Comments on: A Life Like Mine: World Living 101

By: maryleigh

maryleigh — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:32:33 +0000

My oldest son went to Uguanda for a summer mission trip to a war torn region. I wish all my sons could do this before they go to college. The most successful college students are the ones who know the reality of want in the world and, as a result, want that education. What a great post! I don’t think children today truely understand the opportunity an education provides.

By: Leslie

Leslie — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:44:19 +0000

Thank you all for sharing you comments and experience. There is a lot we can do in our own backyards, with civic organizations, school organizations, and other charitable endeavors. I love living in a small town because all these opportunities feel very approachable. I do still look forward to those world experiences because there is a level of poverty and lack of opportunity/services that i believe you can only find outside the us.

By: Kellie

Kellie — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:31:22 +0000

Our three children have only ever lived overseas, spending very little time in the US despite being born there. I love that they get to see the world, live in different cities of the world, and experience the culture of the country we live in. As much as I love those aspects, I want them to develop a deep respect for their heritage, that they are Americans. They are still young, the oldest being 5, but I look forward to when they are older and can really appreciate the opportunity afforded us by DH job. Some countries inplant themselves deeply in our hearts, while others not so much. The more we move, more countries we live in we know home is wherever we are together, as a family.
An additional comment…the constant for our family is the church. Branches in Moscow and Malta, wards in Tokyo. Currently our kids are the only primary kids in a branch of 20 people (on a good Sunday). Considering there are 5 in our family, 2 sets of Elders, and a missionary couple it shows you the extent of our branch, but the church is the same, a constant. I thrive by the constants of life whenever we move.

By: FoxyJ

FoxyJ — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:32:59 +0000

I’m with Elizabeth–the other day we went to Filipino market with my dad because the fish is cheap, and it was definitely another world. It was one of those shopping centers with a fast food restaurant (Filipino) and little shops, and I didn’t recognize most of the food in the place. To be honest, I was a bit uncomfortable but my kids thought it was awesome. We didn’t have to leave Las Vegas in order to realize that other cultures exist all around us. Poverty also exists around us too, and even if you can’t travel internationally with your kids, find out about things like your local food bank or women’s shelter. They can always use your help.

By: annie

annie — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:26:02 +0000

Your experience in Turkey sounds wonderful. I would do that with our family in a heartbeat! This is so timely for me. Last night I was clicking through my collection of bookmarked inspiring sites and my husband asked “so should we just sell everything, pack up the family and find some place that needs us?” As much as I want to do that, I know we *are* in a place that needs us, maybe just not in as obvious ways. So, like you and re-inspired by you, I’ll continue to teach our children and contribute to others’ efforts as much as I can.

Thanks for the suggestions!

By: Tamlynn

Tamlynn — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:10:05 +0000

Great post, Les. You know I am also a fan of kiva.org. My kids love picking out a family or individual to loan to. I grew up in a rural area and I make it a point to visit every year so my children can see the difference. Granted, its not the same as a third world country, but its the best I can do at this time. Just being on the farm for a month helps them with their perspective of life and death, where our food comes from and the hard work needed to get that food on our table.

Other things we have been involved in locally is a shelter for homeless/abused women with infants. Donating clothes, food, yardwork, etc. helps their perspectives of their own wants and needs.

Bekah, I know you and your family will get out and do something exciting and challenging. You are that kind of person!

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:38:46 +0000

I agree with the post and I do think that a world/cultural awareness is important but you also don’t need to leave the US to find poverty and people who go without. There are a lot of opportunities to serve people in desperate need of help without taking a 15 hour plane ride. Until you are able to take your children to exotic and less traveled places outside the US, you could also consider looking into programs where they can serve the destitute closer to home.

By: bekah

bekah — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:31:06 +0000

After growing up in New England, living in japan for a year as a child, and serving a mission in Brazil I sometimes worry about the lack of diversity my children experience growing up in Idaho. I definitely worry about the comparative affluence of life in the USA when my children complain about all the material things they want. We try very hard to explain to them how blessed they are, and give them opportunites to share with and serve others, but I think your suggestions of books would help alot. And I want to know what that DVD is called! Dh keeps suggesting that he take a job at the LDS Family Services in Sao Paulo since they need Portuguese speaking therapists and so our children can expand their worldview, but I am honestly afraid to do anything like that until I am sure I’m done having babies. After seeing the Brazilian healthcare system firsthand, I am not sure that I am willing to give up the security I feel delivering in a US hospital.

By: Luisa Perkins

Luisa Perkins — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:32:07 +0000

How inspiring!

My children have spent several summers doing Heifer’s “Read to Feed” program. They have had a great time getting sponsors and donating the money they have raised in the form of flocks of chickens or hives of bees. It’s a terrific program with a lot of wonderful educational materials.

By: Faith.Not.Fear

Faith.Not.Fear — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:15:40 +0000

Greg Mortensen’s “Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace…One School at a Time” opened my eyes, and heart, to the people of Afghanistan. I’ve been able to tell my kids a little bit about what is happening to that area because of it.

Here are the children’s books he’s written on the same topic:
LISTEN TO THE WIND
The Story of Dr. Greg and “Three Cups of Tea.”
By Greg Mortenson and Susan L. Roth. Illustrated by Susan L. Roth

THREE CUPS OF TEA
Young Reader’s Edition (not sure what reading level)
By Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. Adapted by Sarah Thomson

This makes me think of the scripture in the Doctrine & Covenants — that we need to learn about countries, nations, etc.. Another reason why!