Loving, helpful and generous people
Rattana and I spend as much time as possible in Narsomdee village with family and friends. Rattana was born in Narsomdee on the Thai-Laos border. I have been involved with hundreds of villages over 15 years, and now part of the village in Narsomdee is a real privilege.
We are truely privileged to be allowed access to so many village communities and share ideas and involvement in people’s lives. I cannot image working with Openaid if the focus on individual people - actually being involved in peoples’ lives - was lost or neglected. Sometimes I am not empathetic, sincere, and warm hearted. At my worst I am selfish and not sincere. But being generous and self-sacrificing is my goal and I am committed to living life close to others and trying to acknowledge my limitations.
Being ‘individualistic’ in ‘community life’ doesn’t please anyone. I might be well-meaning, but my character always shows and its easy to slip into cold-hearted living (focusing on my own needs not people’s needs).
Investing in Narsomdee is a wonderful blessing. Family members teach me about integration and their generosity and appreciation for positive qualities helps me recognise things previously unseen. They are patient and kind, and always willing to lend a hand - while knowing precisely how and when to let go. I am honored to share the joy of walking with these people, sharing lives.
Justin Whitecross
