Monday, November 9, 2009

Vicarious Travels

Patricia and her husband Stephen (not in El Salvador, obviously)


My dear friend Patricia arrived safely in El Salvador today. She's a member of a group of bloggers on a journey to raise awareness for Compassion International. The organization describes itself thusly:
CI exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults.
Patricia is not one of those Christian conservatives who give religion a bad name. She's a funny, loving, openminded woman who is motivated to do this - and many other caring acts - by her faith. God knows the children can use all the help they can get, especially now, as El Salvador's people are struggling with a state of emergency in the aftermath of a hurricane.

I confess that my particular choice these days is more focused on education without a religious component, like the work of Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea. But Compassion seems to be a worthwhile organization whose work truly helps people.

I invite you to check out this link to Jonesbones5, Patricia's blog. She and her family inspire me and crack me up in equal parts. You should definitely watch their youtube video of travel tips if you're planning a trip.



5 comments:

Barry said...

She sounds like a wonderful person with a wonderful cause.

shrink on the couch said...

Your friend and her husband are good people. Compassion.com is also where the amazing "dude perfect" Texas Aggies donate their proceeds.

Maureen said...

sounds like a great project. good luck to your friend and all the other people involved.

Jason, as himself said...

Your friend sounds wonderful. I must confess I tend to not listen as closely to someone doing good if they're trying to push the religious message, too.

I read Three Cups of Tea, and what an amazing book and person.

Lucy said...

I think it's possible for people to find strength and inspiration in their faith to help others without necessarily putting proselytising conditions on what they're doing.

You can't argue with compassion, wherever it comes from.