Refugees around the World need our help
Posted by msterilinn on Nov 10, 2008
Bloggers unite to spread the word about refugees in peril, and get people involved in the crisis of those suffering around the world, as I write this post. I sit here with plenty of food, although I am far from rich, and shelter to keep my family warm and dry in the winter, and cool in the summer. Although I am no stranger to the pain of suffering and hard times, I cannot imagine living in such appalling conditions, as those refugees must endure each waking moment. As a mother, I am filled with great sadness as I see how much these people struggle just to survive, and to watch my children starve would be too horrifying to even imagine. Not to mention the atrocities being committed against these people. Regardless of each individuals personal beliefs about the Creator and Spirituality, who has the right to destroy others because their beliefs differ? Our true creator would not wish this, and no one may convince me otherwise.
I blog for many reasons, and to help those less able to help themselves is way up there at the top. People are dying, and those who are living in these refugee camps are suffering beyond our imagining. Not only are these people displaced with little hope of finding homes, they are the victims of disease and targets of militia outbreaks. Children are the victims of rape. Plagued by foul weather and the minimal of shelter, if any, there is little hope for these families and we who are free must find it in our hearts to help in whatever way we can.
This seems a daunting task, and a hopeless mission if we truly look at the scope of this global tragedy, as it is told that the numbers are as high as 42 million uprooted by war around the world. This is a staggering number if you ask me, and in this modern day of supposed ‘enlightened’ human beings, it is puzzling to imagine such barbaric behaviour occuring to such a large degree. If we remind ourselves that these are not just numbers, and are living, breathing human beings just like you and I, then we can begin to realize that it could just as easily be us living this nightmare.
There are those who dedicate their lives to helping those suffering, with assistance of food, shelter, medical attention and supplies. If you would like to further educate yourself and others, perhaps you would like to visit Doctors Without Borders to see what is happening on an alarming scale, and possibly help with donations of your time, or even offer financial assistance if you are in a position to do so. Spreading the word and raising awareness is a great first step towards helping these lost ones, and will go a long way to bringing hope to these people.
I will be doing more research, and dedicating more time to these humanitarian efforts in the future. Meanwhile, you may be interested in a refugee camp blog that has just finished up a tour to raise awareness called 42 Million Uprooted by War: A Refugee Camp in the Heart of the City. These people dedicate their lives to helping refugees, and I believe their dedication, courage, compassion and love for their fellow humans in danger and dire straits, will encourage others to follow suit and join in this totally worthwhile cause.
Are you truly Prepared for an Emergency?
Posted by msterilinn on Aug 19, 2008
Even though I do not spend a whole lot of time thinking about it, I am smart enough to take the time to prepare for an Emergency, should it strike in any form. Although one cannot imagine every scenario which may occur, we can gather some essential items in general to survive most situations. Of course, Food (in the form of MRE’s - Meals Ready to Eat - essentials for emergency preparedness) and a comprehensive kit of Medical Supplies would be at the top of the list, along with an Emergency Radio to keep us updated and informed in case of a power outage, or if we are forced to leave our homes. There are some pretty cool solar powered radios available for a decent price, and it is totally worth it.
Now, there are different levels of Emergencies. Having several packs ready to go at all times, one for each member of the family, is a great idea. We can keep these packs in a place which is easy to access on the go, in case we need to leave in a hurry, making certain everyone knows where their pack is. Practice Emergency routines once in a while to keep this in mind without creating a panic… we do not need to obsess. Keeping emergency supplies in our vehicles is also a great idea, just in case we are not home when danger strikes.
Another thing to keep in mind is our water supplies. Just in case our water becomes tainted, or we are uncertain of the purity, we should educate ourselves with Water Storage information and gather Water Filters, Purifiers and Storage Containers.
I would like to follow up on this subject in the near future with a list of supplies which may be helpful for those uncertain of what to gather. Sometimes it is not possible to gather all we may need, either because of our location or financial situation, yet common sense will show us what we need most so we can at least stand a chance of surviving if the unthinkable happens. Remember, when the Hurricane, Tornado, Earthquake or Disaster warnings go out (or hit), the time to prepare is over… like trying to buy fire insurance when the house is on fire.
I am lucky in that we have an extended family and friends who have thought about this occurance for quite some time now, and we are prepared to gather in a place of safety if at all possible. Educating ourselves in survival techniques is very important, as one never knows when an Emergency situation may occur, and it is better to be prepared so we are less likely to panic, and supplies may not be readily available. As always, I am most happy to hear ideas and suggestions which may be helpful in an Emergency situation.
