One year ago I drifted to Taiwan. Over the course of this year, I've intentionally sought ways to expand my view of the world. Some of it came by the default of living in another country and culture; and some of it because I continued to look outside myself and learn of life beyond my scope of vision.
This lead me to an organization called Faceless International. Though I've known about - and loved - their work for over a year now, I have never found a way to get involved. That is, until they announced their social justice campaign to India this winter. Faceless is teaming up with The Emancipation Network for an educational, hands-on trip to learn about the horrors of Modern Day Slavery. As I informed myself more of the reality of human trafficking and modern-day slavery, a weight settled over my heart to act. Signing up for the Faceless trip, I found a timely start.
What I love about Faceless and The Emancipation Network is that they enter the schools and communities where girls are at risk of being sold or bartered into the slave-trade, and teach the children how to support themselves so that slavery never becomes a viable option for the family to sustain itself. Both organizations are seeking change in a tangible matter. I look forward to joining Faceless in their self-declared mantra, by the words of Ghandi, "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
The cost for the trip is $3000, and I will only reach that goal with the help of those who feel able to support me. I have paid the $500 deposit, and $1250 is due at the end of this month, with another $1250 due at the beginning of December. I will be blogging of this new leg of my journey here at The Drift, and am thrilled to have your support as a reader. If you feel you could also support me financially - in any amount - please click on the paypal "donate" button below.
For those of you inside the US, Faceless International is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible. If you are looking for a tax deduction, or wish to keep your donation anonymous from me, click here.
Though my time in India will be much shorter than my time in Taiwan, I expect this trip to be another milestone in my Life Journey. Taiwan, I feel, laid the ground work for how I live the rest of my life. I desire to always be sensitive to the plight of others - in and out of my immediate scope of vision, and I hope to always realize I can do something about the injustice of this world.
Above all, I hope that my journey continues to inspire those who hear it. My heart's desire is to see humanity, as a whole, restored to something better, but I realize that must start with me: I realize I must be the Change I wish to see in the World.
And that's what I'm hoping to do. Life is a Journey, friends.
11 comments:
I LOVE INDIA! Seriously, I have been there twice and my heart is so totally been left there. Nick and I are hoping to go long term sometime, Lord willing. I hope you get to as well!
Wow you;re just home for a while and you gonna go on adventure again? Awesomeee. I hate how having to finish school prevents me from doing these things :) and you do it for a very great purpose as well, looking forward to read it :)
wow, you are so poignant. definitely glad you're volunteering with faceless. :) it sounds like a great match for you. i've not been to india yet, but i already fell in love with the art history. i have a feeling my trip won't be my last...
good luck in your journey(s?), friend.
That's awesome. I've worked with International Justice Mission for about 5 years now (wow...that's a long time) and they do a lot of work in India. They actually have a new documentary coming out soon (might be out already, not sure) called "At the End of Slavery"...might be up your alley if you're interested in these topics!
International human rights are definitely a huge part of my heart and reasoning for wanting to be a lawyer (although now I'm pretty certain I won't be practicing human rights law).
Can't wait to hear more about your adventures!
I want to be like chase when i grow up.
Are you going to hook up with Floreta there?!
Noble cause. I may even bump into you; I have been asked to visit India with a friend... I may go...
I just need to make some darn money first. Buy my photos!
@Becky, Twice? amazing. And slightly jealous. :) Lord willing, indeed!
@Andhari, you keep yourself busy with recording, that's awesome too! Thanks for reading
@floreta, I have a feeling your trip won't be your last, either... but I can't wait to read about your travels! Stoked :)
@Tease, That documentary sounds awesome! Thanks! I've heard of International Justice Mission, and yea, 5 yrs is a long time. That's great though! I'll let you know if i get a chance to see the movie
@Jessica, you're silly.
@Sebastian, Floreta and my trip might overlap. I'm hoping to meet her before that... we'll see. Let me know if you end up going. I have another friend going around the same time, hoping to see her too. Could be a fun meetandtweet. (ohyesidid)
PS I should feature your photos on here sometime soon.
Aw, you would fill me with love and.. gooey stuff (would help if I was religious right now... would really help me finish this sentence... but I guess 'gooey stuff' will have to do...)
I'm getting better all the time though. So... I'll try to take some more awesome photos in the next few days/weeks, so you have the best stuff to feature!
Wow, rambling. That happens when I get flustered.
Methinks a meeting between you, Floreta and I would be a little too deep and meaningful for mere 'tweeting'!
Ahh Chase, I'm so excited you're going to be there. What a wonderful person you are :) Since it looks like you'll step foot on that spectacular country before I return, be sure you have numerous cups of chai and give the culture, land & people all my love for me :)
@Sebastian, just send me over the shots you'd like to show, : ) I'll work them into a post. And I agree; our threesome would be one epic meetup. One for the books, no doubt... or at least the blogs.
@Geeta, Don't give up hope!
whoooaaaa i'm totally excited that i might meet seb in india?? i don't think my trip overlaps with chase though. bummer. that threesome would be epic, for sure. rain check? seb, come to the himalayas and experience the gooey stuff with me..! :D lol
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