Austin

It sad to see a small child outside of a restaurant and walk passed him as if he was not even there. Today I missed Austin after meeting him for about 15 min. He is an eleven-year-old boy with four other siblings. He simply asked for food, we ordered food for him and the rest of his family. How can people be so blind, he is just a child? I am glad I made this trip. It has made me stronger and understanding person. I know the problems at home do not compare to what people in South Africa have to go through, specially the children here. The only thing on my mind right now, is if Austin made it home safely. I cannot stop thinking about Austin. Then I wonder of all the thousands of kids that have to go through the same situation. If people we understanding of these situations I feel things would not be so bad in our society. This tie in with Ubuntu, people start the process of healing by forgiving. If you cannot forgive those who have hurt you. How can you go around asking others to do the same? You have to start somewhere. I am not trying to say that in order for you to realize the struggle that others face; you have to go all around the world. However, educating yourself on situations like these is the first step. It is sad to say that people are aware of this, it is worse because they are not doing anything about it. My main goal in life has been to help others who are in need. This trip to me is not about fun and games, as I tell friends back home, no matter the job I have I really do not care about the income that I get. Money is just paper that people find so valuable. It may be something that many people hope to have, but if you have enough money to support and help others there really is no point in you having it if you are not willing to help. I find more about myself on this trip. When we visited the townships, I wanted to cry when one of the girls was singing a song. I do not quite understand why, it was not that I felt sorry or pity for them, I was happy I guess because I was there with them and seeing them happy made me want to cry more and never leave. The point of my blog is not to tell people what I did and how they should thank me for helping Austin out, the point of this is to educate people on what children like Austin have to go through on a daily basis. If your readings this thanks for taking some time to read and educate yourself about the struggles that children in South Africa go through and in other countries as well. I will always think of you Austin.