Monday, December 15, 2014

Making a Difference

There are many things we do that make a difference in this life. Often they are underestimated, such as a smile or a word of encouragement. My brother, David, has recently decided to make a difference early next year by helping the people of a small village in South America and at the same time, raising money for prostate cancer.

His trip sounds amazing. Over two weeks in Peru! During that time, he’ll spend a few days in a village to provide help to the locals in the form of teaching, helping out around the village, and the medical people going along will do vaccinations. He’ll also trek up to Machu Picchu. As exciting as the trek sounds (I’ve always wanted to visit that ancient, spectacular ruin), I honestly think he will gain the most from his time in the village. There is no substitute to helping others.

If you’d like to help David raise money for prostate cancer, then click here: https://incatrekforcancer.everydayhero.com/au/davidc

You can also help by sharing the link.

None of the money donated will go to David or his trip. All of it will go to the Mater Foundation for prostate cancer research.

What was a special, little thing that someone did to make a difference to you? Have you ever travelled to Peru or some other remote place?

Photo: I'm sad to say, I did not take this photo. It's by Hernan Irastorza

52 comments:

Blue Grumpster said...

Your brother has a big heart. Machu Picchu... I know that place. Not easy to reach.

I'm a lighter shade of blue when people speak their mind and not try to be some part-time politician smiling at me while stabbing me in the back. Yep, that's right.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I've traveled, but nowhere that remote.
You're right, your brother will gain the most from the trip and return a different person. Giving of ourselves, a hundred percent without expecting anything in return, is the greatest thing we can do.

Unknown said...

What wonderful work by your brother! We have a mission group that goes to Equador every year and does similar. I've yet to go, although it has always been a desire of mine. Thanks for sharing this, and I'll share it myself. Good will to you and your brother!

Natalie Aguirre said...

That's so awesome what your brother is doing. It's so good to give back to our community and world.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

That's wonderful. He'll be enriched. When we give to others, our problems diminish.

Pat Hatt said...

Will gain the most from helping in the village indeed, it will be one great trip I'm sure.

DEZMOND said...

will you go too?

J.L. Campbell said...

Tweeted. It's wonderful to do something meaningful to help others. I hope all goes well on the trip.

Bish Denham said...

I too have tweeted because giving is what the season is all about. Here's wishing your bother has a wonderful and meaningful time.

Stephen Tremp said...

Best wishes to you brother and all his efforts. I'll Tweet to that.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

He does have a big heart and an adventurous soul.

I prefer honesty over stabbiness too.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I hope you get to go to Equador some time. It would be an incredible experience.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

unfortunately not this time. I think I'd need to train up first. Back when I was young and fit, I trekked in the Himalayas and discovered that going up is a whole lot easier than going down.

Terri Tiffany said...

When we were unemployed, the church sent my husband to Haitti to help build an orphanage. It was an eye-opener time for him.

Emily R. King said...

What a charitable man! I hope he has a wonderful time in Peru.

Suze said...

How crazy that we've been friends for so long and I didn't know your brother's name is David.

Donna McDine said...

How inspiring! My brother helped Habitat for Humanity in rebuilding homes after Hurricane Katrina. He said it was the most rewarding experience he ever had!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I don't get to see him much since he lives in a different state. :(

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

That would've been a truly amazing experience.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I imagine he learned a lot during that experience.

cleemckenzie said...

I love it when there are people helping people directly. This is a wonderful thing your brother's doing. How proud you must be.

Cherie Reich said...

He'll have some amazing stories to share from his trip. I've always wanted to see Manchu Picchu.

Christine Rains said...

Incredibly inspiring, and oh, what stories he'll have to share!

Jemi Fraser said...

Good for him! Helping out others is such an important part of being human! I hope he raises a ton :)

Anonymous said...

Kind words and deeds always make my day and fill me with hope. I like to give, and it always feels rewarding.

Al Diaz said...

Awesome! A few years ago, I was part of a group that also made trips to remote villages but here in Mexico. You learn a lot from the people there. It's amazing that people who have so little often is more grateful than those who have more. They are great teachers of life. Good luck to your brother and dragon hugs to you!

Unknown said...

Special something? Yes, many treasured memories, well done David!

Nicola said...

What an inspirational post. It's nice to learn of good people in the world, especially in light of what has been in the news over the last couple of days. Best of luck to David. Please let us know how it goes.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks again for the Twitter share!!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I once did a trip in the Himalayas and met a lot of the villagers in the region. You are so right. Those people have a lot to teach us. We think in our affluent society that we have it all, but if we're missing gratitude and joy in those little things in life that have nothing to do with how much stuff we have, then we're also missing the point. Thanks, Al.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

The news lately makes me weep. Especially the horror that went on in Sydney, my hometown! In the same cafe where I've enjoyed chocolatey goodness! So yes, it's essential to know there are still good people in this world.

Theresa Milstein said...

Wonderful that David is raising $ like that.
I've never been to anywhere remote.

Tammy Theriault said...

you're brother is amazing! I guess it runs in the family, huh??? yes, it does girl!

Unknown said...

Sounds like brother David is a special person, not to mention he has an awesome name! ;-)

Denise Covey said...

What a wonderful trip that will mean so much to so many. I love the idea of volunteer tourism and have been looking into it. Go David!

Happy Christmas to you and yours Lyn!

Tyrean Martinson said...

That's so awesome!!! I've been blessed to be a part of a church congregation that has sent 50% of its members on short term missions trips - it may have something to do with having a retired missionary in our midst, but there are some amazing people who have built homes for the homeless, run summer camps for orphans, and other amazing things. They inspire me, but I admit I haven't taken that kind of trip myself yet.
Way to go, David!

emaginette said...

So unselfish. 'nough said.

Anna from Shout with Emaginette

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Ha, I wouldn't go that far...

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Let me know how it goes, Denise!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

awesome indeed :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I did a trip for church a few years back. They sent a group of us to South Korea. It may not have been a poor area, but the experience was truly amazing.

Vanessa Morgan said...

Your brother is so kind to do all this. Such a good person.

Murees Dupè said...

Your brother sounds like an amazing person. I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

What an amazing man, and how proud you must be. Kudos to your parents for doing a splendid job. I have friends that do something similar every year. It's a great feeling helping them.

Arlee Bird said...

Last year I went to Ecuador and that's right next to Peru. It was a wonderful experience.

The gift of presence and experiences are often far more valuable than things that eventually get old, ignored, and discarded. I prefer the happiness of the now and the good memories of the past.

Lee
Tossing It Out

Sherry Ellis said...

What a wonderful thing for your brother to do! It'll be an amazing experience!

Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Carol Riggs said...

What a fantastic cause and experience that will be. Rah for your brother!! I've actually never ever been out of the US, but I've lived in Alaska before. Is that exotic enough? LOL Merry Christmas to you and the hubbs, and Happy 2015!!!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Lynda - many people benefit so much from these trips - we think it's the other way, but in fact it's us - the westerners - who come away so enriched. Excellent to read about David .. and all your other readers who've done similar, or know of similar ... I do do things - but not travel up mountains etc ...

You'll have lots of experiences to tell once he returns and can spend time with you telling you and the family all about it - sorry to read you knew the cafe in Sydney ... so so sad ..

With thoughts to one and all - cheers Hilary

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Your brother is an amazing guy! I'll spread the word for you.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Well said, Lee. The best gifts have nothing to do with 'stuff'.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Alaska seems pretty exotic to me!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

re the cafe, it's so scary what people are capable of. At least we are also capable of amazing things, like what my brother is doing. I'm looking forward to hearing all about his trip, and I'll try to keep everyone here updated too.