Why I'm Doing This
When I celebrated the last birthday of my twenties nearly a year ago, I found myself staring a little deliriously down the road to 30. So much to say goodbye to. So much to look forward to. So much not yet done.
I vacillated between sentimentality and dismissing it all as a randomly appointed number, no more profound a milestone than 23 or 32.
Either way, it struck me how much time I'd spent in my twenties, worrying those twenties away. So much precious time angsting about what I didn't have instead of savoring those moments, living them, and seeing in them the truth of all I did have.
So I wanted to put all that sillyness behind me and mark 30 with a thank you of sorts.... I wanted to do something that yanked me from the selfishness of daily life. I wanted to interact with people and confront circumstances I don't ordinarily get to in my cushy American sphere.
I had heard about organizations like Global Volunteers years ago, and tucked it in the back of my head as an intriguing option for that elusive someday. Well, this was it. This was my someday.
India. Working with orphaned children. That is what I wanted to do.
And so here I go, on the path to India and on the road to 30. But I need some help, if you'd be kind enough to give it. The two-week stay at a children's home in Chennai, India is a costly one - upwards of $4,000 in total. Why? As a private nonprofit, Global Volunteers is financed almost entirely through volunteer contributions. So all funds raised through this effort will go toward the costs of registration, lodging, transportation and training. I also aim to bring donations and supplies when I arrive. (Chocolate, candies, and stickers I'm told, are favorites among the children).
So, instead of buying me a drink for my 30th (on the 30th of September), consider giving me the shot glasses that have been collecting dust in your basement. (Click here to understand what I mean). Or maybe donate those ten bucks* you'd have spent buying me that drink in the first place!
*Ten bucks!? Yes, I prefer drinks of the expensive, fruity cocktail variety.
