Globe-trotting assistant

OK, so here are my latest updates for the travel plan in 2007:

1. I plan to take part in a global evangelism trip with my parents. We're planning to spend two weeks abroad as missionaries. The location has not been finalized yet but we already have a direction.

2. I'm looking for an assistant from anywhere around the world to go with us on this trip. You'll have to pay your travel expenses, but hey, this is one-in-a-lifetime chance. It's going to be awesome.

So yeah, not much, but it's a good start. I may start doing some radio stuff at my school but I'm not sure. Otherwise I'll go into more writing.

Till then... Good day and take care!

Mumbai Special Taxi Services

I read a news article on BBC today about a man who is starting the first special taxi services for disabled people in Mumbai, India. It caught my attention because, coincidentally, starting Monday I'll make three trips on the Taipei City-sponsored van before the week is over. The van, fitted with a lift, will costs just 1/3 of the normal taxi fare.

I've been using the van service more now that I'm starting school, and it's taken me to shopping malls and museums when I run out of things to do at home. Though it's always very bumpy and somewhat uncomfortable to ride in one, the van has proven itself to be an important part of my social life. Without it, I am stuck at home, isolated from the rest of the world.

The program in Taiwan is relatively new, and not all cities have such services, but to think that India is just starting its very first specially-fitted taxi caught me off-guard. I am excited for the people because I know what kind of changes that will mean in disabled people's lives. I encourage them to promote and expand the service throughout the city and into other parts of India. It's a worthy cause.

It's a complex feeling to know that you are very fortunate even though you have a severe form of physical disability. I realized today how lucky I am and how much good there is that needs to be done. Let's make a difference today.

ARTICLES:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5293366.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2795603.stm

International Volunteer Programs

Cross-Cultural Solutions

Asian countries to volunteer in: India, China, or Thailand
Volunteer Abroad (2-week program): $2,389
Intern Abroad (2-week): $2,689

Network for Voluntary Development in Asia

Join a Workcamp!
Countries & Links

iVolunteer (India)

Fees: $280
Organization responsible for: placement, orientation, finding the right accommodation, airport pick-up, feedback
Volunteers responsible for: airfare, VISA cost, boarding and lodging, traveling within India, medical insurance

National Volunteer & Philanthropy Center eMatch (Singapore)

Together

These are two videos about a father-and-son team. Watch to believe that life is still worth living.

The story of Dick and Rick Hoyt
Together
Can

Today I pray for peace

Today I pray for world peace.

Not for the political leaders, not for the conflicting nations, but for the people. I pray for you.

When life is so short, how can you keep on fighting? When life can be so beautiful, how can you kill?

Pause in your footsteps today and think about your life. A better world can exist without the bloodshed, but it takes wisdom and dedication and heart full of compassion.

Instead of anger, choose peace. Instead of bitterness, choose forgiveness. That will be the beginning of a lifelong journey.

When you choose to embrace life, you will find that we are all in need of one another. An orphan is without his parents, whether he is Arab or Jew or Caucasian or Indian. A heart can still rejoice, whether it is in health or in sickness or in pain. It's only by friendship that races cross their respective boundaries, colors forget their labels, and classes begin to dissolve.

Be a friend today. Make this world a better place.

Resources

Here are some resources for planning purposes:

Japan Rail
Welcome to Taiwan
Travel Thailand and Make a Difference
Discover the Philippines
Uniquely Singapore

Picture: Phra Nang Beach. (Photographer: John Elk III) © Lonely Planet Images