When I think about examples of people using their gifts to care well for others, Kelli Smith is a perfect example. Kelli is a cross-country coach, a wife to David Smith, a professional volleyball player, a mom to two kiddos, and a friend, a mentor, and an encourager to many. I met Kelli when I was working for a different nonprofit organization. I have never met a person who found so much joy in navigating databases and running reports, and I quickly learned that it wasn't just the reports Kelli found joy in. It was taking on challenges that most people would fear and avoid that brought Kelli to life.
If you are familiar with the enneagram, Kelli is an 8, which she and I both have in common. If you are not familiar with enneagram is a system of understanding the human psyche based on nine personality types. The eighth is often known as the challenger, motivated to protect, fearful of being controlled, and not scared to voice their opinions, especially when standing up for something or someone. The eight is often considered the most misunderstood, predominantly female 8s. Let's say, as an 8, we are not very submissive, meek, or quiet, and some people, in my experience, most individuals who expect women to be that have a hard time understanding or appreciating enneagram 8s.
When used correctly, the enneagram is an excellent tool because it provides some language and understanding for yourself and others. Kelli being an eight was not at all a surprise to me. Kelli and her family have spent most of their time living in Poland this past year. Kelli was in Poland when the war in Ukraine began, and she was the first person I saw who responded to the needs of Ukrainians who had found their way to Poland. Over the past nine months, I have witnessed Kelli use her voice and gifts to care for many people, and the work isn't done. This episode is so significant in our world right now. As you hear about Kelli's experience, I hope you will be reminded, encouraged, and challenged to use your gifts in this world because if there is anything true, every person, every enneagram type, every gift matters and is needed.

IMPACT OPPORTUNITY: For every copy of Shellebrate funded in December, we will give $5 directly to Kelli to support the local Ukrainian families! 

Additional resources: 
Follow Kelli on Instagram: @runksmith
& two other Instagrams Kelli reccomended:
News: https://www.instagram.com/zelenskiy_official/
Photo Journalist: https://www.instagram.com/alinatyulyu/

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