Changing the World

When we are young we are constantly challenged to Change the World for the better. Isn't that what most of us want? It is want I want. But after many years of reflection I must admit I am at a lose as to how to go about that. Here is the question that has been plaguing my mind and soul for some time... How do I (Rebecca) make the biggest difference in "my" world? When I was traveling through Cambodia I spent several hours a day pondering this very question. The poverty there was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I also saw the affects of other's efforts to help. Some thought tourism would help. It only turned people to beggars (losing their self dignity) as they saw the wealth of the people visiting there country. It has kept children from school and made them to work long hours begging for anything. Some thought industry would help which only made the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. My thoughts were towards education, but that takes years and the people need help now. Do we build wells (it which villages do we go first) , bring medicine (but who do we chose to get it.)Do we hand out food or teach them how to farm? What will have the greatest lasting effect on these people and their children to come?
Even closer to home how do I change things right here in Taiwan? I read a quote in our company's training booklet that said, "People come to change Taiwan and realized Taiwan has changed them". How true! Over the years I have come head to head with Taiwan culture and customs. There are so many things that I can't understand about this place. The history of the Chinese people in long and the traditions unmovable in many cases. There are so many times I have felt I was in the right and insisted on my "way". And even when the other people gave in I have found that I was the one that lost. A relationship severed and wall erected. When do I give in for the sake of the relationship? How much to I stand up for what I believe is right? Those are things I no longer know.
I have found that I have tried and failed to make a "huge" positive difference in my world. (Not completely mind you, but where I wish to make the biggest differences yes.) I don't want to spend a life time trying to make a difference and want to spend a life time making a difference. For now I do that through my students. I do it by example and with as much love and God with provide. I want to do more but I am at a lost as to how? If you have any thoughts I would love to hear it. Peace.