Celebrating 3 Years of Making a Difference

Day 263 of Photo Inspirations -- Celebrating 3 Years of Making a Difference
#TBT What a joy it is to be back in beautiful Bellevue, WA.  When my plane landed, Ryan called to let me know he had "a car" picking me up and wanted to know what door I'd be coming out of baggage claim.  I told him, got my bags and headed out, and there was Ryan standing there to pick me up.  He said he couldn't wait to see his Mama!  I love it when Shawntel and my boys pick me up, but those were sweet words to this Mama today and what a sweet surprise for my boy to take time out of his busy day to come.

It's a big deal to be here in September as it's Solavei's 3rd year launch anniversary and now it's in a beautiful new headquarters building (the 3 of us in this photo there). We're still here going and growing strong.  What a thrill it is to still be seeing my sweetheart's dreams and prayers coming true -- "oh, that our family be closely knit together in all areas of life".   Ryan continues as CEO & Founder and, as of this month, Staci is Senior Vice President of Solavei.  What a blessing it is for this Mama to see her kids impacting and making such a huge difference in so many people's lives.

As I look back on this time 3 years ago, I saw years and years of prayers answered in such an amazing way.  Solavei, the first ever Social Commerce Network, was launched.  Staci, Larry and children had moved to Washington to help get the company off the ground.  

And these cousins got to bond like never before, and here they are this week having cousins' fun time again. Staci typically works from her home in Frisco, TX -- but travels back and forth to Bellevue.   Alexia's birthday present from her Mom and Dad was to go to WA with her Mom for the week -- that meant fun cousins time.   Of course, that makes for Nana's joy and bliss to see such love between them all.

Before Staci and Alexia left for the airport last night to head back to Texas, the 3 kids had a "Kumbaya Ceremony" (that's what they named it) -- to say 'goodbye' and make a pact of love with little plastic animals -- LOL!    That little ceremony might seem like child-play today, but, like my two kids having "pretend church and pretend meetings" way back when they were these cousins' ages, today, before my eyes, I'm seeing what a little seed can produce in "due season".

One of the scriptures read at my Sweetheart's funeral was John 12:24 “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."  I'm quite sure that my Sweetheart was that grain of wheat -- the single seed, but when he died, it (he) produced many seeds.  Our kids are those seeds, our grandkids are those seeds,, our friends and extended family are those seeds, and YOU are thoses seeds, too!  We REAP what we SOW!  Thanks be to God for Harvest Time!

Grateful to Be Changing the World

Day 31 of Photo Inspirations -- Grateful
Grateful is what my heart feels today as I've seen the dream of my precious husband come true -- a dream that we prayed for every day.  The prayer went something like this "that our family be closely knit together in all areas of life".  Before then, our children -- each talented and tremendously successful in their own ways --  were going down different paths in life.  My husband, Ron, would say -- "If those kids of ours would ever merge their gifts together -- they could change this world."

After he went to heaven, the next year Ryan conceived an idea that had the potential of making the difference in millions of people's lives, and Staci and Larry came together with him and Shawntel -- and since then, indeed, they are changing this world -- and so is this Mama -- because I locked arms with them in this amazing story of impacting this world with such good news.  We've been going strong for almost three years because a "God-idea" became a force to be reckoned with.

Last night, I watched my kids standing side-by-side because of an achievement that Staci made in Solavei -- as the first Presidential Director, who brought in and leads a team of tens of thousands of people in Solavei -- from the entire United States mainland to Puerto Rico (that, of itself, is going gangbusters).

As the first Presidential Director, Staci received a beautiful Mercedes.  It was a tremendous time of celebration and a monumental moment that showed her heart, her hard work, her ability to lead a huge team of leaders, as well as being able to celebrate the thousands and thousands who have had tremendous blessings in their lives -- from getting free mobile service to those who earn thousands of dollars a month -- all because we believe we are on a mission to make life better for many.
 
I have this family photo to show that dreams do come true -- that diligence in hard work and belief in "nothing is impossible with God" combined with audacious, faith-filled prayers are answered -- IN A BIG WAY!   Yes, I am so grateful!

And the Blessings Just Keep Rolling In

So I'm not bragging, I am just thanking God for His blessings to me and sharing what a blessing it was yesterday -- the last day of my car warranty, to be able to pay $2,265 for an extended warranty that will give me another three years of peace of mind.

Four years ago in late August, my Sweetheart had yet another surgery, and we were getting to finally go home from the hospital. It was my birthday and his would be on Sept 12th. We thought we were being picked up by Ron's sister and husband, but when we got down to the patient pick-up area, there was a silver Buick Enclave with a big red bow on top. Our precious son and wife gave us the car of our dreams for our birthdays. There are no adequate words to convey what that amazing gift meant to us. My sweetheart never got to drive the car, but he sure got to be a passenger in it and I became his chauffeur. And, having memories of him in our garage, sitting in the driver's seat, just playing with all the bells and whistles, still brings me such sweet joy, and even more love and appreciation for my car.

And, not only did our son bless us then, but after his Dad went to heaven, he created Solavei, and for me, the blessings just continued. Ryan didn't have to take care of me like he told his Dad he would, but God using him to create Solavei, and me being able to share with and have thousands of people join me on my team, has given me the financial freedom to do what I did yesterday -- buy an extended warranty on this beautiful car that I love so much.

It's because I believed, I wanted to make a difference in people's lives. I worked hard, and I've been oh so blessed -- free cell phone service, monthly income, amazing trips and experiences. I'd love to tell you how you, too, could be blessed by Solavei. It starts with believing!
www.solavei.com/donnawuerch

Be That Water Bottle -- Gaining Momentum

Two years ago this month, I joined Solavei -- (this photo is from the June, 2012 pre-launch event -- about 156 of us were there -- now there are over 400,000 of us). Like thousands of other Solavei members, I am a hard-working, fully-branded and ALL-IN Solavei member -- not because of my kids, but because of what we started out to do -- making a difference in millions of people's lives -- and that's what we're doing. My network of thousands is by the process of just sharing this great opportunity with others, because I care! There have been no special favors (well, I do get to hang a little more than some with Ryan and Staci and families -- not because of Solavei, but after all, I am their Mama -- LOL) and no handouts to me. I have simply followed the easy process of sharing like a great movie or restaurant, and replicated what other leaders were doing. I am beyond thrilled for those who enjoy a lower phone bill, and some even FREE mobile service because they shared Solavei with one, two or just a few people. That, of itself is HUGE!

But most importantly, I want to share with you WHO I am and WHY I am proud to represent this company and all it stands for. I have to add here that I've had a lot of major crises in my life -- none greater than when my sweetheart graduated to heaven. But, that early passing created a determination and quest for taking that major blow and optimize my assignment on this earth. No matter what has come our way, the last thing our family is prone to do is gnash our teeth and wail about the unfairness of life. On the contrary, we determine to not only approach any conundrum that may come our way with a can-do attitude, but we look at the problem as a chance to gain new experiences and opportunities. We may be momentarily daunted by challenges that come our way, but we typically take it all in and realize -- it may look like a setback, but we are quick to realize "we're getting prepared for a MAJOR comeback!"

Ryan has always shared about how Solavei is like an empty plastic bottle and if you throw it into a stream of white water rapids, it naturally flows down the river with great momentum! That's enough for me to continue blazing the trail, touching more people's lives, and thanking God everyday -- that I have more today in my budget than before Solavei.

And, I'm still on a roll. I have no reason to stop what I have been doing for over two years now. I have been sharing this dream, this vision and this opportunity from the beginning. And, believe me, the systems in place, the resources, the offering, the experience, the determination and the support have never been better than today. What if this is that -- that could radically change millions of people's lives? Why would I stop now? I'm just saying.... "Let's continue to be that water bottle, gaining momentum in our lives -- no stopping now! Let's go stronger than ever before. I promise you....we'll look back on these days and be so glad we did.......and not wish we had!"
#WinningBigWithSolavei

Mama's Got Game

This Mama's "Got Game"! When someone says that about me, it means “She’s NOT just a fan watching from the sidelines or the stands -– she’s in the game, playing on the field, and not only hitting the ball – but knocking it out of the ballpark (well, at least in my imagination).” And I've got game in many areas of my life, but, I just felt it's time to explain my WHY about playing in the Solavei Game!

In October, 2011, my son, Ryan, and his amazing wife, Shawntel, were talking strategies about what their next business enterprise would be. After all, Ryan had, just a few months prior, exited from the company he founded, built to a $1.2 billion valuation and took it public on Nasdaq. After 10 years of diligence and hard work, they could have relaxed back and enjoyed the fruit of their labors.

It was in that same month that Ryan had an epiphany – to create a company, uncharacteristic of typical “big enterprise mentality”. This company would be one that placed its values on relationships and core values and providing a tangible means of helping people make a better living for themselves and their family. Of course, I wanted to be a part of something that had that vision leading it. When I first heard that vision, I said, “Game on!” But, then Ryan said, “Mom, I told Dad I was going to take care of you. You just be the grandmother of Solavei (the new company). Initially, I thought, “Beautiful – Mama can be a cheerleader and support the “Sol Train” (aka Solavei Team)! But after hearing my daughter, Staci, share her passion for seeing our country’s economy revived and many people’s lives transformed, I could just hear my Honey speaking to me from heaven and saying “Donna, what are you thinking? Really, you’re going to sit back and watch what we believed, prayed and planted the seeds for – for over 40 years? Do you really want to be the grandmother of anything besides our six grandchildren?” And to that, I responded with a resounding, “NO!”

So, then, I had to put a plan together, a case for Mama being in the game. No handouts expected. No rules of engagement any different from any other player on the field. I couldn't just “talk the talk”. I had to “walk the walk” and put my plan to action. I set out to be the “Poster Mama” – showing others what can happen when we stop whining about being “too little or too big; too old or too young; too female or too male; too black or too white; it’s too difficult or too easy”……and to JUST DO IT!! And, so I did, and so I am!!

Yes, here I am today….playing in this game. I’m loving it. And, my team is loving it too! I’m a Founding Member of Solavei, on the Social Commerce Advisory Committee and blessed with the extra $$ I really needed at this time of my life. My son said, “Mom, you’re a machine!” Some of my friends are probably thinking, “What happened to Donna? Where is she?” Would you please tell them for me? “Donna’s in the batting cage – she’s practicing her swing, throwing the ball – practicing her pitches, she’s on the field doing her warm-ups, getting the plays down and working hard to be her best -- from sun-up to sun-down.” Oh, yes, Donna’s got game! And, it’s not a competition with anyone other than ME! And at the end of this game season, I will have fulfilled my game assignment!! And you won’t hear me saying “I wish I had!” Oh, no! I’ll be saying “I’m so glad I did!" Now, Bat - Her - Up!

Mama's Got Game!

Have you heard it said about someone “He or She’s got game”? Typically that means – “They are really good at something!” But when someone says that about me, it means “She’s NOT simply a fan watching the game from the sidelines or the stands -– she’s in the game, playing on the field, and not only hitting the ball – but knocking it out of the ballpark (well, at least in my imagination).” This Mama’s got game!In October, 2011, my son, Ryan, and his amazing wife, Shawntel, were talking strategies about what their next business enterprise would be. After all, Ryan had, just a few months prior, exited from the company he founded and built to a $1.2 billion valuation. After 10 years of diligence and hard work, it should have been time to relax back and enjoy the fruit of their labors, but that was not to be.

It was in that same month that Ryan had an epiphany – to create a company, uncharacteristic of typical “big enterprise mentality”. This company would be one that placed its values on relationships and core values and providing a tangible means of helping people make a better living for themselves and their family. So, of course, I wanted to be a part of something that had those kinds of ambitions. When I first heard the vision and plans for this company, I said, “Game on!” But, then Ryan said, “Mom, I told Dad I was going to take care of you. You just be the grandmother of Solavei (the new company). Initially, I thought, “Beautiful – Mama can be a cheerleader and support the “Sol Train” (aka Solavei Team)! But after hearing my daughter, Staci, sharing with an individual about Solavei, and hearing her passion for seeing our country’s economy revived and many people’s lives transformed, I could just hear my Honey speaking to me from heaven and saying “Donna, what are you thinking? Really, you’re going to sit back and watch what we believed, prayed and planted the seeds for – for over 40 years? Do you really want to be the grandmother of anything besides our six grandchildren?” And to that, I answered with a resounding, “NO!”

So, then, I had to put a plan together, a case for Mama being in the game. No handouts expected. No rules of engagement any different from any other player on the field. I had to not just “talk the talk”. I had to “walk the walk” and put my plan to action. I set out to be the “Poster Mama” – showing others what can happen when we stop whining about being “too little or too big; too old or too young; too female or too male; too black or too white; it’s too difficult or too easy”……and to JUST DO IT!! And, so I am!!

Yes, here I am today….playing in this game. I’m loving it. And, my team is loving it too! I’m a Founding Member of Solavei. Last week, my son said to me, “Mom, you’re a machine!” Some of my friends are probably thinking, “What happened to Donna? Where is she?” Would you please tell them for me? “Donna’s in the batting cage – she’s practicing her swing, throwing the ball – practicing her pitches, she’s on the field doing her warm-ups, getting the plays down and working hard to be her best -- from sun-up to sun-down.” Oh, yes, Donna’s got game! And, it’s not a competition with anyone other than ME! And at the end of this game season, I will have fulfilled my game assignment!! And you won’t hear me saying “I wish I had!” Oh, no! I’ll be saying “I’m so glad I did….and look, now I’m going to Disney World….oh, actually, it will be Hawaii – Solavei rewards its players for their “WINS”!