what's new right?
so i was thinking (while on the trip and more so now) ...
why do we go to other countries for "missions trips" or "humanitarian projects?" totally just curious.
is it because it somehow validates our existence? does it make us feel better that we have a concentrated period of time to do "good work" so that we don't feel bad the rest of the year if we don't actively invest in people around us?
would we be as inclined to invest in those who have stinkingly similar issues within our own cities if we knew the same problems existed? or are we satisfied keeping those in need a plane ride away? does it seem more noble to trek to far-away lands to "save the world?"
again, just curious. because i'm starting to think there is something fundamentally wrong with me going to another country to help the homeless, hungry and underdeveloped demographic of humanity, when i've only spent a total of three hours of my life on skid row ... three blocks from my apartment.
perhaps i have a greater passion for developing countries than i do the inner-cities of america. or perhaps i'm being selective with who i think matters based on convenience. something to consider i suppose.
i know i can't wear the weight of the world on my shoulders ... i can't help EVERYONE nor do i think i'm the only one in the world who cares about the underprivileged. i guess i just want to know that i am drawn to the developing world because i was created to care about it, not because it's easier than caring about the man who sleeps in the alley next to my loft.
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3 comments:
Hmmm...This is something I think and talk about quite often. Why not start at home? There is something noble, I think in starting with those closest to you. Maybe some shy away because it sounds too easy (is it ever easy?) I tend to think that flying somewhere to take on a mission project is much more glamorous, and as so, just feels better. It seems worthwhile and important. Others will have to notice your absence and take notice of your good will. Whereas a neighborhood good deed goes unnoticed. You notice that people are quick to annouce the causes they support. Sure, it may encourage others to join the cause, but it also announces "I am a great person!" to the world. If this is why people do the good deeds, are they more selfish than staying home? Is the actual good deed a pleasant side effect of one's quest for self-importance or attention? What do you think?
you articulated my thoughts so much more clearly ... as usual :) the selfishness is such a great question. but, then again, can we really be entirely altruistic? or, because of our human nature, will a small part of what motivates us be capitalistic in nature? what does someone who has "significance" as a top 5 strength do? what if you're inherently results-driven and task oriented? does it make you selfish to not stick around when things aren't developing? hmmm ...
You're right.We are never 100% selfless. I guess we have to work with the motivation to help others no matter where it comes from...
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