Across the globe—from the remote villages and cities of Indonesia, Eastern Europe, South America, and Bangladesh—"If I Had a Water Buffalo" poignantly details an unending journey of discovery for Dr. Marilyn Fitzgerald. Her global efforts, working as a conduit between donors and recipients, provide an unparalleled opportunity to observe, learn from successes and failures, and ultimately focus on finding a better way. A way for those less fortunate that is not paved with uncertainty and dependency but rather built upon a foundation of voice, dignity, choice, empowerment, and a means to achieve self-sufficiency.
Divided into three parts, "If I Had a Water Buffalo" begins with both heartwarming and heart-wrenching stories of Dr. Fitzgerald’s efforts to visit the international projects and then return home to face a never-ending cycle of soliciting the necessary funding or resources to support the projects and needs of individuals less fortunate. Individuals deprived of opportunities many take for granted but resolute in their determination to seek a better tomorrow for their families. One such individual’s singular request for a water buffalo proved to be the catalyst that placed Dr. Fitzgerald on her path of discovery.
Presented in the remaining two parts of "If I Had a Water Buffalo" are the integration of Dr. Fitzgerald’s academic efforts into the discovery process and concludes with lessons learned; lessons shared. A return to academic life, somewhat unexpected and an interruption to the straight forward path projected, proved to be a fortunate detour, providing a sharper focus on the destination and a smoother, straighter path to continue forward. Offered in Part Three are lessons learned; lessons shared, which represent not the end of the discovery process for Dr. Fitzgerald but merely a brief pause along the way.
Lessons shared in "If I Had a Water Buffalo" transcend their source and may be adopted by businesses, institutions, schools, parents and individuals seeking the best possible sustainable outcomes to life’s situations.