like their tone, don't get down, don't get upset and if you do, channel it in a positive way. WORK HARDER.

Mr. Reyes has AND he won't stop. He hasn't let anyone stop him from helping others. He has had countless obstacles that he has overcome. Those obstacles could not stop him. He is on a mission from GOD. He is an incredible individual. For 10 years he has been running Mission 911. He is driven, passionate and is always learning.

Anything is possible. It starts with setting a goal, then HARD work and tenacity must follow.