Tip 164: All of us can DO something

I was inspired after reading an article about 2 teachers in Japan who wanted to make a difference in this world. They were teaching kids in Japan about global warming and the threat of extinction to the orangutan due to deforestation in Borneo (a land I am passionate about since my mission trip there). They were shocked when they received a common reply in the kids homework such as, "We can't do anything about that because we are students", or "Those issues are happening overseas, and because we are Japanese, we can't do anything about them".












Yet, Michael and Miki Tan decided they got to DO something. They planned a 3,000km travel along the whole stretch of the peninsular of Japan by walking on bamboo stilts (takeuma in Japanese). This travel will involve visiting many Japanese schools along the route, to get the kids to walk together in stilts to raise US$50,000 in donations to protect rainforests land in Borneo. Their message is clear. No matter how impossible something may seem, such as saving a forest or walking 3,000 km on stilts, if you just put your head down and start, anything is possible. Can you imagine whether it is even possible to walk for just 3 meters on long bamboo stilts?












Kids these days are pampered with attention, comfort and convenience. Haruka is at an age where she could walk well, but would ask me to carry her if we are walking for more than 5 minutes. She knows her loving dad would oblige. Would our dad or grandparents done the same previously? They had more children and a cultural norm that children should just be tougher to bear the hardships of those times. While I have a stroller, I rather not use it in our travels as it slows us down, as well as put me at a greater distance from talking to Haruka. Plus, Haruka could understand that effort and energy is involved in carrying her. That's the least I can DO as a dad, if I have not been doing more as my wife would want me to remember. I will continue to instill in Haruka the sense that she can make a difference. Rather than drown herself in video games or movies one day, she can actually walk on stilts, if not do more. Daddy got to try this one day too. But, first gotta get Haruka to walk on her own 2 feet more. She is starting to weigh more than 10kg very soon and exhausting daddy much. Daddies, encourage the babies whenever possible and not let them drown themselves on complacency and comfort.












Please do visit this blog that talks about the Pongo Hogo Hogo Challenge. 1 Year, 2 Stilts, 3,000 km and do consider to donate to the cause. They probably would head their way to Malaysia and Indonesia upon the completion of their Japan stint. I will see if I can be part of that even... who knows. Anything is possible.












(Photos show Haruka at the Victoria and Albert museum, London displaying art exhibits around the world and Trafalgar Square).