A divide?

6months in South America. Three months travel, then three months mission work. Though I (nor you) must not be tempted to think that the former is the ‘fun’ part and the latter the ‘helping’ ‘charity’ ‘good work’ part. No more than we should divide our lives into secular and spiritual, time for me and time for God, pocket money vs tithe – you get the idea.

I guess it’s easy to see how volunteer vet work helps people (and animals…). But being a tourist? Well, I spend money. The exchange of money is always welcomed (by the receiver, as least). I also join this group of people (aka needy backpackers) who request services, thus creating a demand for quality services, business opportunities, and inputting into the local – and global – economy.

Cool.

Just think – if nobody – travelled, there’d be no taxi drivers, tour buses, customs officials, travel insurance, suitcase sellers – not that their existence is a reason to travel (any more than the existence of vets is a reason to own a pet¹). But that those of us who can/choose to/delight in travel (aka needy backpackers)– well, good on us, we help the world go round, it needs folk like us too.

¹but if you are petless… and have the means… please do!