Was this an eye opening or poignant video for you to watch? I kind of hope not. I can.t help but to feel compassion, hurt, and love for the people of the world who are hungry and struggling to survive, but what is more important than my emotional response is what i do about it. I have a problem with people who use monetary conversions to attempt to educate westerners about poverty. I see how it may help to give perspective on primitive lifestyles, but what is not considered is cross cultural economies, cost of living, etc. I hesitate to try and articulate what i feel about this subject because i dont want to come across as if i do not feel burdened to help the oppressed, because that is my desire. I think that people often respond in emotional and sometimes self serving ways, consequently acting out of ignorance. I am just a stupid college student that doesnt know anything about life, but in my developing point of view i will never feel guilty for being an american. I realize that poverty is man made, and representative of distribution deficiencies. I want to play a part in the alleviation of poverty, because God has chosen to bless me with resources (support, education, opportunities) not because i am sad that the African boy looked so skinny and American's seem to waste money. I am bothered by poverty simulations that seek to educate people on understanding the lives of the homeless. Poverty is not camping, fun, and games. its reality for many, so why couldnt you have used that weekend you spent laughing and walking around town to go out and serve people in the community instead? I think the world will move toward unity and cohesion when the west can realize what the east has to offer. This is a perception that in my experience and learning im sure will change, but it is what is running through my mind for the present. I feel that America is blessed with materials, money, and opportunities, practical resources that should be more equally distributed world wide. The east exhibits a life style of peace and communal living in the midst of their day to day struggle to make it. We can change each other. Help each other. love each other. It is not about me... $$$ :) $$$ helping you.... :(
I feel like i attained an inside view of the eastern perceptions of individuals who see their humanitarian or missional efforts as great assistance to the oppressed people this summer. When i was talking with one of the older girls at the orphanage, she told me about the numerous groups of people who pass through each year to....paint. I was not surprised. Many times "service projects" are synonymous to painting a wall. She wanted someone to BE with her, to LOVE her, to TEACH her english. The humidity and the climate caused the paint to sweat off of the walls every year anyway. If i had no family and spent every waking hour i had to study so that maybe one day i could do something with my life, i know that a painted wall would not be the first thing i would suggest for the western people to offer me. My desire is not to come across as negative or pessimistic, because i think there are Godly, brilliant people with innovative (but lasting) methods of reaching people at work now, and rising up. All i can do now is write about the ways i view the world, but when i actually figure out how mutual cross cultural sharing occurs, and the practicalities of my ideals i will let you know. I have recently written something similar to this, in which i describe a world that the Lord crafted with people of different means intentionally so that his glory may be shown through our service and love. I still feel that we are to accept our position in society, and move on with it responsibly. yes there is corruption, but i dont have to play a part in that. I dont know anything about what i am talking about. But i want to learn. And i want to be an agent of change. And i want to live in America. And i want to travel overseas often. and i want to learn the correct opinions to have. and i want to make ignorant people feel stupid. they dont deserve to help. hehe jk. and i want to be a soccer mom. and i want to always love people.
