Little Baby Steps to Nation Building…literally
I was in Padang on 31st July to 4th Aug 09. Padang is beautiful; rich in culture, friendly and caring community, majestic sceneries, and excellent food. A few weeks after we returned Padang suffered from a small scale earth quake, only injuring a few people.
On 30th Sept Padang was dealt with another blow i.e. an earthquake registering 7.6 on the Richter scale. The hotel I stayed in on my last night is now a pile of debris.
My friend Nani and I were discussing on how previously our efforts to help others ie Philippines, China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Palestine were through monetary contributions & consummables. Now, we feel like doing more. We want to offer our small selves to help send aid via Mercy Malaysia or any NGO. We want to be there among the action.
The plan is to go on the Deepavali weekend.
The obstacle: Getting my parents’ permission.
We have to go on bare necessities, bringing a lot of bottled water and food for ourselves and those we intend to help. We have to sleep in crowded mosques if there are any. No more sun shades, no more buying batik, no more bargaining.
It’s a small step for rebuilding a shattered nation, but hopefully a considerable difference for humanity. It’s character building for me too.
Efforts shouldn’t stop there for me. I want to discuss with Nani on proposals to ensure a sustainable effort is maintained. Indonesia suffers from a lot of natural catastrophes. Earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, etc. There must be a way to pre-empt or provide processes for fast relief. Have to brainstorm. Have to. I have a lot of good friends from Indonesia. Have to.
Everything that is good comes from Allah, and everything that is bad is my own shortcomings.
Wish me all the best!!!
good for you and all the best. will try to help with what i can from here, a little bit constrained to be there physically, proud to know someone like you. All the best!!
azita — October 4, 2009 @ 6:08 pm