"Without making a difference in at least a few lives in South Omo, my life doesn't make any sense" Paulos Gote
Paulos Gote is a former resident of South Omo, Ethiopia whose very survival is miraculous story. He has dedicated much of his life to helping the people of his homeland and is the reason that "Friends of South Omo" now exists. Paulos has brought us incredible stories of poverty; superstition - which includes a practice of 'throwing' babies; female circumcision and whipping; lack of food, water and medical help; and so much more. He now resides in North America with his wife and children. Paulos has made a commitment to the people of South Omo to make a difference, and together, we can help him, help them!
Sometimes, we are confronted with truths about a situation that is so unlike our lives, so unlike what we know in our daily activity, wrought with so many unfortunate circumstances and obstacles, that we think we cannot make a difference. It may seem easier to stick our heads in the sand or look the other way. After all, in the face of what seems an overwhelming situation, what difference can one person make?
I often think of the story of the boy on the beach throwing starfish back into the ocean after having been stranded on the beach after the tide went out, offering them a new opportunity at life. An elderly man was walking by and asked the child, " What on earth are you doing?" The boy replied that he was saving the starfish. With a voice quite laced with cynicism, the man asked, "Look at the thousands of starfish on the beach! Do you honestly believe what you're doing can make any kind of difference?" The boy stooped down to pick up a starfish and threw it into the ocean. He then replied, "I'll bet it made a difference to that one."
We too, CAN make a difference. One, by one we can help to stop unnecessary tears. Please take a moment to glance through the pages of our website and find out more about life in South Omo and how you too can be a Friend of South Omo!
