Tom Bearor is currently traveling the world by sea- representing Charity Ball and hand-delivering new soccer balls to kids in 10 different countries. Check out this little update…
From Tom…
Deliveries have been amazing.
I have one story that I would love to share. One of my good friends on the ship was independently traveling in Burma. While walking down a few streets and alleyways, he stumbled upon a dirt soccer field with buildings surrounding it. He saw a few boys playing on the field with marbles – because they did not have a soccer ball.
He thought to himself, “What I wouldn’t give for one of the Charity Ball soccer balls at this very moment.” He has personally accompanied me in hand-delivering balls on the tour and has seen the joy it brings to children. He left the field, a little bummed. But after leaving, he noticed a mom and pop shop that was selling soccer balls. Without hesitation, he bought a ball. He then headed back to the field and played soccer with the kids for some time. When he needed to leave, he waved goodbye and started walking. One of the boys ran to him with the ball and held it out trying to give it back.Once my friend was able to communicate that the ball was a gift for them, the boys started jumping up and down in celebration. Back on the ship my friend told me that if it wasn’t for the Charity Ball project we’re doing, he never would have thought of doing what he did.
This is one of my favorite stories that I could ever tell. It proves that what we’re doing is not only making a difference in the lives of kids in developing nations, but also the students on the ship traveling the world. Any student who has had the opportunity of gifting soccer balls with me, or with Semester at Sea service trips has felt that it has been the best thing they have done on this voyage.
Tom, thanks for the update. Hopefully it will inspire other people around the world to do the same. -E
