Monday, November 13, 2006

We change before we know it

My journey all started in December of 2005.

U2 tickets were on sale for their upcoming Vertigo Tour in Brisbane (Australia) in March. And then the announcement came about U2's decision to post-pone their Australian leg for personal reasons. Although a huge disappointment, it's also very much understandable.

2006, thus far, has been somewhat of a tragic year in both local and international news but also in my very own backyard.

With the loss of my furry friend in May to the loss of my grandmother in August; I came about to struggle with my own personal demons alongside. Something I've been doing for an incredibly long period of time.

Then there was the Steve Irwin tragic freak accident, in September.

Finally though, U2 announced the new dates of their Australian leg of their Veritgo Tour to be held in November.

November 7th slowly came along, as my mother and I made the journey - by foot - to the Queensland Sports and Athletics Club (also known as the ANZ stadium) for the U2 concert - a day in which we had waited 11 long months for.

The crowd was enormous. The anticipation was huge. We waited in line for T-Shirts and I came across the Make Poverty History stand. A cause in which Bono and his wife are famous for supporting.

I gave a donation and in return received a wristband, which I have yet to take off. I look at it and realise my problems don't even compare to what life must be like in poverty stricken countries.

In big, bold, black lettering on my right hand was the word "ONE" in honor of the song ONE and its meaning.

One Love
One Blood
One Life

The concert, itself, was well worth the wait. It was both inspirational and provocative. There was a certain time when Bono got virtually everyone in attendance to text message their names to the Make Poverty History SMS service. He (Bono) also spoke about David Hicks and how we need to stand up for our rights.

I changed that night.

In fact, I've changed - mentally - throughout the year. Personally, I think I've evolved.

I came back from the concert as someone who was passionate about trying to help those in need. Lately, all I've been doing is looking up the MakePovertyHistory resources which led me to DARFUR and the genocide happening.

400,000+ killed. 2.5 million left without homes.

To say it's a tragedy would be an understatement.

Posted By:Genocide Intervention Network

Get this video and more at MySpace.com

Now there's Belinda Emmett which, in itself, is a heartbreaking tragedy.



For those who never heard the song Belinda Emmett and Marcia Hines sang, "Show the people", here's a special film-clip of it in memory of the late, wonderful and inspirational Belinda Emmett.

May you rest in peace.