Imagine living a life where you had to fear everything, almost all the time.

What if you woke up every morning knowing that the smallest of things could get you sent home to a country where there was no work, no money, and no chance at even supporting your family? What if you knew you were living in a country of very arrogant people who demanded things of you they would never consider doing themselves? And what if you knew that once you arrived into this country your passport and any other travel documents would be taken from you during your time here?

Fortunately that's not the life I live. I wouldn't be here if it were. But it is the life of a TCN. Most come here from Sri Lanka, India, and other countries where there are limited resources and income.

These are people who are desperately trying to support their families who still live back in their country. However, they come here, are paid on the average 50KD a month (about $175) and live like animals being taken to slaughter.

In some cases, these TCNs will come to Kuwait and work for a family inside their home, cleaning, cooking, etc. I like to believe they are treated well, and I personally know of some who are. But there are also the horror stories; the young girls being raped by the man of the house, the men being beaten, etc. It's in some of these cases where the TCN will literally run away from her employer, but without her passport or any identification. If found, they risk being deported to their country and never allowed back to Kuwait again. Most resort to prostitution which runs rampant in Kuwait.

I have asked some of my local Kuwaiti friends how this is acceptable practice, and don't they feel it's slavery. The common reply is, "They can always quit and go home." Which is true, but it could possibly prevent them from ever being eligible to work in Kuwait (or other countries) again. I feel so much pain for them, and despise this treatment of another human being. How is it this is taking place somewhere as "advanced" as Kuwait, yet no one steps in?

Furthermore, as I stated earlier, the majority of residents in Kuwait are non-citizen TCNs. What if these people just get fed up and decide to take over? How does one allow so many minorities into their country, treat them horribly, and then expect this can go on forever? Don't get me wrong, not all are treated badly. Some have great lives, and are truly happy. Others are not.

In America most of us completely oppose the harming or degrading of another person. We find it to be repulsive and unacceptable. Here it happens daily, and it's not even frowned upon. I see the way they speak to the TCNs while out at Starbucks, or a restaurant, and I hate it. I see the way they can just look at them and the TCN will lower his head and walk away, like an abused puppy. Of course this is not everyone, but I have seen it enough to strike a nerve.

Sometimes I wonder how such a powerful and rich world can be filled with so much poverty, hatred, and negativity. I look inside my heart, and it's so filled with love and compassion for everyone around me, and I wonder why others can't be the same. I'm far from special, or better than, I am just a simple woman with strong ideas about what is right and what is wrong. I like to depend on my heart when I am confused, it usually guides me in the right direction.

I just believe if everyone on earth acted from their heart and not their mind or ego, life would be great for all living beings.