I was reading an article in the paper and I saw an interesting reference to Darfur that I thought I'd post in here, with the holidays and such.

Thanksgiving, more than any holiday, is also a testimony to the gluttony, hedonism, and sloth that has become part of the American fabric while people in the Third World nations like Darfur starve.

- Ross T. Runfola, Buffalo News, November 30, 2006

I found this quite interesting, and somewhat true. Think about it. As much as I love getting together and visiting with my family, there are people in Darfur and other places starving while we stuff our faces. We have so much, and yet they have so little. But then again isn't that the point of thanksgiving? Being thankful for what we have and appreciating the little things in life? (After writing that I realize that we consider food, shelter, and family the little things don't we... we just take it for granted, but in Darfur those must be the BIG things in life... interesting.) So I think that if I have learned anything from my research with Darfur, it would be to be thankful for what we have. Granted we live in America, and most of us haven't lost everything we've owned, so it may be harder for use to know what its like. I am thankful though, everyday I'm thankful for my family and all that my parents have done to provide for me. Who knows if everyone else feels the same way, but its the holidays... just be glad.
And since it is the holidays and the time of giving and donations I would encourage donating to the Doctors Without Borders foundation. No I'm not on commission (haha) and no I have no ties with the organization, but I truly believe in what they are doing for Darfur and am trying to spread the word about them. Maybe someday I WILL work for them :D (hint: I want to be a doctor and travel with them :D)