Happy Valentine's Day! We have the day off today which is much needed. We are all exhasuted. It's nice to have a day to rest and reflect a bit. We are all wondering how our lives will be affected when we get back to the US (or Canada). What changes will we make? What will feel good, bad, hard, confusing? For me, I know there are things that I want to change in my life, things that have not been working for me. I'm hoping my experiences here help me to shift my perspective a bit and make necessary changes that will bring my life more into alignment with what I really want and need. We will see... There are also things that are wonderful in my life and I want to nurture those things and celebrate them even more. I'm also wondering what comes next in terms of service, making my difference in the world. I spent 6 months focused on this project and now I'm here doing what I set out to do. My desire to help the world has only grown bigger from my experiences here, so what comes next? I have no idea but I'm eager to see where this all takes me. It's exciting to see how much of a difference one person can make. Most of us think, there is so much wrong with the world so what can I do? or it's too much of a mess so why bother doing anything? Well, I want everyone to know that one person CAN make a huge difference. You just have to belive that to make that difference. I raised 20K and because of that hundreds of kids will have safe drinking water, kids will have a school to go to learn and teachers there to teach them, and new moms will have a safe place to give birth. That's a big deal. It is possible to make a difference. What else are we doing with our time besides buying new stuff and obsessing over things that don't matter to anyone but us in our world of luxury, excess, and sometimes superficial priorities. OK, I'm a little punchy today :) It's just how our culture is. It's not our faults but it's important to step outside of it and look around a bit to gain some perspective. I get caught up in it too. It's just what we know in the US. We are lucky to live in such safe and fortunate circumstances. But, maybe we can all look around and see how lucky we are, shift our priorities and then start to give to others who are not so fortunate. It's also a bit daunting to see how much of a difference one person can make because it gives me a sense of responsibility. Like now I can't ignore it and must do something becasue I know it makes a difference and if I don't, how can I expect others to? We can all turn a blind eye to the rest of the world or we can see that we're not so different from people all over and acknowledge that if we don't help, who will? Who is responsible for helping, if not us? Small non profits and NGOs seem to make a much greater positive impact that big, government or corporate organizations. That's us. People like us can make the most difference. We're all the same all over the world. People are people. Kids are kids. Eveyone deserves a clean place to live, healthy food, safe water and clothes on their backs. And everyone deserves love and support. I still can't imagine what Miriam'a birth would have been like if these four eager, loving white women were not there to rub her back, comfort her, and be with her every step of the way :)
OK, done with all of those thoughts for now. Needed to get all out that out!
Other things....
I'm taking the night off from the group's plan because I'm feeling kind of sick. Not sure if it is the malaria pills, effects of the extreme heat and sun or just exhaustion. or all of the above. I'm hoping some rest in the A/C of the hotel and sleep will make me feel better.
Tomorrow we go to the site of the school which should be great. We'll be building again. I'm hoping there is some shade there somewhere. This heat is intense. Half of the women here are sunburned. I did get a heat rash one day which has thankfully gone away. Anyone who knows me knows I HATE sunburns and don't deal with them well so I'm being extra careful about protecting my super white skin :)
OK, last thing. I finally had some chocolate today :)
Oh, how I missed you, chocolate.
I told people that if they can produce some dark chocolate for me on my birthday (Friday!) then I'll be a happy girl. I can't have a birthdaty without chocolate!
xo Heather
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