Showing posts with label Perspectives. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Perspectives. Show all posts
1.29.2008
What Africa means to me now...
What Africa means to me now....I have never been on a trip that has affected my life so immensely, in so many ways. Africa is a country I hold close to my heart, still amzaes me today, overwhelms me with emotion. Africa is such mysterious ground for me to tread. And I yearn to go back, to discover more. It is such a huge place to explore, live with and become part of. I have only experienced a fraction of what Africa truly has to give me. And for the meantime, what I have brought home with me will last a lifetime. When I see pictures of Africa, I feel a connection, almost in a territorial sense. I think "I was there." I know what Zambia smells like, what N'shima feels like in my belly and how to say hello. I know how important I am in someone's life when they want to hold my hand and everytime I hug someone now, I think how blessed I am to take such an action for granted. Africa opened my eyes from the inside out. I experienced hunger, the sacredness of money, the value of friendship. I have become slower in my walk, more thoughtful while interacting with others and less to jump to conclusions. How can one trip to another country do this to me? I have no answer for this question. It's just the way things are. I have pondered the whys and how comes. Is it because the African people are different? Was it because I was completely away from my home, completely out of my element? What I do know is that I began changing before I left. I became more open minded, calmer, less judgemental of myself, kinder, more patient, braver. I have journal entries of before my trip that emphasize an internal strength that perplexed me. How does travel do this to someone? I now seek out seasoned travelers. To soak up more of that internal strength, that self confidence that traveling seems to give our souls. And that is how I can truly sum up Africa at this moment in time...my soul is inundated with joy, having absorbed Africa to a fullness, a saturation of smoky haze, bright smiles, human openness and personal courage.-Hillary
11.14.2007
A perspective...money
Amazing-Absolutely Wonderful-Incredible: Traveling is something I think everyone should experience. Not just a road trip to the beach. I'm talking down and dirty, overseas, in the bush breakthrough, with language barriers and only the the human connections to get you by! Our trip was raw, organic, point blank, culture in your face stuff. And we loved every minute of it! And after several weeks of saying it was "incredible", here's a better descriptionfor ya!
A Perspective: Money. It is a pulse of life as we know it, yet without money, we are still human. We feel, smell, touch. Without money, we are limited only in a physical nature. Money can be medical help, travel, food, water, phone, electricity, education, Without Money, we still have our imagination, nature, oxygen, speech, walking, talent, love, work ethic. Is there a connection?
When you don't have money, will you work harder? Is our country in a state of apathy because we have too much? What can you live without? Take a moment and imagine yourself without money today. What will you not experience? What would you do today without a job? How will you eat? Drink? What would you be concerned about? Without money, how do you feel? I honestly believe our US culture is stuck in a mode of gimme, gimme and I'm not quite sure how we will ever get out of this. Lately, I picture myself, Dan and the kids in Africa, living a simple life. No bling, no image competition at school, relying on life as we know it to entertain us. Learning that there is nothing in life that we should take for granted. Going out to eat would be a fabulous treat, and wow, a movie! Being outside to play, not n front of the tv. I could go on and on with this...do you get my drift? Is my perspective affecting your own? Good!
-Hillary
A Perspective: Money. It is a pulse of life as we know it, yet without money, we are still human. We feel, smell, touch. Without money, we are limited only in a physical nature. Money can be medical help, travel, food, water, phone, electricity, education, Without Money, we still have our imagination, nature, oxygen, speech, walking, talent, love, work ethic. Is there a connection?
When you don't have money, will you work harder? Is our country in a state of apathy because we have too much? What can you live without? Take a moment and imagine yourself without money today. What will you not experience? What would you do today without a job? How will you eat? Drink? What would you be concerned about? Without money, how do you feel? I honestly believe our US culture is stuck in a mode of gimme, gimme and I'm not quite sure how we will ever get out of this. Lately, I picture myself, Dan and the kids in Africa, living a simple life. No bling, no image competition at school, relying on life as we know it to entertain us. Learning that there is nothing in life that we should take for granted. Going out to eat would be a fabulous treat, and wow, a movie! Being outside to play, not n front of the tv. I could go on and on with this...do you get my drift? Is my perspective affecting your own? Good!
-Hillary
10.23.2007
Words are symbols twice removed...
I went to Africa with the idea of experiencing the people, the culture, the children and for observation. All of which we did. I just had no idea that when I came home I would become and observer as well. Of our people & our culture. I am still in shock. But it's ok. It's not bad or good, it just is.
When a good friend of mine asked me if I had more adventures to share. I wrote him back and told him that I have been struggling with sharing the stories & writing my thoughts all down. This friend of mine has an incredible way with words and when he wrote me back I felt like he read my heart. So I'm going to steal some of his words and share them with you, in hopes that you will understand how I feel.
"Trips that change a person that much cannot be described. There is a new appreciation of silence and what that communicates. Our wisdom reveals itself when we are reluctant to describe the indescribable. We are happy to let it be. Words are symbols twice removed from the event. Words never really get to the core. This leaves us frustrated in two ways. First, we are unable to relate our experience in a meaningful way to the people we care about. We want them to "get" what we got. But, this can never be and we have to leave it alone. It was for us and our growth. Our loved ones must seek their own experiences and grow from those, not ours. Second, in our effort to explain, we cheapen our experience, we "dumb" it down so as to make it explainable. Again, frustrating. Our experience was HUGE, but describing it makes it small, as if it were relatable and easily passed on. It cannot be passed on. It is yours. Keep it, own it. Let it grow within you for the rest of your life. "
I hope this helps all of you to understand a little bit more of how we feel. With this said....we do want to share stories and pictures because our trip was life changing. And we want to share it with you. It's just hard. And it's especially hard for me. I'm a talker not a writer. So I will do my best to keep the stories coming. Thank you for waiting.
- gia
When a good friend of mine asked me if I had more adventures to share. I wrote him back and told him that I have been struggling with sharing the stories & writing my thoughts all down. This friend of mine has an incredible way with words and when he wrote me back I felt like he read my heart. So I'm going to steal some of his words and share them with you, in hopes that you will understand how I feel.
"Trips that change a person that much cannot be described. There is a new appreciation of silence and what that communicates. Our wisdom reveals itself when we are reluctant to describe the indescribable. We are happy to let it be. Words are symbols twice removed from the event. Words never really get to the core. This leaves us frustrated in two ways. First, we are unable to relate our experience in a meaningful way to the people we care about. We want them to "get" what we got. But, this can never be and we have to leave it alone. It was for us and our growth. Our loved ones must seek their own experiences and grow from those, not ours. Second, in our effort to explain, we cheapen our experience, we "dumb" it down so as to make it explainable. Again, frustrating. Our experience was HUGE, but describing it makes it small, as if it were relatable and easily passed on. It cannot be passed on. It is yours. Keep it, own it. Let it grow within you for the rest of your life. "
I hope this helps all of you to understand a little bit more of how we feel. With this said....we do want to share stories and pictures because our trip was life changing. And we want to share it with you. It's just hard. And it's especially hard for me. I'm a talker not a writer. So I will do my best to keep the stories coming. Thank you for waiting.
- gia
Thank you and Goodbye - story of a girl off to an orphanage
The past weeks have been a blur of emotion, daily tasks and more. I did not expect such a huge time to need for processing my experiences in Africa, yet it has all been worth it! I have so many pieces of Africa floating inside me, it is hard to choose where to start when I share with others. I usually begin with little nibbles of info because I don't know what is wanted from me. And even sometimes I feel that if I depart from the information, it won't return to me. What a silly notion, yet it is the only way I can describe how I cherish my experience so!
One story that I will and must share with you started a while back. And I had typed it all up intending to send it off and the computer I was using froze! Yikes! So here goes....
We were at Kondwa having a late lunch with Angela and her friend Marianne. An older man was there talking with her when we arrived. He was tall and thin, with white hair and a long white, yellowing beard. He wore a simple white tunic, brown slacks, sandals & a thin white "beanie" on his head. It was a very traditional Muslim way to dress. There was also a younger man with him who I found later to be the one driving. When the older man left the room, Angela explained that he was of the Muslim faith. It is a very popular belief in Lusaka because the Muslim Church will pay you to receive their religion. Monthly stipends, help with food & board.
When he returned to the room, a lovely young girl was with him. She looked to be 8-10 years old. Angela commented how pretty she looked in her dress. "Your best dress on, eh?" It reminded me of a traditional hispanic dress. White cotton with colorful striped, broad collar with lace, fitted waist. Her hair in braids, worn sandals. She waited by the door quietly, almost shyly, happily as the older man discussed something with Angela. He then turned, took the girl's hand and they both left. Angela then told us about them.
The older man was the young girl's grandfather and they had come to say thank you & goodbye. He was taking her to an orphanage today where she will live. The grandfather can no longer afford to take care of her. Angela helped them find the orphanage and the family sees this as a wonderful opportunity for the young girl. “It is a privilege,” Angela says.
Imagine being this girl. Imagine being the adult that takes the child away to a better place. I followed them out and by the time I got to the school yard they were in the car with the younger man, driving away. I wanted to talk with them, say goodbye too. I went back to Angela who helped me understand this situation.
Orphans in Africa (the number is exceeding 2 million today) are children that have lost one or both parents. Orphanages are not just bare-bone shelters. They are home to these children. Single or “half” or Double orphans are usually taken in by other relatives or people in the villages. And most of these families have hardships of their own. So this is why going to an orphanage is seen as a privilege. There is a selection process they must go through and it helps if you know someone familiar with the system. That is why so many people go to Angela for help. Orphanages or homes make sure the children go to school. They work at the homes – gardening, laundry, cooking, crafts to sell, etc. They have friends, adult support, a place to sleep, food, running water, clothes, shoes, a toilet.
Poverty is the number one reason why people die of AIDS, Malaria, dysentery. Poverty is what makes an orphanage a wonderful place for a child. I am moved by this story because it shows what little I knew. So many may see this as a sad scenario and I initially reacted this way as well. And I now understand poverty in Africa. Who am I to say that they don’t have enough? I saw many happy families, children thriving in the compound. Have I compared these people to our own standards of living here in the US? What would you do without the luxuries of tv, ipods, Playstation?. Fuel is cheap here compared to Lusaka. Could you go without drinking water every time you were thirsty? What do you consider bare necessities? Poverty is only what happens to you. For many it is not the way they love, think and act. It is not who they are, it is only what they live in and what they call it is life. And I see them being so much richer than me.
- Hillary
One story that I will and must share with you started a while back. And I had typed it all up intending to send it off and the computer I was using froze! Yikes! So here goes....
We were at Kondwa having a late lunch with Angela and her friend Marianne. An older man was there talking with her when we arrived. He was tall and thin, with white hair and a long white, yellowing beard. He wore a simple white tunic, brown slacks, sandals & a thin white "beanie" on his head. It was a very traditional Muslim way to dress. There was also a younger man with him who I found later to be the one driving. When the older man left the room, Angela explained that he was of the Muslim faith. It is a very popular belief in Lusaka because the Muslim Church will pay you to receive their religion. Monthly stipends, help with food & board.
When he returned to the room, a lovely young girl was with him. She looked to be 8-10 years old. Angela commented how pretty she looked in her dress. "Your best dress on, eh?" It reminded me of a traditional hispanic dress. White cotton with colorful striped, broad collar with lace, fitted waist. Her hair in braids, worn sandals. She waited by the door quietly, almost shyly, happily as the older man discussed something with Angela. He then turned, took the girl's hand and they both left. Angela then told us about them.
The older man was the young girl's grandfather and they had come to say thank you & goodbye. He was taking her to an orphanage today where she will live. The grandfather can no longer afford to take care of her. Angela helped them find the orphanage and the family sees this as a wonderful opportunity for the young girl. “It is a privilege,” Angela says.
Imagine being this girl. Imagine being the adult that takes the child away to a better place. I followed them out and by the time I got to the school yard they were in the car with the younger man, driving away. I wanted to talk with them, say goodbye too. I went back to Angela who helped me understand this situation.
Orphans in Africa (the number is exceeding 2 million today) are children that have lost one or both parents. Orphanages are not just bare-bone shelters. They are home to these children. Single or “half” or Double orphans are usually taken in by other relatives or people in the villages. And most of these families have hardships of their own. So this is why going to an orphanage is seen as a privilege. There is a selection process they must go through and it helps if you know someone familiar with the system. That is why so many people go to Angela for help. Orphanages or homes make sure the children go to school. They work at the homes – gardening, laundry, cooking, crafts to sell, etc. They have friends, adult support, a place to sleep, food, running water, clothes, shoes, a toilet.
Poverty is the number one reason why people die of AIDS, Malaria, dysentery. Poverty is what makes an orphanage a wonderful place for a child. I am moved by this story because it shows what little I knew. So many may see this as a sad scenario and I initially reacted this way as well. And I now understand poverty in Africa. Who am I to say that they don’t have enough? I saw many happy families, children thriving in the compound. Have I compared these people to our own standards of living here in the US? What would you do without the luxuries of tv, ipods, Playstation?. Fuel is cheap here compared to Lusaka. Could you go without drinking water every time you were thirsty? What do you consider bare necessities? Poverty is only what happens to you. For many it is not the way they love, think and act. It is not who they are, it is only what they live in and what they call it is life. And I see them being so much richer than me.
- Hillary
10.09.2007
We're Home....culture shock!
We're home!
I can't believe we've been home almost 2 weeks now...so sorry for the delay with the updates on our blog site. We had a LONG journey home and we're greeted by our families smiling faces. It was hard to say goodbye to Africa...but we know we'll be back!!
We have both been adjusting back to life in our worlds....we're definitely experiencing more culture shock coming home than going to Africa. We have so much here....it's a little overwhelming to take it all in....at the same time we are grateful.
We promise to update the site with stories this week...and PHOTOS!! We can't wait to share more of our journey with you.....thanks to all of you that have been following us along the way....please leave comments and let us know your thoughts!! We never know who even reads this....sometimes it feels like we're writing to ourselves!! Let us know you're out there!!
Much Love....gia
I can't believe we've been home almost 2 weeks now...so sorry for the delay with the updates on our blog site. We had a LONG journey home and we're greeted by our families smiling faces. It was hard to say goodbye to Africa...but we know we'll be back!!
We have both been adjusting back to life in our worlds....we're definitely experiencing more culture shock coming home than going to Africa. We have so much here....it's a little overwhelming to take it all in....at the same time we are grateful.
We promise to update the site with stories this week...and PHOTOS!! We can't wait to share more of our journey with you.....thanks to all of you that have been following us along the way....please leave comments and let us know your thoughts!! We never know who even reads this....sometimes it feels like we're writing to ourselves!! Let us know you're out there!!
Much Love....gia
9.16.2007
Speechless
Muzungu is me - I am color of heart, sight and mind
Have you ever had an experience that left you speechless? Not because of shock, but because words would not do it justice. It's like taking a picture of Victoria Falls, one of the 7 wonders of the world, knowing that the photo only captures the moment in time and not the full beauty, majesty and amazement of that moment. This is what I feel when when I think of my time in Africa. Gia and I have filled our days with so many moments, experiences, events, memories, that I will be up for days and nights trying to sort it all out. I'll do my best to summarize for you....
Upon our arrival, the adjustment to the culture took only a day. The Zambian people are so welcoming and open that by Monday, we were ready to dive right into whatever came our way. And we did just that. The Kondwa Center- Angela Malik is an amazing woman. What she has done for the community, her people, the children...wow! And she keeps going. Angela is bright, kind, savvy, sweet, energetic, smart and loving. She is the guardian of N'Gombe Compound. She is a hero of our times!
There is a mural on a very large wall in the school yard that Angela despised.....we are now painting a new mural there, one of children, rainbows, movement and community. We also took liberty to paint other walls with bright colors and designs that make the children happy, singing and wanting to join in! Paint is very expensive here so we have had to improvise and the block wall...well, this is a welcomed challenge that we are relishing in!! I still pinch myself that I am in Africa and am doing art! How cool is this!!!!
As we make our acquatinces at Kondwa - the staff is absolutely beautiful, inside and out, the children are definitely pulling at my heartstrings every time I think of them - we have also made time to meet other people of the community. Paul, Angela's grandson, Aaron, her first born son...both wonderful and we wish to spend more time with them. Marianne - Angela's childhood friend who is a business woman & miner in eastern Zambia.
All our taxi drivers rock! James, Max, Banda - thank you for answering all our crazy questions. Fanelli, Clement, Ruth and Noreen at the guest house, what would we do without you!? In Livingstone, all I can say is that when you come, you have to call Walter. he is our friend, our tour guide and transportation and we have loved every minute with him! He will someday soon be the #1 tour guide in all of Zambia! You rock Walter! Thank you for such a great time! Kelvin & Kelvin at the Maramba Lodge - keep asking questions, save your money and come to the US. Follow your dreams! the Grand canyon awaits you :) Sister Benedicta of Lubasi - you are the heart and soul of the word fundraising and I am inspired by your tireless mission to keep your children safe, well fed and supported in so many wonderful ways!
As I end this, we are typing like mad women in an internet place in Livingstone. Walter is patiently waiting to take us back to the lodge. And I want to buy him a Mosi just because! Tomorrow, we are going to the Lubasi home for children. To meet, play with, observe the ways of the children and staff. Later we plan to get down and boogie with the locals. My heart has been dancing since I got here and now I can really cut loose!
-Hillary
Have you ever had an experience that left you speechless? Not because of shock, but because words would not do it justice. It's like taking a picture of Victoria Falls, one of the 7 wonders of the world, knowing that the photo only captures the moment in time and not the full beauty, majesty and amazement of that moment. This is what I feel when when I think of my time in Africa. Gia and I have filled our days with so many moments, experiences, events, memories, that I will be up for days and nights trying to sort it all out. I'll do my best to summarize for you....
Upon our arrival, the adjustment to the culture took only a day. The Zambian people are so welcoming and open that by Monday, we were ready to dive right into whatever came our way. And we did just that. The Kondwa Center- Angela Malik is an amazing woman. What she has done for the community, her people, the children...wow! And she keeps going. Angela is bright, kind, savvy, sweet, energetic, smart and loving. She is the guardian of N'Gombe Compound. She is a hero of our times!
There is a mural on a very large wall in the school yard that Angela despised.....we are now painting a new mural there, one of children, rainbows, movement and community. We also took liberty to paint other walls with bright colors and designs that make the children happy, singing and wanting to join in! Paint is very expensive here so we have had to improvise and the block wall...well, this is a welcomed challenge that we are relishing in!! I still pinch myself that I am in Africa and am doing art! How cool is this!!!!
As we make our acquatinces at Kondwa - the staff is absolutely beautiful, inside and out, the children are definitely pulling at my heartstrings every time I think of them - we have also made time to meet other people of the community. Paul, Angela's grandson, Aaron, her first born son...both wonderful and we wish to spend more time with them. Marianne - Angela's childhood friend who is a business woman & miner in eastern Zambia.
All our taxi drivers rock! James, Max, Banda - thank you for answering all our crazy questions. Fanelli, Clement, Ruth and Noreen at the guest house, what would we do without you!? In Livingstone, all I can say is that when you come, you have to call Walter. he is our friend, our tour guide and transportation and we have loved every minute with him! He will someday soon be the #1 tour guide in all of Zambia! You rock Walter! Thank you for such a great time! Kelvin & Kelvin at the Maramba Lodge - keep asking questions, save your money and come to the US. Follow your dreams! the Grand canyon awaits you :) Sister Benedicta of Lubasi - you are the heart and soul of the word fundraising and I am inspired by your tireless mission to keep your children safe, well fed and supported in so many wonderful ways!
As I end this, we are typing like mad women in an internet place in Livingstone. Walter is patiently waiting to take us back to the lodge. And I want to buy him a Mosi just because! Tomorrow, we are going to the Lubasi home for children. To meet, play with, observe the ways of the children and staff. Later we plan to get down and boogie with the locals. My heart has been dancing since I got here and now I can really cut loose!
-Hillary
9.13.2007
Meeting Mrs. Malik
I forgot to mention that after we passed out at our guest house we awoke what seemed like the middle of the night (we found out later it was only 6pm) to a light tapping on our door.
We heard the sweet voice of Mrs. Angela Malik on the other side. We slowly opened the door to the most radiant smile and open arms welcoming us to Zambia. Who is Mrs. Malik? Angela Malik is the incredible woman that has the heart of a saint. She saw a neeed in her community where she lived and decided to do something about it. Over time...the Kondwa Center was built. We will share the story with you at a later time.
As you know we came here to work with Angela and her students at the Kondwa Day Center. We were so excited to finally meet her. She has had quite a few visitors this summer and we didn't want to get in her way...so we weren't sure of what to expect....
Mrs. Malik is the definition of kindness and love....she is an inspiration!
- gia
We heard the sweet voice of Mrs. Angela Malik on the other side. We slowly opened the door to the most radiant smile and open arms welcoming us to Zambia. Who is Mrs. Malik? Angela Malik is the incredible woman that has the heart of a saint. She saw a neeed in her community where she lived and decided to do something about it. Over time...the Kondwa Center was built. We will share the story with you at a later time.
As you know we came here to work with Angela and her students at the Kondwa Day Center. We were so excited to finally meet her. She has had quite a few visitors this summer and we didn't want to get in her way...so we weren't sure of what to expect....
Mrs. Malik is the definition of kindness and love....she is an inspiration!
- gia
9.11.2007
"Hallo" from Africa!
Hello everyone...we are here!!
I have so much to share with all of you. This is the first time I have had a chance to get to the internet cafe and now it is getting dark and we must go back to our guest house. I wanted to at least post a little something to say that we made it...we're well and we are enjoying ourselves.
Zambia is amazing...the people are welcoming and we LOVE Angela the director of the Kondwa Center. We have been busy working there painting murals in the entrance of the school and the children's playground....photos to come....and we love the children!
We are both a bit shocked right now because we just got word that Anita Roddick died. She had a brain hemorrhage. We are so sad....in fact if I think about it too much I will cry. Anita was not only the founder of The Body Shop, the company we work for but she was a woman that I admire and love and relate to. She will always be with me. We are so grateful to have talked to her in August about our trip....I'm still in disbelief.....blessings to her and her family and to any of you that feel as I do....
With that said....I have to go....more soon.....love to all of you....gia
I have so much to share with all of you. This is the first time I have had a chance to get to the internet cafe and now it is getting dark and we must go back to our guest house. I wanted to at least post a little something to say that we made it...we're well and we are enjoying ourselves.
Zambia is amazing...the people are welcoming and we LOVE Angela the director of the Kondwa Center. We have been busy working there painting murals in the entrance of the school and the children's playground....photos to come....and we love the children!
We are both a bit shocked right now because we just got word that Anita Roddick died. She had a brain hemorrhage. We are so sad....in fact if I think about it too much I will cry. Anita was not only the founder of The Body Shop, the company we work for but she was a woman that I admire and love and relate to. She will always be with me. We are so grateful to have talked to her in August about our trip....I'm still in disbelief.....blessings to her and her family and to any of you that feel as I do....
With that said....I have to go....more soon.....love to all of you....gia
9.06.2007
This is it!
So, this is it! After 6 months of planning, making piles of stuff, researching, emailing, phone calls, the day is finally here. I'm over the shock and numb with anticipation.....of what I will see, experience and bring with me into the rest of my life. OK, I'm in a swirling realm of emotion (haven't started crying today ...yet!) It was hard to leave my family yesterday. My life revolves around them and it is strange not being with them. I am also very blessed to be so welcomed into Gia's surroundings and family. Justin and Tobin are great, cool, at peace with life and way too cute! Gia's parents, Judy & Skip are divine, sweet. gracious, smart people that sooo love Gia and her 2 men. I have absolutely enjoyed my time here in Truckee/Reno. Gia's home is full of light & love, just like her! Thank you for sharing birthday dinner with me! My journey began when Gia called me about going and now we are setting out for the next leg of this great adventure. Off we go....Chicago....London....Johannesburg....LUSAKA! We'll blog again soon! Love, Hillary
Hillary's HERE!
Wow...it's actually happening...we're off tomorrow...well technically today...I have to go to bed! Hillary flew in this afternoon and joined me in my last self defense class...then helped celebrate my mom's birthday & finally met my family! Happy birthday mom!! My awesome parents drove down from Washington to help with Tobin. Thank You!!
OK...off to bed and I guess I'd better finish packing...HA!
-gia
9.04.2007
True Map
LOVE THIS!! by one of my favorite writers/poets....Brian Andreas of Story People..enjoy! -gia
This is the Story of the Day called - True Map
There is no one who comes here that does not know this is a true map of the world, with you there in the center, making home for us all.
This is the Story of the Day called - True Map
There is no one who comes here that does not know this is a true map of the world, with you there in the center, making home for us all.
9.03.2007
Are you excited??
I think one of the hardest parts of preparing for this trip is dealing with my crazy thought process. I’m one of those people who constantly thinks about other people…what they have and more importantly what they don’t. The basic stuff…you know…like food, water, clean clothes to wear, a healthy body, a family that loves them, a safe place to live and people that believe in them.
I truly have an amazing life and such incredible people surrounding me. I am so blessed. I know that my purpose in this world is to be a voice for those that need someone to help them speak and be heard. To be a humanitarian advocate…if you will…is there such a thing?? Is that the right word? Writers out there…help me out…..
Quite often I find myself feeling guilty for being able to have extra things in my life…to live in a beautiful place and home and to be able to afford to work for myself and stay home with our son. I’m definitely much better than I used to be at being able to have compassion for other people and to appreciate the things I have in my life at the same time…although it can be an inner struggle sometimes.
So its no surprise to me that while I’m preparing for our trip and planning things to bring & pack etc….that I freeze up and feel overwhelmed with guilt and sadness at times. For example…. I just climbed into bed to write a few thank you notes and I noticed how beautiful the stationary is that I’m writing on. And all I could think about is the cost of the cards (which was about $18) when 80% of the people in Africa are living on less than US$ 1 per day. I ask myself how that is possible…and why is it OK? It’s not OK with me. It shouldn't be OK with anyone.
Call me crazy…call me deep but I’m sharing all of this with you to give you a little insight into my soul into my the heart of who I am. So when people ask me if I’m getting excited for my trip…I hesitate to answer…because excited isn’t the right word. I’m ready to go and at the same time I’m trying to prepare myself for the unknown…for the culture shock and for the poverty I’m going to see. I know it will a beautiful journey and I know it will also change my life forever. One of my friends said it so well…he said, “I can’t wait to meet the new Gia when you get back.” And to be honest…neither can I.
So I guess I’m more grateful than excited and I’m a little bit in disbelief that I’m actually going. I’ve imagined this trip for so long…and it's almost here......
Goodnight friends….gia
I truly have an amazing life and such incredible people surrounding me. I am so blessed. I know that my purpose in this world is to be a voice for those that need someone to help them speak and be heard. To be a humanitarian advocate…if you will…is there such a thing?? Is that the right word? Writers out there…help me out…..
Quite often I find myself feeling guilty for being able to have extra things in my life…to live in a beautiful place and home and to be able to afford to work for myself and stay home with our son. I’m definitely much better than I used to be at being able to have compassion for other people and to appreciate the things I have in my life at the same time…although it can be an inner struggle sometimes.
So its no surprise to me that while I’m preparing for our trip and planning things to bring & pack etc….that I freeze up and feel overwhelmed with guilt and sadness at times. For example…. I just climbed into bed to write a few thank you notes and I noticed how beautiful the stationary is that I’m writing on. And all I could think about is the cost of the cards (which was about $18) when 80% of the people in Africa are living on less than US$ 1 per day. I ask myself how that is possible…and why is it OK? It’s not OK with me. It shouldn't be OK with anyone.
Call me crazy…call me deep but I’m sharing all of this with you to give you a little insight into my soul into my the heart of who I am. So when people ask me if I’m getting excited for my trip…I hesitate to answer…because excited isn’t the right word. I’m ready to go and at the same time I’m trying to prepare myself for the unknown…for the culture shock and for the poverty I’m going to see. I know it will a beautiful journey and I know it will also change my life forever. One of my friends said it so well…he said, “I can’t wait to meet the new Gia when you get back.” And to be honest…neither can I.
So I guess I’m more grateful than excited and I’m a little bit in disbelief that I’m actually going. I’ve imagined this trip for so long…and it's almost here......
Goodnight friends….gia
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