methodist.pilgrim.98 said:
having just got back from the Camino I had to wade through what is becoming a long thread.
I don't have anything new to add except that I stand with those who do not support Jim in this project.
Give your air fare to the orphanage; it is the best option. It will raise far more money than any sponsorship would.
On my recent pilgrimage I often didn't collect my change; sometimes it was so small it almost felt like an insult but many of the bars and albergues were glad to have it. NOW is NOT the time to be walking the Camino without money. When things are better, maybe, but not now.
Sounds like you had a good walk. I am going ahead with my walk. However, let me explain something. I live in Thailand on a very low budget from S.S., and I give all my money after I cover my living expenses to help others in need. I also give a lot of time helping their cause if it is something I believe in. I do writing, help with websites and even have my own You Tube channel. mrkaszynski I do not have adds on my channel or website’s. Most of my videos (about 60) are about helping others and some just for fun.
I live in a small one-room studio apartment which cost me $100 a month U.S. my food budget is $100 mo. I rent a motorbike which cost me $62 mo. That’s my budget! What money I have left over, I help those in need in Thailand and around the world.
Throughout my life, I have helped many churches, schools and origination’s to raise money for their cause. I will continue to do this for the rest of my life.
I have been asked many times “why don’t you help the people in need in the U.S.” Well; I look at this problem as a world problem. The bottom line is what most people agree to is that they would like world peace. In my mind, the answer is in the children, and the solution is the computer plus love. One of the best educational tools we have. Most countries have access to a computer. However, some block information that could disrupt their government, such as China, and I am working on that. We have volunteers who come from China, who helped out at our orphanage and wants to see their government change, and they are working on that but with extreme difficulties.
Sorry, I got a little carried away with that. Now back to my walk. I will not be asking for money during the walk. I have a group that has been following me for years on my life's adventure from helping people in the U.S., Mexico, Belize and now Thailand. I was even put in jail in Belize for what they called “having improper identification.” Which really was because they said, “We do not want your help?” They looked at me teaching the children how to use the computer as a way to disrupt the government.
I have no resentment against the country of Belize. Because I understand the way, they looked at me to change the children who could be a problem for the government. I was deported, after five days in jail.
Your suggestion to donate my cost of my flight to a good cause was considered. Nevertheless, my group which started with five people three years ago and now is over 1,000 suggested to have people donate one penny a mile “484 miles” $4.84 to go to a valid cause. So the idea was born to give the money to an orphanage in Kenya which my friend has just started. We have five children at the moment and growing quickly. I have already raised thousands of dollars for commitments to help after I finish the walk.
100 % of the money raised will go to help the children of Kenya. Thailand is easy to help the needy because they welcome the rest of the world with knowledge and money. Kenya is a different story. The government is extremely corrupt and most everyone asks, “What is in it for me?” Nevertheless, we have a handful of people who really want to help the orphan’s one person at a time. This is a very difficult challenge. However, it is one I am willing to take on.
There are many non-profits around the world who do good work. However, many skim off the top with little going to the true cause of their venture. I will have a secure website where people can make a donation, with no question the money will go to the right place. I will get no part of the money raised. I am not asking anyone for money from this blog. I have my own group, which is helping with this new challenge.
So for the people who are highly critical of me and criticize me
(I won’t come back and criticize you, it’s not in my blood…anymore) for what I am attempting to do, I understand. I may disagree with you, but I do accept you having your point of view, of course they do hurt because I feel I am being miss-understood. They do affect me but no longer control me, one of my greatest life lessons. When I finish the walk, I feel many of you will understand my true motive. As important what I do after the walk, I hope will make more sense to you. Helping others is what my life is all about! Jim
