Get Ready

Global nomad, that is what i have been called. And I have felt, it is truly what I am. Since i was 14 my feet have been itching to go and see the world. That is when my dear Daddy took me for interail, a train tour in Europe.

Since 2001 my heart has been on different side of the world, in the streets and slums of Kolkata, India. And since then the very same heart has been telling me to return there again and again. I have been given a great, even lavish life in Finland, my birth country. I was not born into super wealthy home, but I always had what I needed and even what i wanted. And since I stepped to the bazaars and blocks of India I have noticed that what I had was always plenty. And since then I learned to stop complaining, but just say Thank You. And of course, I decided I need to start sharing.

I have not always succeeded, but It has always been there inside me. That something needs to be done. I tried many ways, I volunteered in several places. Some of them good, some of them not so much. But each time I learned. I found that my other home was in Nepal, and that is where I also left my heart. Though piece of it will always remain in Kolkata, and Kolkata is where I will always return. Especially because I met someone who was capable enough to really go and make everything that was in my head and heart to happen.

Hemley Gonzalez was a volunteer like me at Mother Theresas home for dying and destitues in Kolkata christmas time 2008. Both of us had our questions about the place, and the quality of work done there. And since then Hemley started to plan his own charity, which would be totally transparent, and go and work where the help is needed most. And see what it really is that is actually needed. No religion involved, just common sense. We saw, we felt, we tought...and now we are doing.

Since december 2010 Responsible Charity has been working in Park Circus Slum in Kolkata making the lives of the people living there a little better place. Walls have been built, children have gone to school, fans, hygienic supplies, baby milk and other necessary items have been given. Medical rounds with sister charity Gimme Shelter has started to run on regular basis. Co-work with local people has been started. Work is done through the mothers of the families which empowers the women. And everything is transparent. Every action is photographed and published. Every donor will see where their money went.

That is where I am heading again. This time for a month, before returning to Nepal. The plan is to write daily (or well as often as possible) about the life of a global nomad, a volunteer. About the work done, and the response we get. To share the experience, and maybe even give an idea for someone, that You can do this too!

You are welcome to join the adventure. And please consider donating. Euro or dollar ain't big money in our life, but together those dollars can make miracles happen on the other side of the world!