day 7: overcoming indifference

So I continue my journey, wrapping up one week. Feeling ok but a bit dulled and bland. So I'll just say... Together we can make a difference, if we overcome indifference. 

In my line of work, when you've seen as much suffering, squalor and abuse as I have, it can get depressing when you think of all that could be done but doesn't because of indifference. Not because people can't afford to chip in, not because they don't know about the problem, but because of indifference.

in·dif·fer·ence/inˈdif(ə)rəns/

Noun:

Lack of interest, concern, or sympathy

So I'm asking all of us, let's do what it takes to overcome this plague of indifference. How? Do something. Give 5 bucks, tweet about this blog, post a Facebook status about a poverty issue that's been bugging you, say something, speak up, serve at your local food bank--again, do something. You'll be surprised how you start to come to life and it will start to flow--you'll feel that overcoming feeling! Like the little locomotive in The Little Engine That Could... you can make a difference if you put your mind to it. Got it? Ok. Let's go. We can do this.

On to the meals, if you're interested... 

Breakfast. Cabbage/carrot/bean one-egg omelette, 1/4 cup oatmeal with raisins, seasonings.

Lunch. Corn tortilla soup. Used bean broth from cooking the pinto beans. (Waste not, want not). Carrots, cabbage, 1/3 block ramen noodles, 1/3 small potato, small portion of pinto beans and brown rice. There was enough for leftovers as an afternoon snack!

Dinner. Seems I'm running out of ration variety by the end of the day. I need to plan these meals out more strategically, but just don't have the time. I've recalculated my daily ration on pasta and learned that I only have 1/3 cup of pasta each day for the remainder of the challenge. Bummer. Dinner was good but a little heavy on the stomach. Not in terms of quantity but consistency. Brown rice, re-fried pinto beans, 1/3 cup pasta with one tablespoon pasta sauce, homemade corn chips.

Dedicating day 7 to these girls pictured below who, thanks to scholarships provided by donors who overcame indifference, attend our education center in the slums of Hyderabad, India. Hyderabad is a city of almost 8 million, among the most densely populated cities of the world with twice the population of Los Angeles, yet relatively unknown outside of India.

These girls were found working in one of the largest trash heaps of the city, scavenging for recyclables. Our social workers met with their parents and convinced them that it would be more valuable in the long term to have an educated, healthy child than to have her bring in a few extra rupees from recyclables she might fetch from her scavenging work.

Take Action: 

1) Please consider giving toward my goal of 10 scholarships for children of the Indian slums. So far we've raised $650 of my $5,000 goal (10 scholarships). Every little bit helps!

2) Please visit my unofficial sponsor, Amazon.com through this link. 7% of your purchases made through the link are given to Peace Gospel. If you're in the UK, use this link.

3) If you're compelled by my effort here, please share it with friends. The main goal is awareness. So if you can help with that, huge.

4) Leave me feedback. Please comment on this post, especially if you have any ideas about what I should try to cook with these ingredients I have available. I love hearing from you! It really helps!