Tomorrow I will be embarking on an adventure that has been in the works for several months now. The land most well known for William Wallace, bagpipes, and the kilt will be my home for eight days, and more specifically the village of Lenzie. The purpose of this trip is to encourage local church members and community workers, hangout with the young people, and create solid relationships. Although these goals are consistent with each member of the group I will be going with, there are certain things I am personally looking forward to experiencing. First is the opportunity to see first hand how people in a different part of the world live and think. This will help me better understand the Scottish people, but will also provide me with valuable knowledge that I will be able to use in future travels and such. Second is the opportunity I will have to interact with the people, and therefore broaden my horizons in regards to how I perceive others and life in general.
Within the last year, I have been looking for ways to engage with the world in new and exciting ways. Although I have had many experiences during this time that would classify as such, this trip to Scotland truly takes my desire for engagement to a whole new level. I hope to be a blessing to those I come into contact with throughout this trip, but I know I will be blessed and that is what I am most excited about. Either during my time in Scotland or after I return to the States I will be writing about my experience and most likely posting pictures as well so stay tuned.
3.26.2009
3.23.2009
world water day
In 1992, the United Nations officially declared March 22nd 'World Water Day.' The purpose of designating this day as such is to highlight the current global water situation and to inform the public of how real the lack of safe, clean water is for so many. Water is one of the elements that is required for life to exist, and therefore the fact that one out of every six people on Earth lacks such a vital resource presents a very serious and troubling problem. Although the lack of safe, clean water is obviously debilitating in regards to health, the effects do not end there. People, especially women and children, are pulled away from work, school, and other necessary daily duties because they are forced to travel long distances in order to fetch water that is neither safe nor clean. This quiet crisis is keeping too many from experiencing the life they so deserve. There is an organization called Charity:Water that is combating this injustice is very innovative and effective ways. To learn more about the current global water situation, what Charity:Water is doing, and in turn what you can do to join the fight, please click the banner below.
3.21.2009
Kenyan food crisis
Something that did not make it in the headlines recently is the current food crisis that is occurring in Kenya. This crisis has developed for several reasons:
-Falling income, both at home and among family members abroad that typically send money back. This shows how the financial crisis has not affected just the affluent and also reminds us of who is hit the hardest during slow economic times.
-Short rains late in the year in 2008 has caused a drought which has resulted in crop failures.
-High food prices. The price of maize has soared to incredible heights, which obviously translates in people being forced to cut back on the very thing they need the most.
-Inflation and high fertilizer prices have not allowed subsistence farmers to plant the volume of crops desired.
This crisis is deep and wide. While subsistence farmers in rural areas are being especially hit hard, the urban populations are not immune. The World Food Programme (WFP) has recently announced that it will scale up operations to meet the needs of 3.5 million people who are expected to be affected the worse during this crisis. That number could very well continue to rise. The WFP will focus a majority of their energies on rural areas though. That means that the needs of approximately 4 million urban dwellers and 1.9 million people who live with HIV/AIDS who are feeling the effects of the food crisis will not be met through the operations of the WFP. What will happen to those people? It is nearly a guarantee that the Kenyan government will not be able to meet those people's needs, so who does that leave? The international community, the African Union (AU), local nonprofit organizations? I am not upset with the WFP; granted they are attempting to help those that are most effected by this crisis. My frustration ultimately comes down to a fact that continually haunts me. In a world that has so much, people still go hungry. We as a global community have not found a way to utilize our resources effectively.
This food crisis is a reminder of the importance of tapping into the most vital resource in Kenya..the people's aptitudes and entrepreunerial minds. This concept goes far beyond aid and is rooted in forming relationships and encouraging innovation. I am talking about empowering Kenyans through the use of income generating grants. There is an organization doing just that called The 10/10 Project..follow the link, educate yourself, and join the story.
Source: World Food Programme
-Falling income, both at home and among family members abroad that typically send money back. This shows how the financial crisis has not affected just the affluent and also reminds us of who is hit the hardest during slow economic times.
-Short rains late in the year in 2008 has caused a drought which has resulted in crop failures.
-High food prices. The price of maize has soared to incredible heights, which obviously translates in people being forced to cut back on the very thing they need the most.
-Inflation and high fertilizer prices have not allowed subsistence farmers to plant the volume of crops desired.
This crisis is deep and wide. While subsistence farmers in rural areas are being especially hit hard, the urban populations are not immune. The World Food Programme (WFP) has recently announced that it will scale up operations to meet the needs of 3.5 million people who are expected to be affected the worse during this crisis. That number could very well continue to rise. The WFP will focus a majority of their energies on rural areas though. That means that the needs of approximately 4 million urban dwellers and 1.9 million people who live with HIV/AIDS who are feeling the effects of the food crisis will not be met through the operations of the WFP. What will happen to those people? It is nearly a guarantee that the Kenyan government will not be able to meet those people's needs, so who does that leave? The international community, the African Union (AU), local nonprofit organizations? I am not upset with the WFP; granted they are attempting to help those that are most effected by this crisis. My frustration ultimately comes down to a fact that continually haunts me. In a world that has so much, people still go hungry. We as a global community have not found a way to utilize our resources effectively.
This food crisis is a reminder of the importance of tapping into the most vital resource in Kenya..the people's aptitudes and entrepreunerial minds. This concept goes far beyond aid and is rooted in forming relationships and encouraging innovation. I am talking about empowering Kenyans through the use of income generating grants. There is an organization doing just that called The 10/10 Project..follow the link, educate yourself, and join the story.
Source: World Food Programme
3.19.2009
The Element: A New View of Human Capacity by Ken RobinsonMy review
rating: 3 of 5 stars
For us dreamers, books like The Element are thoroughly enjoyable because it encourages us to continue doing what we do best..dream. However this book is not exclusive; it does not have a specific target market and therefore would be readable for people from all walks of life. Outside of reminding myself to be constantly looking for ways to engage my passions, this book changed the way I think about certain things such as intelligence, creativity, and believe it or not, the education system. The author does a wonderful job of pairing the importance of discovering what we do very well with how that discovery can lead to personal growth and benefit those in our sphere of influence. Although challenging, it is not full of idealistic and unattainable concepts which is refreshing. I would especially recommend this book to those individuals that feel like they are not doing something meaningful or for those that feel unsure about what steps to take next in this journey we call life. If anything it will make you think, which is usually always a good thing.
View all my reviews.
3.12.2009
The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time by Jeffrey D. SachsMy review
rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mr. Sachs is obviously approaching the poverty issue from an economic perspective, which was to be expected. What I appreciated was how the author attempted to create a balance between his macro solutions and how such solutions can benefit those on the ground. Much of what he has to offer in regards to reducing poverty is in response to his personal experiences. It was an enjoyable read and not incredibly difficult.
View all my reviews.
3.04.2009
'God Grew Tired of Us'
Recently, I had the opportunity to view a screening of the film 'God Grew Tired of Us' which describes the journey of the Lost Boys. These boys were forced to flee their homeland of Sudan over twenty years ago due to the violence that was breaking out, as armed soldiers from the North attacked people groups in the South. In recent years their story has been widely publicized, however this was a special evening because not only did those who attended the screening see the film, we also heard the personal testimonies of several of our Sudanese brothers who attend our university. Just like the stories of the men in the film, my friends and brothers gave heart wrenching accounts of murder, starvation, and cruelty. These men have experienced more suffering and sadness than any human ever should. Although they courageously discussed traumatic events that have taken place in their relatively short lives, it does not stop there. These men have decided not to let the past and the pain disrupt the life they are living now, and the dreams each of them have for the future. Dreams of progress, of peace, and of reconciliation. Their story is horrible, yes. However the hope they have is the most inspiring aspect of their experience. More than anyone else, these men have an excuse to be angry and hate filled..but they are not. Instead they are wise, joyful, and compassionate. From their stories, I am motivated to join them in their fight to end the violence in Sudan and encourage progress, but I am also challenged to live a life that is built around community, love, and purpose. To learn more about the film, and what you can do please click on the title.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)