1 Day Without Shoes

(This is the same one from April 8th I just switched sites.)

I used to think the concept of blogging was kind of odd. Like who really wants to read what I have to say?

But recently there have been a few people who’s opinions or experiences I look forward to every day. Richelle Dante’s photo blog is beautifully addicting and although it’s not official I love Hester’s daily culinary updates. And I’m looking forward to my boyfriend Chris’ second blog entry (if he ever writes one!)

I decided to do mine on whatever I feel like talking about but mostly issues I want to raise awareness on, experiences I find exciting or interesting articles I find. So what better way to start a blog than by announcing that tomorrow I’m participating in TOMS “A Day Without Shoes” movement. Yea me, who is super grossed out about anything to do with feet, is going to spend all day tomorrow barefoot. I’m usually always barefoot in the comfort of a clean carpeted home but I’ve never gone to school barefoot and just my luck I have a class on barefoot day! So for one day I’m going to see what life is like for people who are so poor they can’t even afford shoes. It won’t even be the full experience because luckily Orange County is mostly maintained cement and paved streets unlike the dirt roads of third world villages.

If you’re able or brave enough to I invite you to join me in raising awareness about this simple but important issue. But first here are some facts about the dangers of living barefoot:

• In some developing nations, children must walk for miles to school, clean water and to seek medical help.
• Often, children cannot attend school barefoot.
• Cuts and sores on feet can lead to serious infection.
• In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil.
• Podoconiosis is 100% preventable with basic foot hygiene and wearing shoes.

Thank God I have clean running water and plenty of soap!