Doctors say walking is good for health. I on the other hand feel it is even better for your soul.

Success comes at a high price, it makes life complicated, you think everything has a price tag, you loose sight of the real wealth you have before you became successful and often you loose touch with reality and forget the most important things in life.

I was heading up the road where success takes priority of everything else, I guess God knew where I was heading to and felt I needed a touch of reality.

One day circumstances caused me to take a walk, a walk down the road I used to very many years ago, as I passed down that street my eyes began to see what I lost sight of, a whole world out there that is bigger than I am, a world where not everything revolves around success, but where everyone lives each day trying to make ends meet doing whatever they can to survive.

A world where 15 to 20 neighbours gather together under one roof to watch the World Cup Cricket match as there is only 1 tv in the street, a place where children play with rubber tires and toys which they find in the garbage dumpster, a place where families eat 1 meal a day because they do not have sufficient money to pay all the bill, such as sending kids to school, the rent, electricity, and necessary expenses which we normally take for granted.

As I continued to walk down that street in my high fashion labels, expensive shoes, sunglasses and designer wrist-watch , I saw children  with bare feet, torn clothes , who looked hungry, tired, messy and thirsty playing on the sidewalk , talking, laughing and smiling. I doubt I ever smiled or laughed the way they were in a very long time. What did they have that I did not? And why was all that I had not enough to make me smile or laugh that way? I continued to walk down that street wondering, my eyes fell upon an elderly couple, sitting side by side eating from a single plate a very simple meal, with water on the side and I presume some home-made pickle, smiling at each other wish such love and affection, got me wondering still more. “I will love you for better or for worse in sickness or in health..”, it was apparent from that couple that the testimony of love and the statement above was being lived out with such zeal and commitment . I smiled and walked on…

I passed by a school, children studying, sharing books, and listening to what their teacher had to say with such attentiveness, the seats they were seated on appeared to be extremely uncomfortable, broken, and with splinters poking out of them, but they did not seem affected by all that. I do not remember myself being so attentive or keen to learn like they were.

I finally reached where I was heading to, but right before my destination I saw a young couple sitting in a small garden in the grass whispering sweet nothings to each other, I smiled once again and it got me thanking God to for the love of my life.

I needed this walk, I needed to get back to reality, to feel what I did years ago, to remember what it was like not to have all  I did, but have all I required.

There is nothing wrong with success as long as you do not forget who you are, how you got where you are and never forget we are not in control of our destiny, never loose sight of what is important in life, remember the little things, dream big, but live right. Thank God for what you have and do not let greed and ambition drive you to a destination you do not want to go in. Ask not why you do not have what you want, but ask why you are blessed with what you have while others are not.

We are where we are meant to be, doing exactly what we were created to do. Life is a journey, the key is knowing the direction we need to take in order to reach our final destination. All roads lead us somewhere, some even to where we want to go to, but the secret is taking the right one, so we reach where we are supposed, exactly when we are meant to.

And along the way, if we are destined, we meet that special someone, your forever love, the one God molded just for you.

Take a walk down that road you used to, who knows you may find the answers you were searching for, and you might just realize just how blessed  you are.

I know I did.

God bless you all. Hope you find all you are looking for, who knows what you want maybe staring right back at you, just open your eyes and heart to life.

This is Sanju signing out………

I am very passionate about this topic. It angers me how human beings can treat one another with such disrespect and cruelty. I believe it is our duty and responsibility to fight against human trafficking in all its forms.

There are various forms of Human trafficking all of which are inhumane and illegal.

Following are a few types:

·         Baby Trafficking (For Sale)

·         Labour Trafficking (Work in sweat shops, restricted construction sites, Domestic Workers, etc.)

·         Sex Trafficking (Exotic Entertainers, Forced Prostitution, Sex Slaves, Massage Parlors, Strip Clubs, etc.)

·         Mail Order Brides (Deceived into marriage and then abused)

·         Kidnapping (Human organs sold for medical purposes, Ransom, etc.)

Often we come across individuals who are victims of Human Trafficking but we fail to notice as we are ill-informed and ill-equipped to handle or perceive the situation.

Following are pointers which might help identify a probable Human trafficking case.

·         High Security on certain commercial establishments which normally would not require such security

·         Women are not allowed out of these establishments without an escort or some sort of guard.

·         In case of construction sites, individuals are restricted from leaving the work place and often live and work in the same location

·         Lot of electronic and manned security in areas which normally would not require such enforcement

·         In case of forced prostitution, you will notice a steady flow of men into the establishment but limited or no flow of women out of the establishment.

·         Often you may come across an individual with no identification , paperwork and unable to communicate with you due to lack of knowledge of local language, they may appear disorientated and lost.

If you come across cases such as these, beware and avoid confrontation, contact the appropriate authorities and pray that they do something.

If you do come across an individual who you suspect is a victim of Human Trafficking, ask simple questions, ensure your privacy is secure and listen to tell tale signs such as follows.

·         They are scared and fearful

·         They do not hold their own identification paperwork

·         They carry limited amounts of money.

·         They may suffer from post-traumatic stress

·         They may suffer from bruises, cuts, bruises.

·         There maybe signs of sexual abuse

·         They may suffer from dehydration and appear malnourished

·         They may suffer from sexually transmitted diseases

·         They may have very poor personal hygiene

If you notice the above, there might be a definite case of Human Trafficking. Following a few of the question that could follow in the conversation with a victim.

·         Ask where they are from.

·         Inquire where they currently live.

·         Ask if there are other individuals with having similar situation as them

·         Ask them if they have their own identification paper work such as their passport etc.

·         Ask them if they are able to enter and leave their current place of residence with freedom or they need an escort.

·         Ask them plainly if they are being held against their will

As individuals there is probably very little we can do to prevent this pandemic, but united we can do a lot. As individuals working away from country of origin we need to educated, inform and make aware to all the new comers from our countries, the dangerous which lurk around, as a courtesy and duty to protect our fellow countrymen.

We should not allow anyone to profit from the captivity, slavery, cruelty, abuse and mistreatment of another human being.

I personally am on a quest to tackle this issue, it might take me some time to get in a position where I can really make a difference but I know I will. Certain members of my family are already actively involved in tackling Global Human Trafficking and I am heading down that same road.

Here are some useful links.

http://www.rescueandrestore.com/

http://www.unanima-international.org/

http://www.ungift.org/

http://www.ilo.org/public/english/region/asro/bangkok/child/trafficking/index.htm

http://www.humantrafficking.org/

http://www.iom.int/

I will not take up arms to protect myself, but I will do all in my power to protect and preserve the life of a loved one or any human being who is defenseless.

Let us be the key to their freedom by breaking the chains of their captivity

God forgives, but in such cases I don’t and I won’t.

This is Mac signing off.

God Bless You and Good Night  

It is not because it is Valentines day, but because of the following reasons. (all reasons related to my wife)

Here are a few of the firsts

1-      The first day I met my wife (9 years ago)

2-      The first day I realized I was following in love with someone romantically (The someone being my wife – 9 years ago)

3-      The first day I met the woman I was going to marry (9 years ago)

4-      The first day of my forever with me wife (9 years ago)

5-      The first day I realized I was going to have my very first girlfriend.

6-      The first day she stole my heart and made it her own. (9 years ago)

7-      The first day I ever kissed a girl (8 years ago – again my wife).

8-      The first day I ever bought flowers for a girl (8 years ago).

9-      The first day I ever bought a teddy bear for a girl (8 years ago).

10-  The first day I ever stepped into the Philippines to meet my wife’s family (8 years ago).

11-  The first day I ever sang karaoke in public. (for my wife at a Karaoke booth in a shopping mall.) – very embarrassing trust me scary as heck. (8 years ago)

12-  The first day I fell in love with my wife’s family. (8 years ago)

13-  The first day I actually cuddled with my wife on the couch while watching TV. (8 years ago)

14-  The first day I held my wife hand and walked with her. (8 years ago)

15-  The first day Timi met my family (well around 40 members for starters).(7 years ago)

16-  The day of our engagement.(7 years ago)

17-  The first day we kissed in public.(7 years ago)

18-  The first day she became part of my family (7 years ago).

19-  The first day we were blessed by a Priest. (7 years ago).

20-  The first day we proclaimed our love before God and man. (7 years ago.)

Before the Valentines day 9 years ago, that day meant nothing to me and I never really considered it having any significance in my life.

My Love, my wife. I Love You Forever More.

Thank you for loving me unconditionally.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:8)

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. (1 Corinthians 14:1)

Do everything in love. (1 Corinthians 16:14)

This is Idealist signing off.

Good Night and God bless

Nearly a Billion people around the globe lack adequate housing, of which over 100 million are totally homeless and make the streets, cardboard boxes, shelters, parks and footpaths their permanent residency.

Every single country on this planet has homeless people, each country has their own term for the homeless. Americans term them as bums according to urban dictionary a bum is “a person who never has their own stuff and is always borrowing from others” Humm.. so if a person has the misfortune of being unable to make an adequate living and cannot afford to have a roof over their head, we call them a bum. That’s sympathy for you!!!. Wait there are more, Hobo, Dead beat, Crack head, Derelict, Transient, Bag lady, Tramp.

Why cannot we just call them Homeless and acknowledge the fact that “Homelessness is the condition and social category of people who lack housing, because they cannot afford, or are otherwise unable to maintain, regular, safe, and adequate shelter.”

Have you ever complained about your house being too small?

Have you ever wished you had a mansion for a home?

Have thought of putting new tiles on your roof or re-plastering the walls?.

It is natural for people to think of such things, no harm I believe in living out your dreams of a perfect home if you can afford to do so.

Before we complain of our situation we should think a bit about those less fortunate than us.

Instead of having numerous slang names for the homeless we should figure out what do the poor really need. They do not need just money, we need to see them eye to eye as individuals who have the capacity to support themselves, but they only need an opportunity to help themselves.  They need a job, then need a chance to respect themselves, to have pride once again in themselves, they need hope. If we cannot give them money, we can at least give them hope.

On occasion I have seen homeless being exploited with less than minimum wage because they have no other option left to ensure their survival, this is wrong, evil and inhumane.

Let us give the poor a Hand Not a Handout.

Charity with Equal Respect.

And along the way we will find something for ourselves which no amount of money can buy us. A true heartfelt gratitude, a smile of appreciation and warmth in our heart which will stay with us all through our life.

I have realized that doing something for others gives you more joy and happiness than just doing it for yourself.

Just a thought for tonight – Mathew 6:4 “so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you” – Mathew 6:19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroys, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroy, no thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”

Let us start helping the homeless by building their homes back one brick at a time.

 I know we can, we just have to want to.

Would you not love to see this smile?

This is Mac signing off.

Good Night and God bless.

I only want us all to spare a thought for those less fortunate.

All photos are owned by their respective photographer, I claim no right over them.

I thank them for their courage and passion in capturing such images

My intention is not to profit by any by any item posted here, just to utilize the image for a greater good.

We often close our eyes to issues and sights that upset us.

I often do the same.

Is it right?

I think not. Closing our eyes will not make the issue go away. We are just hiding from reality

Why God permits this suffering?

Does He really permit it?, I rather think His instruments on earth are not playing their part.

We are all blessed with free will, to choose what is right from wrong.

Right and Wrong differ from which side you are looking at the issue.

But one sight always looks the same, no matter which angle you look at it from.

And that is human suffering.

What do people run away from helping others?

Some People run away, feel awkward to be seen doing something humane.

Why?

Well, I have heard some young men call it un-cool. I have heard some young women say “I would be not caught dead in a place like this”.

Tough men say it makes them look weak.

Rich people say it might make people think they are flaunting their wealth.

Why worry about others opinion when you are doing the right thing.

Hunger does not single out its victims, It attacks with vengeance, striking anyone and anywhere, with a painful strike.  

It does not differentiate its victims by Race, Religion, Colour, Nationality, Ethnicity, or Region.

It has no boundaries.  

Well don’t walk away next time.

TACKLE (Think, Act with Compassion, Kindness and Love with Emotion) the issue.

Don’t close your eyes because you are too afraid to look.

Stretch out your hand with Mercy, Generosity and Compassion.

Give Hope to Humanity.

We are all God’s Children.

This is Mac, signing off…

Good Night and God bless