A lasting impression...

David Calvin forwarded an email to me yesterday. It was from Josue Chami, one of the young Embera men we met in the village in Panama. The subject line was 'he men', which I assume meant 'hey man'... in broken English, Josue was asking about how David was doing, and where on the Paradise Earth website he may be able to find the images, video, and information we had gathered about his village.

I found Josue's email fascinating for many reasons. First, he had taken the time and trouble during one of his infrequent visits to the city to get access to the Paradise Earth site and email David. Second, we had made enough of an impression that Josue cared to keep in touch (the thought of being on the web and tv is very motivating, even to a remote Indian tribe!) Mostly, though, I was moved by the last line of his email, "I miss you". David, as an individual, is an amazing human being. The wonderful thing he is able to do with this Paradise Earth project is touch the lives of people whom, a few months ago, we didn't even know existed. We are finding ways to directly aid the economy of the Embera, who have learned how to live in the rainforest without harming their environment. The overwhelming lesson I learned in Panama, and especially among the Embera, is that we can aid in rain forest preservation by spending our dollars wisely. Rest assured, many of my friends and family will be receiving handmade Embera baskets as gifts this year!

Char Mandarich, for Paradise Earth
Mandarich Media Group