A Broader View ~ You CAN Make a Difference

The Art of Giving

(Inspired by A Broader View and their amazing volunteers)

So very much we take for granted

Rushing to the next big thing

Filling the hunger void

With cardboard and false sustenance

Abusing ourselves

For the sake of instant gratification

Ignoring the trickle down

We claim stress

Overworked, under paid

Never enough

Though Mother Earth has proven

We could all live and prosper

Together…

Yet we cower from the hands of the hoarders

Those who would rather see others

Go without

For the sake of agendas

That demand MORE

It is at their hands

That suffering is prevalent

Around the globe

Our circle is broken

Once knowing no end

It is now divided

By invisible lines

Dictated by wealth

By status

There are those who dare to cross the lines

Compelled by the need

The suffering

Hearts born to help

Hearts that know the value

In a child’s smile

Hearts that feel the pain

In a child’s empty stomach

This is the heart I desire.

Where there is sickness

They are a hand to hold

Where there is hunger

They are a safe meal

Where there is thirst

They are the path to the well

Where the view of the future weighs heavy

Decorated with fear and lack

They broaden the horizon

With the gift of hope

While we are left to feel ashamed

For our own perceived lack

They offer to us

A broader view

The proof that even ONE

Can make a difference.

The web never ceases to amaze me.  One of the most important ways it has, has been by returning to me, my faith in humanity.  That's a pretty big feat, and one of the most vital players in providing me the hope that the world might turn out okay is Oliver Ehlers.  A Broader View volunteers is an organization that came to life through the vision of Oliver and his wife, Sarah, after returning to the US from a vacation in Chile, South America, where they came face to face with the children in need, and the difference made by the volunteers working at an orphanage.  You can read more about them here.

Like everyone today, times are tough, and I am limited in the ways I am able to help.  I donate when I can, but it seems somehow hollow when I see the great lengths so many go to to help others in need.  Dedicating your vacation time to volunteer, I think, is awesome.  To know that I might be able to help provide housing and meals to those on the ground workers that are there making a difference, is huge! Perhaps, one day, I will be lucky enough to be one.  Until that time comes, I want YOU to know, that there are options other than all inclusive Cuban resorts for your vacation itinerary...At the present moment, a broader view has over 195 programs that need our support. That support can be as simple as sharing this post, liking their Facebook page, or telling a friend who is looking to do something different this year with their time off.

The success of their programs can be evidenced in the wonderful testimonies of the volunteers who have so selflessly given of their time to help others in need.  This is one story that speaks to my very heart, and I would love to have you take the time to visit with Emily and learn about her experience in Peru. Here is just a snippet of her story...

"My Favorite Memory: I spent a lot of time in the clinic working with the special needs children. There was one boy in the kindergarten class I helped with, who had both arms and legs amputated. We did a lot of art projects, and most of the time someone else would just do it for him. One day I noticed he had a watch on what was left of his left arm. The other children were coloring with crayons, but I searched and found some markers. I used the watch to hold the marker on his arm, and he was able to draw by himself, for what I believe was the first time. I had never seen him so happy. I gave him a hair binder to use with the markers so he will always be able to draw by himself"

This is all the proof I need to know it takes more than JUST money to change the world.  It take heart, it takes compassion, it takes courage and strength...and these are the attributes we need to support and share. Donate...your time, your dollars, your heart...and let's make a difference in the world.

One world, one love ~ Natasha

A Broader View (official website)

A Broader View (on Facebook)

Life Changing Stories (Volunteers share their experiences)

a broader view ~ Uganda
to donate via paypal
volunteers@abroaderview.org
subject line: Uganda

A Broader View ~ Kenya

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A Broader View ~ Ghana
to donate via paypal
volunteers@abroaderview.org
subject line: Ghana

All images courtesy of A Broader View and their awesome volunteers! View full albums on FaceBook