somos libres, seámoslo siempre

Cool, short blog about how good intentions in helping others doesn't always help them: Sometimes You Can't Even Give It Away. It is a good reminder that I need to think about what actions will truly benefit the kids and staff at Hogar de Esperanza when I'm there. It's not about what I think they need.


Update 12/28/09, 2:00pm


I ran across an idealist.org blog entry that relates to what I posted yesterday. The post discusses a video titled Debunking myths about the "third world". It challenges our assumptions about other countries and it addresses how data needs to become more accessible if we're going to create lasting change. Watch it! It could change your perspective immensely. (And the speaker, Hans Rosling, is both entertaining and remarkably intelligent.

nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm

Quick Updates:

• My friend Meredith, who is volunteering in Peru until March, reached her Christmas fundraising goal!


• I've raised $370 so far, 7% of what I need by the end of June. THANK YOU to those who've contributed and a thank you to everyone who has promised to donate something! I know that Christmas time can be tricky financially so don't worry if you haven't given yet :)


• I created a brochure with "the lowdown" on my trip that I'll be mailing to everyone in January. I don't have everyone's address so I'll post it on the blog too.
  


• I'm planning on having an Open House to talk about the orphanage and solicit donations sometime in early 2010, I'll post about it as soon as things are set up.


• Found an amazing blog called La Vida Idealist. Check it out if you want to learn about other Latin America volunteers' experiences. It has been encouraging to read.


• PRAY, PRAY, and PRAY that the Lord prepare my heart for what I will experience in Peru. Thanks!