Pray for...

Normally when a tragedy happens I see and post about "Praying for...." but with events of the last few days let alone the month and year I am at a loss of what to say and do. Prayers and thoughts are all well and dandy but what else are we and can we do to help? Everywhere needs help and thoughts, no where has been immune to tragedy.

This year alone we have seen Flooding in Chennai India, Earthquake in Chile, Papua New Guinea, Japan, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Argentina, Fiji, Mexico, Tonga, Greece, New Zealand, and many more. There have been a total of 13,370 earthquakes in 2015 alone ranging on the Richter scale from 4.0-8.3 with the deadliest being in Nepal with over 8,000 people dead. (source Wikipedia list of earthquakes 2015)

Refugees from Syria, Mass shootings around the world most recently in Paris, & California.
Some ask, "is it safe to travel?" after some thought my answer is no. Even within our own communities we are taking that risk, however it is so needed. By traveling we represent our country in a way politicians cannot, we show the true American spirit rather then the Hollywood stereotype.

All of these disasters present an opportunity for the human race to step forward and show their better side. We have all seen the worst of humanity with terrorist attacks both domestic and international, now is the time to have the best of humanity come forth and show good still does exist in the world.
Smile at your neighbor stop to help someone as they are struggling, any little act goes a long way. We can fight with kindness. It is time to see the beauty in the world again, both in the culture & beliefs of others as well as in the natural beauty all around.

"I don not agree with what you say but I will defend your right to express it to the last"- Voltaire

Dreaming with a broken heart

Michale buble put it in words.

The past few weeks I have come realize how strongly I believe in the good in people and believe in their potential.

(A good friends persistence is inspirational, when everyone told her she couldn't finish school, she went and got a masters degree)

(Dance class at bridge camp. A school girls go for a second chance at education and life after falling behind in school, due to such things as child labor)

But with recent events in India and in Jerusalem, I have found that while I pray for the best, I am doing so with a broken heart. How can humanity be so cruel and closed minded towards one another. It literally brings me to tears. All of these people have family's, a future, hopes, aspirations and talents that could enrich our world if they were allowed to shine and develop.

(Summer camp in the slums at the beginning of the summer)

Yet so many lives are affected by just one act of hate and violence, be it large scale or small (as in snubbing someone, gossiping, or racism and bigotry)

(Working with boys from sporti who are disadvantaged, also giving them a second chance. We are all different but we all need love)

I realize I am just one person, and in the worlds view a nobody. I have found myself questioning what the heck am I doing in India. There is so much that needs help, and understanding and can our little team of 7 really make a difference in a short 4 months???

I had an incredible opportunity this last week to go to the US embassy in Delhi and rub shoulders with the expats. In one conversation my companion was surprised that we came out to India on our own, as well as paid to be here and work for free. He genuinely asked if I thought we could make a difference, as he was skeptical of the viewpoint I have taken believing in people. 

(Taught the whole bus a hand trick, I am now their favorite person, in return they taught me to face curiosity with courage)

Long ago I made the decision to leave people better then when I found them. Perhaps the way we will find peace on earth is BY having goodwill towards all those we meet.

(Celebrating differences at a cinco de mayo party)

Be it someone we see everyday, or someone we meet upon a journey, does it really matter who??

Sometimes all it requires is a smile to someone who catches eyes with you. 

(Princess of sporti, she has stolen all our hearts with her smile)

Or a hello to those standing alone. So simple, yet it takes such courage to get out of our comfort zone, it's time for us to be brave and live up to our calling as human beings. So yes I do have optimistic views, hopes and dreams. But if I don't reach for those high goals, I'll never get very far down the road I travel. So my answer to my expat friend at the embassy was a firm YES!

(Ann, one of our amazing country directors in India)

People make a difference in lives all the time. Maybe not on a huge scale or in one single moment. Maybe the world doesn't recognize us. But everytime we encounter someone we leave them and  a different person, and walk away different as well. 

(Trip to Mexico with people who were once strangers, but now are good friends all via a smile)

How will we proceed from here, from this moment and from this day? 

Heart to all

Ashley