AmyJ
Contributor
This is from a thread in the Mexico section... but thought maybe it should be more general... I know it is not specifically about scuba... but it is about our SI time...(if it needs to be moved, mods, feel free!)
Well, we're back from Mexico. Ended up taking suitcases FULL of school supplies, baby clothes, diapers and other clothes for young children. Went to the special education school in PDC (see Angel Notion) and also a free medical clinic they run in PDC. It was so worthwhile. My kids got to meet and share things they had bought with the kids at the school. My deaf daughter got to meet some deaf kids and learn a bit of Mexican Sign Language.
At the clinic we met a woman with twins (babies) who cried when we handed her cloth diapers. My girls (ages 4 & 5) loved giving the babies blankets and clothes and just hugging them. I think they really got part of it.
Although I'm sure we all have differing levels of income etc. we obviously make enough to support our addiction (scuba) and travel to these places where there are so many disadvantaged people. We worry about which hotel to stay at and how much we will spend on our post dive beer, but really..........
I would like to challenge EVERYONE on Scubaboard, next time you travel for a dive trip, pack just a few extra things for the people that do not benefit from your dollars as you stay in their country. A few packs of crayons, a coloring book or a few diapers can really brighten someones day. How can we, the privileged, begrudge these few things to people in such need.
I realize this is not a long term solution, but only the opportunity to brighten a day, show you care and make a small difference. Anyone willing to pitch in???
Well, we're back from Mexico. Ended up taking suitcases FULL of school supplies, baby clothes, diapers and other clothes for young children. Went to the special education school in PDC (see Angel Notion) and also a free medical clinic they run in PDC. It was so worthwhile. My kids got to meet and share things they had bought with the kids at the school. My deaf daughter got to meet some deaf kids and learn a bit of Mexican Sign Language.
At the clinic we met a woman with twins (babies) who cried when we handed her cloth diapers. My girls (ages 4 & 5) loved giving the babies blankets and clothes and just hugging them. I think they really got part of it.
Although I'm sure we all have differing levels of income etc. we obviously make enough to support our addiction (scuba) and travel to these places where there are so many disadvantaged people. We worry about which hotel to stay at and how much we will spend on our post dive beer, but really..........
I would like to challenge EVERYONE on Scubaboard, next time you travel for a dive trip, pack just a few extra things for the people that do not benefit from your dollars as you stay in their country. A few packs of crayons, a coloring book or a few diapers can really brighten someones day. How can we, the privileged, begrudge these few things to people in such need.
I realize this is not a long term solution, but only the opportunity to brighten a day, show you care and make a small difference. Anyone willing to pitch in???