The thunderstorms of the Midwest raged and ravaged as we rode their torrential rains into the Southern states. When we finally came to a stop, we wiped our eyes and surveyed the scene as the clouds began to break. It appears we have arrived in Jackson, Mississippi - and just in time. The summer heat is still just warming up, not yet at the level of unbearable, but definitely reaching respectable temperatures. It’s the kind of heat that one can deal with, but if it gets any more hot and humid, some strong words might be expressed in regards to the ecological cycles at play. We stocked up on bottled water, bought a few extra pairs of shorts, and ventured forth in the capital of Mississippi for some aha moments.

Here are a few of the highlights:

Meet Tre Roberts
Tre started a non-profit program called JIG, Jackson Inner-City Gardeners, to teach young people life lessons through gardening. In addition to growing corn, tomatoes, peppers, melons and squash, he uses the garden to teach kids how to grow organic food while also teaching them about other life lessons.

Meet Sarah & Sujan Ghimire
After moving to Mississippi, Sarah and Sujan were surprised to find they could make a living off of their hobby - dancing. Although the dance community in Jackson was limited, Sarah and Sujan opened a successful dance studio called Salsa Mississippi, and they’ve built a home surrounded by a community of friends and dancers.

Meet Melia Dicker
After working in education, Melia realized that her goals as an educator - to offer kids a positive school environment - were goals that were unfinished in her own life. Melia created an opportunity to return to the classroom as a student. In the process, she reconnected with her inner creativity and gained an understanding of who she is and who she wants to be. Find out more at: http://www.reschoolyourself.com/

Thanks to all of our aha moment volunteers this week! We are really starting to get some traction on this tour as more and more people become aware of our mission. It’s great to have an ever-increasing number of people signing up, as well as just coming over to chat and learn more about us. Also, thanks to the Mutual of Omaha agents who stopped by and gave us a warm welcome and recommendations for our stay in Jackson!

Our next stop to gather aha moments will be Birmingham, Alabama, next week - so be sure to tell friends and family in that area! For the rest of this week? We’re off to New Orleans for some food, music, walking, and other good times. If that adventure doesn’t produce any great blog stories, we obviously didn’t do the Big Easy right. Right?