Entry 1
Im back from the phillipines.

there's just so much to write. maybe i'll break it up into short posts.

pain is always a good way to wake up this seasoned soul from the comforts of taking our everyday life for granted. looking at poverty eye to eye is one way of instigating that pain.

looking at the children, especially, made me wish there's something I could do to make their life a lil better.
I see lil boys, jus like irfan, running around, all scruffy and barefoot, playing with old cardboards and bricks and surrounded by the dust in the air.
i see boys a lil older, holding out their hands, asking for any amount of pesos they could possibly get.

what makes them different from irfan and other lil children in our country? it's just WHERE they happen to be born, dat's all. i know life isnt fair, but is it stupid of me to wish that it is?

clean up the scruff and dirt, they will look exactly like our children, the enthusiasm, the smiles, the mischief and the twinkle in their eyes.
they are deprived of so much opportunities. it's just not fair.

i keep on asking my colleagues. why cant the phillipines government make education compulsory? isnt it their responsibility to educate each child and provide equal opportunities for all? they might have so much potential in them, buried deep beneath that dirt and scruff on their faces. if only, we could polish them, im sure they shine like the stars. all they need is an opportunity to learn and be taught.

it really makes me sick in the stomach that there are many children all over the world that do not go to school. And sicker to know that some are very close to home. i went home and when i look at irfan, im reminded of the lil children I saw back in phillipines. it's not even a good feeling to feel that we are lucky.

i look at irfan's toys strewn all over the floor and I just get that sick in the stomach feeling again. i think i'll stop now.

Talk is cheap, anyway.

Look at the pictures again and tell me, it doesnt bring you down.