Submitted by Community on Thu, 2013-04-11 16:41
- STORIES FROM AUSTIN, TEXAS-
More than two months have passed since my trip to Kenya, and I am sad to say it seems like much longer. How easy it is to slip back in to old habits, luxuries and excess. After all, it can be much easier to think about doing this:
Instead of this:
Or this little girl:
Instead of these children:
Richard Just wrote in an article for The New Republic, “Ignorance is not the only ally of indifference; sometimes knowledge, too, blunts the heart and the will.” His piece was in reference to the ongoing violence and war in Darfur. A copy of the quote hangs at my desk today, more than four years after it was published.
The challenge of traveling to Maai Mahiu (and other impoverished places) is not necessarily enduring the trip abroad, but instead processing the experience and knowledge gained after the return.
How do you make sure that the hardships and hunger experienced on an unconscionable level by so many people results in meaningful action on an individual level and not a blunted or indifferent heart?
How do I stay committed to making a difference…and from more than 8,000 miles away? This is an ongoing struggle.
Mother Teresa said, “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”
The trip to Maai Mahiu exposed me to the remarkable work of the CTC team. Together, passionate individuals are achieving sustainable changes in Kenya. I am fortunate to live in Austin, Texas which allows me frequent interaction with the CTC home office which means, thankfully, there are people nearby who also share my desire to serve those in need. In a world of so many distractions and demands, my hope is that the perspective gained in Maai Mahiu about life’s many blessings and the simple ways we can help one another is not lost or abandoned. Whether it’s through being a TRIBE member, purchasing L.I.F.E line products, or simply being an advocate for the work done by CTC, the answer is yes, you can help people who are more than 8,000 miles away.
Blog By:
Cameron Krier, Community and Faith Team Member 2013
