There was an interesting experience I experienced at the Kenya-Uganda border. This experience always makes me think of "survival". At that time the bus I was traveling from Nairobi (Kenya) to Kampala (Uganda) was waiting for the immigration process on the Kenya-Uganda border. While waiting for the immigration process, I got off the bus to buy snacks. Two small children followed me in hopes of earning a little money. I ignored their whining and chose to get back into the bus while waiting for the immigration process to finish. I have been asked too often for money during my trips in Africa. Everyone from children to parents are fond of begging in almost every African country I visit. An increasingly inferior mental epidemic.
Back to the two children, they apparently did not want to give up so easily. Faithfully they both waited from outside the bus just below my window while raising their hands. My heart was finally moved to share food, not money. I then gave the code so they share. I dropped my last two slices of bread on one of the children. He caught the two breads that I put in the plastic bag perfectly. What happened next really made me think. The child who catches the bread just immediately went away without sharing and caring with his friend. The child who did not get bread still raised his hand. Honey, there's nothing I can give him because I don't have bread anymore.
The atmosphere in Busia, Kenya-Uganda border
Frankly, I was very angry at the attitude of the boy who carried off the bread and did not want to share with his friends. But, before I judge his selfish attitude, a question crossed my mind. Does he really not care about his friends or just trying to survive? Maybe he hasn't eaten in days. Or, maybe he also shares the bread with other family members. Frankly, I can only guess about why the child is being so selfish.
Then, a question I ask myself. How would I behave if I was in a state of survival between life and death? Is it possible that I will be tolerant of my friend or my friend? Most likely I would take the attitude like that child earlier, even though there are things that might make me behave otherwise.
Everyone has a reason to do something we don't understand and we might ask why? Before judging their actions, let's pause to think about the word "why" earlier. We might be a more pleasant person than anyone imagined. That was the lesson I learned that day.
