In Engineers without Borders, we use the name of “Dorothy” to refer in general to any disadvantaged person in the Third World, those who we are trying to help, our beneficiaries.
So, as I mentioned, “Dorothy” is everywhere here. I don’t even have to leave Lusaka to find her, or him.
I see her in Teddy, the 20-ish-year-old who works here at the hotel from 7:30am to 5:30pm every day, who was orphaned when he lost his mother when he was in grade six, after losing his father in the Rwandan war in 1993. He worked piecework in other peoples’ farms in order to earn money to pay for his secondary school (junior high and high school), which costs $230 per semester, a fortune here. He finished with top marks, and now works at the hotel in order to save money and pursue his dreams of college.
I see “Dorothy” in Elina, a woman who lost her husband some years ago, and now raises her own four children as well as four of her brother’s children who were orphaned when they lost their parents in an accident. They range in age from 8 to 20, with one of her brother’s daughters being lame which required special surgery for her legs to be able to walk. “Dorothy” is also in Elina’s son, Lizwe, also 20-ish, also recently finished high school and planning on accounting college next year. In the meantime, he is the man of the family, and so supports the household by running the “shop” – a small stand that sells the basics of pop, bread, snacks, phone cards – for six days a week, and then working in the parish bookstore on the seventh day, after mass. Their family lives in a building that is the size of a backyard shed, where the main room serves as living room (a worn-out couch and two chairs, plus boxes), kitchen (an electric two-element portable burner), and dining room (coffee table). Still, their house is made of cement, and they have a tv and cell phones, and all the kids are in school, so their life is better than many.
Although these people have so little, they insist on giving me gifts. How can I feel okay accepting their gifts and hospitality, when I have so much in comparison? This will become more striking when I am in the rural areas, where “Dorothy” will be more prevalent, and probably more poor. But who judges what is poor? Of course, everyone needs the basic necessities of food, clean water, access to health care, a bit of clothing and appropriate shelter. However, other than that, the rest of the material items have little true value. The real wealth lies in the familial bonds and the social relationships of the community. I see a greater wealth here than money can buy.
So, as I mentioned, “Dorothy” is everywhere here. I don’t even have to leave Lusaka to find her, or him.
I see her in Teddy, the 20-ish-year-old who works here at the hotel from 7:30am to 5:30pm every day, who was orphaned when he lost his mother when he was in grade six, after losing his father in the Rwandan war in 1993. He worked piecework in other peoples’ farms in order to earn money to pay for his secondary school (junior high and high school), which costs $230 per semester, a fortune here. He finished with top marks, and now works at the hotel in order to save money and pursue his dreams of college.
I see “Dorothy” in Elina, a woman who lost her husband some years ago, and now raises her own four children as well as four of her brother’s children who were orphaned when they lost their parents in an accident. They range in age from 8 to 20, with one of her brother’s daughters being lame which required special surgery for her legs to be able to walk. “Dorothy” is also in Elina’s son, Lizwe, also 20-ish, also recently finished high school and planning on accounting college next year. In the meantime, he is the man of the family, and so supports the household by running the “shop” – a small stand that sells the basics of pop, bread, snacks, phone cards – for six days a week, and then working in the parish bookstore on the seventh day, after mass. Their family lives in a building that is the size of a backyard shed, where the main room serves as living room (a worn-out couch and two chairs, plus boxes), kitchen (an electric two-element portable burner), and dining room (coffee table). Still, their house is made of cement, and they have a tv and cell phones, and all the kids are in school, so their life is better than many.
Although these people have so little, they insist on giving me gifts. How can I feel okay accepting their gifts and hospitality, when I have so much in comparison? This will become more striking when I am in the rural areas, where “Dorothy” will be more prevalent, and probably more poor. But who judges what is poor? Of course, everyone needs the basic necessities of food, clean water, access to health care, a bit of clothing and appropriate shelter. However, other than that, the rest of the material items have little true value. The real wealth lies in the familial bonds and the social relationships of the community. I see a greater wealth here than money can buy.
1 comment:
Hi my girl, You are so far away but I feel so close to you by reading your website. Africa is in our hearts. I found & went to an Ethiopean restaurant in the Village with Jim & our neighbors. The food at Marathon is better as well as the *true* African staff. No woven basket tables either... There is another one, I think will be more authentic going by its location. Last night I went with Jim & the kids to an African Children's choir concert called Wakota (meaning children) which is the name of the orphanage these beautiful children live in in Uganda. It melted my heart. My heart is with you while you are in Africa (& always!!). You are such an amazing person and I miss you so much. I look forward to reading your next blog.... Hannah wants to know if you've seen a giraffe yet?
I love you, Namaste,
Mel
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