Tuesday, March 29, 2011

the world is a village

today I had the pleasure of attending an event called "Pamoja" (meaning the act of being together in kiswahili), a Japanese Memorial Service for those who were affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami, hosted by the Kenyan Red Cross. I feel lucky to have been invited because the message that was relayed is something everybody should address...

One of the speakers was the Honorable Joseph Nyagah and his speech really resonated with me. He spoke around the idea that the world is getting smaller and has become a village. We no longer operate on separate levels, but as one, pamoja...with that, he described how important it is as a nation to support Japan in any way possible. For Kenya, sending financial aid is not an option, but it is so important to acknowledge them for what they are going through and be there to support them morally and send our condolences. 

With technology and being virtually accessible at all times, it has allowed the world to evolve into a collaborative machine. Many criticize the fact that people rely on technology these days, but without technology, networking, the internet and cell phones, we would not be able to have 'breaking news' which inform each and everyone of us about the current events going on such as the horrible natural disaster that has occurred in Japan.

I am left feeling humbled and really thankful to have spent my afternoon with the people I did. It is so easy to forget how important it is to remember those within the world we live in today-'we are all brothers and sisters' Nyagah stated, and this is very true; if we don't help each other out, then in the end, everybody will be left alone. Japan has done so much for the world with technological advancements, car manufacturing, agricultural development, aid work in multiple countries, economic development, and they are usually some of front liners in coming up with funds for natural disasters that occur elsewhere. As the 3rd largest economy in the world, they have a lot to be proud of, but right now they are the ones who need a shoulder to lean on. Although Kenya recognizes they cannot help in any sort of financial way, it is great that an event like this was held just to have a moment of silence to let the Japanese people know that they are supported on a global level and that people around the world are thinking of them during their hard times.


At the end of the day, it does not matter where we're from, where we live, what kind of car we drive, etc. all that matters is that we support each other in this constantly changing world. Whether it be in our personal lives, or on a global scale, knowing that people are thinking about us in times of need is such a good feeling. So, I will conclude on that note...send some positive vibes and thoughts (and donations if you have the means possible) towards Japan because there are still so many people suffering and they are our brothers and sisters...and if you're up to it-send thoughts to someone you haven't reached out to in a while-you might make someones day.






just some food for thought-will write more soon!

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