Mad World

So I had my first day working for Public Outreach yesterday. (For those of you who don't know, my latest job is street canvassing with this company called Public Outreach that offers their services and street teams to do fundraising for other organizations.) The organization I am representing is called Plan Canada. It's one of the world's oldest and largest child aid and development organizations. I am so proud to be working for them. Check out their website: http://plancanada.ca/ You'll be amazed at the work they're doing. I know I was.


Anyway, yesterday was my first day. I always thought I could never do this job because I would get angry and discouraged by all the people who walk by and never stop. I know I used to cross the street to avoid walking by street canvassers because I felt SO guilty for not stopping. What I realize now, (and all those of you who have similar thoughts to mine will be relieved to know) is that it's okay. We don't expect most people to stop. I didn't feel angry at anyone. I ended up signing up my first person for child sponsorship and that cancelled out the hundreds of people who didn't stop. I have to say it was beyond exciting. I loved riding the bus home after work knowing that I had a hand in helping a child and their community on the other side of the world. I was cold, my feet hurt and I was tired. But this job is much easier then I expected it to be. I think it's because I believe in it. It's important.


It's hard when you start to really look at the state of the world because then you have to start making changes. That's scary. That's why people prefer not to know. I totally get it. Once you start tapping into the true and honest state of the world...it's pretty overwhelming. So sometimes we have to pretend it's not happening. We have to pretend there aren't people all over the world suffering and dying because of simple things like a lack of clean water while we go and indulge in a soy chai latte, or we take that extra bit of time in the shower. I do these little things for myself and then I feel guilty about it later.


I guess what I'm trying to say is that I feel incredibly overwhelmed. And afraid. And powerless.


Wow. Uplifting isn't it? Sorry for being such a downer.


Am I just being dramatic or does anyone else know what I mean?