Today bloggers around the world are uniting to change the conversation about poverty. Not only do I encourage you to talk about poverty, I also urge you to get involved. Check out these organizations that are looking for your help.
Several years ago I traveled to a small village in Uganda. The purpose of my trip was to film a documentary for an organization that was hoping to raise awareness and funds for a local Bishop that was meant to be educating his congregation about HIV & AIDS prevention. Sadly the Bishop was not a kind man and the experience was utterly grueling. But while I was there I managed to pull away from his entourage often and connect with many local children.
And there were children everywhere. On their own and orphaned by AIDS. I would find these children at funerals, hiding in the tall stalks of leaves, hunting for food or kindness. It was devastating in a way that I could never have imagined. And what could I do? In the immediate moment I was able to provide food, a hug, a nudge towards resources. But I need to do more now.
I keep thinking about a boy that I met at a series of funerals that I attended one day. He followed us, fascinated maybe by my paleness or maybe the chuck taylor combination with the traditional African dress. He allowed me to photograph him and later I won an award for the image.
And yet I wonder where he is now. And I ache to do more.
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hey i didn’t know you’d been to uganda – i should PM you over at IVP – i used to work in that region of the world – central and east africa – and still travel a lot back and forth (although trying to limit b/c of baby plans/hopes/dreams) …. thanks for raising this important issue on your blog.
I came across an organization called Until All Have Homes about a year ago when we were looking into adoption. They do a lot of really good work with kiddos in some really poor places of the world. Its my dream to some day adopt through them.
I encourage you to check them out.
I can’t stop looking at the picture. His eyes tell so many stories that words could never give justice to. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful picture! I saw such horrible poverty when I lived in Indonesia.
I always knew that you were a wonderful, amazing, brilliant, kind person.
I wish the whole world knew.
You could take over for Lady Di.
XOXOXOXXXXX
Aw sweetie. I think we are definitely empathy twins.
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