Quotable Quotes

"Leadership is a blessing, no matter how difficult, it is a gift."

~ Tony Blair, former UK Prime Minister

Neglected Tropical Diseases

did you know that approximately 1 billion people each year are affected by diseases that are preventable or treatable?

here's the part that is most upsetting...these diseases disproportionately affect the poorest in our world. these diseases have been "cured" in our own country while we left others to suffer. these diseases are often known as neglected tropical diseases or NTD's.

prior to globalization it was probably an acceptable philosophy to take care of our own and leave other countries to fend for themselves. but, globalization is the reality we live in. what does that mean? it means the lines are blurred, borders are just arbitrary establishments. if there is anything that the H1N1 Swine Flu outbreak taught us, it's that disease can cross borders quickly and have a devastating effect.

I am about to live in a part of the world where NTD's are rampant. there are some diseases I am deeply concerned about as they are VERY likely - dengue fever for instance. I will do what I can to protect myself and my family and pray for God to protect us where I cannot.

I am glad that NTD's are finally making the international political agenda. it is also good for my friends with leporsy in India, as that is on the list of NTD's. if you'd like to learn more, visit the World Health Organizations website by clicking here.

Why do you think these preventable and treatable diseases have been neglected? should we continue to neglect them, or is there something we should do to respond?

A call to action

Turns out, trusting God isn't so bad. I believe he told me nearly six years ago that I would be working with women, children and HIV. I thought my job working with International HIV programs was the culmination of that dream. I was sad to leave the job, thinking I was leaving behind the dream. I'm learning that isn't true, it will just take on a new form when we reach Cambodia. The court of women trials in Indonesia that I posted on previously has concluded and this is what they have to say:

A jury of experts on Thursday called for urgent action to break the cycle of poverty, violence, trafficking and HIV that is ruining the lives of countless women, girls and communities in Southeast Asia.

My dream is alive and well...I will still be able to make a difference in the lives of women, children and those affected by HIV. I will still be able to help individuals escape the clutches of poverty. These are the things I have dedicated most of my adult life to and will continue to dedicate my life to. Thank you, God, for giving me opportunities to live out my dream!

Human Trafficking, part 2

Following my recent post on human trafficking in Cambodia, I received an article from the Phnom Penh Post. It is about a court for women located in Bali, Indonesia that is looking at the link between human trafficking and the spread of HIV. This work combines at least two of my passions in life and provides an excellent opportunity to speak on behalf of the vulnerable in our world. I am getting really excited to start work Cambodia...

Genocide, part 2

This week we arrive in Cambodia. I'm not sure what our schedule will be so I wrote a couple of posts in advance anticipating a gap in internet access during our transition.

After my recent post on Cambodia's genocide, I received a link to this article from the BBC. Basically, the story is about a musical genre known as Khmer Rock. The leading artists from this genre of music were wiped out by the Pol Pot regime. So, it wasn't just doctors, lawyers and teachers they lost - they also lost their leading artists. There is an audio interview available at the link that is also very interesting, I recommend you check it out.