I myself grew up in a 3rd world country. Sri Lanka. A beautiful tropical island. But, the country is faced with many hardships. I was fortunate enough to be born to a family who could take care of me, put a roof over my head, put food on the table, provide me an education, and have compassion for others. But, not everyone in Sri Lanka were as fortunate. People lived in huts, had no electricity or inside plumbing or clean drinking water, barely could afford to have 3 meals a day. Even though education was free in Sri Lanka, they could not afford the appropriate clothes, or supplies. Or, they could not make ends meet, so the children would not be able to get an education. They were taken out of school to work. Growing up as a witness to this, really opened my eyes. I want to help those who are less fortunate.
I have been even more fortunate to have had the opportunity to move to America for higher education. Through hard work, I now live what some would call a comfortable life. But, I have always wanted to give back. I try in small ways. But, I’ve reached a point in my life where I don’t wait for the perfect opportunity to act. I am trying my best to have a service first mentality of living life. I’m not always able to accomplish this. But, I’m getting better day by day.
When I saw that one of my dear friends had travelled to Ghana and helped a village that was in dire need of.. well, pretty much everything, and shared her experience, I knew this is something I needed to do. These villages don’t even have the bare necessities. WE can give that to them. Not all at once. But, 1 day at a time. One solution at a time. One village at a time. We can help them live a better life. I’m humbled by this opportunity and look forward to being of service in any way that I can.
“Plant Trees under whose shade you do not plan to sit”- Nelson Henderson