In 2004 and 2005, 2 major events occurred in my life.
By this time, I'm a dad 3 times over, lost a child to still birth, both of my parents passed on, divorced, launched my first business, and returned to Wall St in NYC. (yes, additional topics for "Everything Changed When...)
In 2004, I traveled to Cambodia for a 2-week immersion with orphaned kids in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This volunteer effort was organized by The Foundation for Global Harmony and its founder (and heart center) His Holiness Guyana Cealo.
This was my first adventure to SE Asia; the first time dipping my toes into a culture ravaged by war, genocide and poverty. My heart simultaneously exploded with grief and joy, hope and the desire to HELP.
Safe & clearly simple to say EVERYTHING CHANGED...
The following year was a trip to Myanmar for similar reasons, yet the atmosphere here was completely unique to Cambodia. In 2005, Myanmar was still in a military junta governmental format. Every move taken by our group (about 16 people, half from Japan and half from USA) was closely monitored.
On one visit to a "sensitive" orphanage, 2 of us were snuck into the location (with Cealo) to visit with orphanage leaders and discuss a fundraising initiative to build a school.
*I label this photo in my archives as "secret agent monk"
Whereas the orphaned children of Cambodia lost their parents to murder and HIV, the kids in Myanmar, for the most part, were abandoned by family and left at the gates to these orphanages. As it was explained, the families could not afford to house & feed the kids, or a disability prevented the child from receiving the care he or she needed.
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In closing, when the heart, and specifically when MY HEART is energetically altered, there is no turning back. The spigot of compassion and empathy can never be shut down. These 2 trips altered my life perspective in profound ways. And I am forever fortunate because of them.
Thus, EVERYTHING CHANGED WHEN...to be continued.
Peace and smiles
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Thank you, and voted!! Please confirm.
Peace and smiles
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Great that such travels can make a huge impression on lives
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Yes, truly. In my specific case, these 2 sojourns changed EVERYTHING. My focus, my reason for being on the planet, came clearly into view.
Peace and smiles
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Soulerpeace I call it
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@jimmyoblog, thank you for supporting @steemitboard as a witness.
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