The biggest thing that I think I struggle with in life is resource inequality. Why is there beyond enough resources in some parts, and scarcely little in others? I came from a middle class family where we were always pretty secure, but taught not to take things for granted. I felt like I was pretty humble until I took a trip to Ethiopia (when I had never before left Canada). Below I will share some of my journal entries from the trip.
"We spent the first part of the week meeting with a couple youth groups here in town and discovering what they are all about. One only had necessity for a bigger office and a means to distribute HIV information....the other didn't really mention any need but mentioned that they support 8 elders in the community who have no family or support. They wash their clothes, bring them food and whatever they may need. These youth do this for free, without being asked, and sometimes use their own resources to supply the elders. We asked if we could join them one day and they said of course!! So on Wednesday we set out with the group to about 4 elders homes to wash their clothes. The local way to do this is to fetch water, and use some bins to wash one piece at a time....some of these elders have disabilities, health problems and some even over 90 years old. There is no support from the government, they have no family, and they live in homes the size of our bathrooms. Their homes are made of tin and sticks, floors of dirt, and water comes under the tin and above from the holes in the roof.
The elders were all so appreciative of our help, shaking our hands and kissing them saying "ameuseganalo, ameuseganalo!" (thank you, thankyou). We saw these young people (18-26) giving their time for others in need. After the cleaning we went back to the group house where they had a coffee ceremony and a "talk show", where they discuss important social issues (relationships, marriage, HIV etc.). This day the topic was sex before or after marriage...very interesting. They then played some Ethiopian music and we all took turns dancing. What a great time. We went home that night and both exchanged our connection to this group; how much they do for the community and for each other."
"Seeing the way that people live here, the poverty, and the children on the street who have no shoes and ripped, dirty clothing. It really makes you think about how lucky we are back home to have the beautiful shelter, clothing, and material items that we constantly take for granted without even realizing. The people who live here also seem to be more at peace; they take care of one another and give without even thinking twice".
In the end, I just wish everyone could see this. I wish everyone could be affected enough to do something different. Question the distribution of resources. Question the purpose of money. Question your own role in the whole equation! Question whether the colour of our skin or the God that we believe in is really the definition of who we are. With distribution and acquisition as it stands, the world WILL eventually run out of resources. If we do not come together to create a sustainable, equal economy/system, it will all be gone before we know it. Love your brothers and sisters, we're all in it together!
