“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
– Winston Churchill
Still full from the six casseroles we
prepared last Thursday, all of us here at Manna are celebrating December 2, 2014 - the unofficial holiday known as Giving Tuesday. While December is so frequently a time for hectic shopping
trips and long gift lists, it is also when we remember what is most
important. As a huge advocate for
international human rights, I am fascinated by how many privileges and basic rights most of us are able to
take for granted. The right to free speech.
To education. To health. To life without violence or fear. To life without
poverty or hunger.
Since my arrival in Ecuador have I become particularly obsessed with the right to education. As so many of us in the U.S. are able to receive quality education, it is ease to forget what an amazing and transformative opportunity that is. While working with children daily, I see so many opportunities to enhance and continue their education through Manna's initiatives. From our children's nutrition and health programs, English classes and even our art program - I feel we can give back to most to our community through this emphasis on education.
While I know
everyone’s Christmas list is running long, I encourage all of you to remember those
who were not lucky enough to be born with so many of these privileges.