Wednesday was Day Three of my Barefoot Challenge and I got my first blister on the bottom of my foot. I can’t imagine what some children in the underdeveloped world go through. The difference is that I have the proper medicine and disinfectant to heal it and patch it up. Unfortunately for millions of underprivileged kids around the world, they don’t have it so good.
I was invited to the Ontario Legislature to hear my member of provincial parliament for Richmond Hill, Reza Moridi, read a statement on my barefoot initiative and ask others to participate as well. In addition, he went barefoot, too!
I was about to walk up into the galleries to watch him present the statement with my parents, Shamim and Aman, but was told by the Sergeant at Arms that I would have to wear my shoes for a short period of time, as it is legislative custom. I told him that I couldn’t go back on my promise of staying barefoot for a week. I believe far too strongly in this cause, so the shoes stayed off and I watched the proceedings from a television in the clerk’s office.
As he stated: “Rajan’s Barefoot Challenge is expected to be one of the largest celebrations of volunteerism in North America, and the idea is growing fast and has encouraged people to participate in countries as far away as Australia, Afghanistan, England, Switzerland, Thailand, Kenya, Malawi and Tanzania.” News of the initiative is indeed traveling fast!
A special thanks to Mr. Moridi for spreading the message and for his support.
Something else unexpected happened today as well: I got thrown out of gym class! Although I made pre-arrangements with the school about going barefoot during the week (including class), the school thought that it might still be unsafe. But if I can play tennis outdoors barefoot, as I did on Sunday, then playing sports inside a gym really wouldn’t have been that difficult.
Tomorrow my barefoot journey continues. I hope each of you are kicking off your shoes as well. It’s more fun that you think!
Warm Regards,
Bilaal Rajan
“Together We Can Make A Difference”
