So Why CRSF?

Last Christmas I traveled to the Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka. It was a spectacular trip and I hope to visit often. When I returned to the States I had the great fortune of befriending a wonderful Buddhist Monk by the name of Venerable Dr. Beligalle Dhammajoti. Dr. Dhammajoiti was on Sabbatical from the University where he teaches in Sri Lanka. It just so happened he was living at the Temple I attend in Washington DC. We spent a great deal of time together and we developed a close and tender friendship. I learned so much from him but most of all I was benefited by his kindness and compassion.

Dr. Dhammajoti told me about a Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka who is the administrator of an orphanage which provides refuge for children who are victims of war and most recently the 2004 Tsunami. He humbly asked if I would be able to make a small donation to this orphanage whenever I could. Dr. Dhammajoti was sensitive to my humble economic status and knew that I was willing to do whatever I could.

I remember when Oprah opened her school for girls in South Africa earlier this year. I heard a lot of people complaining that there were plenty of girls here "at home" that she could have built that school for. Some people couldn't understand nor support her desire to help these girls in need.

I have also heard similar responses from people when I have mentioned my support for helping children's funds in other countries such as The Sri Lankan Children's Relief Services Foundation and The Cambodian Children's Fund. One friend scowled at me "Why don't you help Dominican children?" When I asked if he could refer me to an organization I could support he had no answer. He was just angry at the fact I was helping non Dominicans.

It's difficult to address these kinds of challenges from people: actually it's quite easy but I prefer not to argue about why I want to HELP PEOPLE IN NEED. I just want to see people and children in particular get help.

Another thing that drew me to CRSF was the leadership. I have a special place in my heart for the self sacrifice that Buddhist monks make in their lives. The fact that a homeless, penniless monk is trying to improve the lives of these children is something worthy of my respect and admiration.

I certainly agree that there are children "here" that need help. I am an advocate for PEOPLE so ultimately their geographic location really doesn't matter as much. This is a charity that pulls at me and I am inclined to help it. Some of you out there will feel the same about it and some of you will not. For me it goes beyond nationality or weather or not someone speaks my language or is of the same racial or cultural descent and background. I am glad to see people being helped no matter where they are in the world and I am just trying to play any role I can in that effort.

MYBWH&P!