I would love for you to take some time out and read these stories (scroll to bottom to view each, or retrieve text-only file without the photos). I haven't read all of them yet myself (just posted today) but I will. (And one of them is mine.) They are all illustrative of the art of evoking emotion through storytelling as well as providing a glimpse into the dreams and lives of people of many cultures.
Brad Newsham, founder of Backpack Nation, talks about his own experience of travel:
My second insight: We are all related. That guy sitting beside his begging bowl on the streets of Calcutta is my brother. That woman walking five miles through the Kenyan bush with a water gourd on her head is my sister. It makes no difference that half the world's 6 billion people live on less than $2/day -- we are all one huge family.
The second phase of Backpack Nation focuses on stories of giving:
Several months ago I sent out an open call for "stories that echo the 'pay-it-forward' principle and the Good Samaritan parable; stories that reflect the magic of foreign travel; stories that shine light on individuals trapped in the world's worst political and economic situations; stories that capture the delights and difficulties of cultural interchanges; stories that touch the human heart…"Specifically," I wrote, "I want to promote this phenomenon of Western travelers reaching out to share ourselves and our wealth with people in the poorer countries."
Specifically I wanted to write a story that also displayed that sharing 'wealth' is a two-way street; and turn the tables on whom is judged poor and whom is blessed.
My story made it into the 20 finalists. Five of the winners (vote for your favorites, and send in to [email protected] by August 1, 2004) will receive $1000. In my story, I describe what the $1000 will be used for. By the way, if you have any connections to computer and software vendors I am also seeking in-kind donations (read the story for the why).
Please DON'T vote for my story just because you know me or like my blog or anything resembling those reasons. I encourage you to read all the stories and vote from your heart.
Here's the start to my entry:
The Tree of 1000 BlessingsThe Maya call this the tree of a thousand blessings, said the obsidian haired boy-priest.
As instructed, I close my eyes and silently chant a mantra to etch my three dreams into my mind. These dreams will become real, he assures.
The branch-frond of a thousand thin-fingered leaves flutters its wings and alights on my crown. I breathe in and out to slow down the moment. The rare cloudless blue sky is witness. The sweet water lake ringed by the vibrant emerald cloud forest is witness.
Do dreams burst forth atop of sacred volcanoes? Is receiving giving? Giving receiving?
Continued here....
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