I am alive and free.
I feel the need to tell that to the world.
I AM ALIVE AND FREE.
As the tears fall down my face I mourn for the millions that are enslaved by poverty. Empty stomachs, hopeful hearts, struggling to stay alive in their way of life. I weep for the masses struggling to fill the stomachs of their children and themselves. I grieve for the children that work to help feed their parents. I mourn for the eternal sacrifice met with no reward. I cry for my misunderstanding of their reality. I cry because my tears are their tears and we cry together. I cry because I love them, adore them, and admire them. I cry when I eat a good meal, when I purchase new clothes, when I buy flowers for a friend. When I have the luxury that others don’t, I think of them and cry.
It is through these tears that I write you. It is finished. I have met the end of poverty and it brings me great sorrow. For me, the end is just the beginning but for others it is a lifetime of hardship.
This project has left me tattered and torn. My body was beginning to shut down and my mind was a couple of steps ahead of it. The muscles in my face were so numb that I couldn’t even smile. My emotions were dry and my heart lacked the capacity to love. It got so bad that I decided to end the project 4 days early.
The sad part is the statistics haven’t changed. Millions of people still suffer from world hunger and poverty worldwide. Thankfully, people are taking steps to make a difference. You can be one of those people. Your voice is far more powerful than your money. If you feel like these issues are touching your heart I encourage you to let people know how you feel and to take affirmative action. Here are some links to get you started:
Websites:
www.freerice.com
www.one.org
www.makepovertyhistory.org
Books:
Creating A World Without Poverty
The Secret History of the American Empire
To those still reading, thank you. I know that there has been quite a lull in posts and it’s for that I apologize. I’ve been wrapped up in ending tour, moving to another state, preparing for Japan, and trying to live a normal life. Thank you for your dedication. Your support was far greater than any meal I could have ever eaten.
With love. Always.
Shane.
2 comments:
Shaner...
You have done an amazing thing the last three months. It has been interesting to follow your blog and see the "face" that you have given to a very real crisis. You have inspired awareness in many and that has also been cool to read (specifically the things Mama Haase has written...it really has been moving).
Lets run away together soon.
I lover you.
I have a big dorky smile on my face. Obviously not because of your pain and suffering but because of your growth, love and commitment. Oh and because your are alive and free.
I have no doubt that you are continuing to educate yourself, share your knowledge and find different ways to change this world we live in.
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