sharing the love

Thus far my spontaneous travels have been an amazing journey of discovery and ponderings on what it is that makes us truly happy. Seeing parts of the world and learning from many cultures has taught me some simple truths about humankind; that despite the injustices that exist in this world, the power of family and community can lift the spirits, share the pains and move us all in a positive direction. 

Personally, experience has been a very real way of seeing the gross disparities that exist and realising for myself that even the littlest things can make a dramatic difference. It has been proven psychologically and economically, that a nations happiness is not dependent on its GDP - which is more aligned with our collective waistlines funnily enough - but the balance between it's rich and poor; the bigger the gap, the more collective suffering. Of course on a global level the same applies. 

When traveling in India I trekked to an amazing hot spring tucked in the Himalayas called Kheer Ganga. On the way I met a humble family of low caste who invited me to stay with them. I was treated as they treat all their guests 'like god' as they say in their culture; insisting on giving me their best food, serving me tea, showing me their village and without any expectation that as a westerner I offer anymore than my company. 

The family have 5 children, they sleep in one room, their winters are snowed in "like prison" and they don't have running water (the toilet was squatting with the cattle next door!). I taught the kids some basic English, played with them at the school ground and got insight in to their lives. Moving to say the least and certainly a big reminder me to be grateful. 

I have promised I will return and with my return I would like to bring them enough money to make their lives a little more comfortable and sanitary - I would also love to stay with them and not be attacked by nasty lice again.

As low caste they have little opportunity in terms of work; we foraged together for gucci mushrooms and they have an uncle who is a goat shepherd, so consequently, I am donating my next birthday to fundraise a wee donation for them. The currency exchange means that at the very least even a few dollars can support them to buy grains and beans for their winter reserves. i.e. even a five spot will make a difference. 

If you feel inclined, please share a little of your good fortune by contacting me and making a donation.

You know me well enough to know that 100% and some will go to them. They're the most humble people I have met and deserve so much more for their acceptance of a really hard life.

Please feel free to forward this to anyone equally trusting and up for sharing the love.