Had some overnight guests on Friday from Uganda and after listening to their story it again gives you an appreciation of the country we live in. These kids have lived through more tragedy in their short lives than anyone should have to in their entire lives. But what a great attitude they have and from their simple lives they are a lot happier than most of us Canadians with all our stuff.
AGREE!!! A lot of South Africans have emmigrated to Canada over the years. The majority are highly professional people. Be thankful for not being in a country where killing and corruption is becoming a way of life.
We pray everyday that a change in attitude to make the world a better takes place for all of us to live in.
We are soooo lucky and most have no idea. I spent 7 months in Eritrea and Ethiopia and got a goood perspective on the daily life of people from this area of the world. I returned having difficulty dealing with the problems my kids had like broken XBOX, or a missing shoe or something. I gave up trying to preach gratitude, as its one of those things most have to experience for themselves. I learned and havent forgotten, how extremely fortunate I am to be Canadian.
Does anybody realize what happened in Uganda in 1994? The story is sad, tragic, and almost embarassing since we as a human race let this go on. I won't get graphic here but all one has to do is search on google "Rwanda Genocide". There are a couple movies out that try to bring the story to the big screen but I'm sure there is no comparison to what really happened.
And that's exactly what it is "luck". None of us can take any personal credit for being born in the best country in the world. The sometimes tough part is to remember our good fortune and ensure that we share our good fortunes with those that weren't so lucky...
__________________
"So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think... The good outnumber you, and we always will." Patton Oswalt
I have thought that a mandatory school trip in junior high should be a third world country to let kids learn an appreciation for what we have, would be a good trip for most adults too to gain perspective!!
I'm the refugee co-ordinator at our church. Just last week we got approval from CIC for a refugee from Eritrea who was waiting to come to Canada since 2005. He could be here by Christmas.
Next Feb. I will be in Haiti, leading a missions team to rebuild a school there. They are so unbelieavably poor, yet many of the kids are still smiling.
I have thought that a mandatory school trip in junior high should be a third world country to let kids learn an appreciation for what we have, would be a good trip for most adults too to gain perspective!!
ak
I think you're right Andrew. I encouraged my kids to take advantage of the opportunity when they were in school and between the girls they went to the non tourist area of Mexico, Indonesia, and Africa. My son went this past year on his own to Rawanda and in my opinion it made a big difference in their lives. I think between the 3 of them I hear a whole lot less complaining and lot more appreciation for what we have and what is around us.
