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Apr. 10th, 2007 05:41 pmI had terribly significant things to say and I can't think of them, so instead I'll just say 'hi' to new blogfriends. I think it's been about a year since I said 'hi' to anyone, so if you can't remember me having welcomed you into my warped little world then accept this welcome as your due. If you *can* remember and haven't yet run away then I continue to be impressed by you.
Today made me think. I had forgotten what an emotional boost it gives to see someone doing worthwhile stuff with their lives. I spent this morning talking to someone at Care International and came out mourning the fact that I can't do what she does but being very grateful for a world where there are people like her. Quiet, tired people who work long hours sometimes at desks, sometimes in the field and sometimes at desks in the field.
Before international aid existed many, many more people died and were hurt by war and catastrophes. The world is imperfect right now (very imperfect) but at least we have people who help when a tsunami hits or a famine strikes.
We want all problems solved. We want the assistance to be where it's needed instantly and without budget problems or political interference. We want problems to disappear so we can focus on our own small lives. That's only human. But given the resources of agencies like Care International and given the hours they put in and the way the care they give fills those lives most aid agencies are doing pretty amazing stuff.
This evening is mostly teaching preparation and Ursula Le Guin. If I were writing about someone else I would be returning to not letting politics show in public, but Le Guin's beliefs and thoughts form her worlds and so I suspect this whole week will end up vaguely politicised and deeply emotional. As I said to the Care International officer "It's a strange feeling when the discorporate parts of myself all come together." The truth of this week is it's all about writing. And the truth about writing is that it's all about ... everything.
Today made me think. I had forgotten what an emotional boost it gives to see someone doing worthwhile stuff with their lives. I spent this morning talking to someone at Care International and came out mourning the fact that I can't do what she does but being very grateful for a world where there are people like her. Quiet, tired people who work long hours sometimes at desks, sometimes in the field and sometimes at desks in the field.
Before international aid existed many, many more people died and were hurt by war and catastrophes. The world is imperfect right now (very imperfect) but at least we have people who help when a tsunami hits or a famine strikes.
We want all problems solved. We want the assistance to be where it's needed instantly and without budget problems or political interference. We want problems to disappear so we can focus on our own small lives. That's only human. But given the resources of agencies like Care International and given the hours they put in and the way the care they give fills those lives most aid agencies are doing pretty amazing stuff.
This evening is mostly teaching preparation and Ursula Le Guin. If I were writing about someone else I would be returning to not letting politics show in public, but Le Guin's beliefs and thoughts form her worlds and so I suspect this whole week will end up vaguely politicised and deeply emotional. As I said to the Care International officer "It's a strange feeling when the discorporate parts of myself all come together." The truth of this week is it's all about writing. And the truth about writing is that it's all about ... everything.