Humanity

I have always known how blessed I am in life, growing up in loving family, having great friends, a safe place to live, enriching activities, and opportunities to grow.

Many of my friends and associates are involved in different causes from cancer fundraising to domestic violence support groups, and service organizations. There is no doubt that I believe in all of these efforts and support them whenever I can. I simply have not found one that has resonated with me in a way that has moved me to actually give beyond a donation--the gift of time, or even grassroots advocacy.

In 2006 and 2007 Scott journeyed to Africa to experience an adventure and time out of the OC bubble with our friend who works for Invisible Children, a San Diego-based nonprofit that works dilligently to educate the west about the war atrocities taking place in Africa, specifically Northern Uganda and surrounding areas. Scott spent 2-3 months there each summer for two years and I know that it changed him as a person, in the most positive of ways. If interested in learning about the history of this deplorable 23-year war, click here.

Last night, we were pleasantly surprised to catch a great documentary on Netflix-"War Dance." The movie struck a chord with Scott, discussing the war, internally displaced person (IDP) camps, and even featured a great friend. The movie showcases a remote village, Potongo, and the children there competing in a music competition in Kampala. Through three featured kids, the documentarians, much like Invisible Children's, captured their stories of survival, struggle, and the most resiliance one can even imagine.

This movie, and Scott's experiences there, really make me ponder how lucky I am to have been born in a location that is safe and free of warfare. The same goes for places in the Middle East and other areas of strife and supression. Religion and theology aside, I do not think anyone has a choice of where they are born. I see the simple needs these people have for a comfortable sleep each night, safe travels, and fearless living.

I understand my feeble blog post isn't going to change anything. However, if someone reads it and possibly watches the movie and sees the dire situation there, passes it along to a friend and so on, perhaps more individuals will see these people, who receives virtually no recognition by the press and government.

Protecting humanity is an issue I will stand up for. Life is never fair, but there are basic needs in life that should be met, no matter the culture or location, and acts of atrocity need to be addressed and the consequences fierce.

We are all human and deserve to live in a neighborhood, if not a world, of peace.