Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Responses to Reflections...

I've been graced by some pretty amazing responses to my last posting. Thought I'd share these thoughts, touching on development, personal growth and social awareness...Thanks friends:

From my sister Alison:
"I so agree. The bribery/corruption that is so pervasive does create a desperate sense that, once within that downward cycle, it is a Kili-sized struggle to being to go up again. I believe that our economies are as fragile as our psychologies - they both need faith/optimism to keep them going. I absolutely agree with you that we must take care of ourselves in order to take care of others. And every time we smile at one another, we are encouraged that hope is alive, and as long as it is, change can be made.
It is frustrating that after all this time, no action has been taken in Kenya to resolve the political tensions that are only manifesting themselves on the streets and in the economy, rather than in a proper courtroom in line with Kenyan law.
At the same time, I was told that Kikwete just booted a large portion of his Ministry that was supposedly corrupt. Considering what we read in the papers frequently, I am sure they were, and when an African president takes a real stand against corruption, we have a real reason for hope. Continued stands, continued stands. Damn, a body/mind has got to be in shape to do that!!
The loss of hope, despair, darkness, and everything that creeps into our hearts when we begin to see the obstacles that surround us is the enemy.
If it is an everyday battle for myself, someone surrounded by opportunity and support, surely it is an everyday battle for the world. When I would try to put myself in the position of the corrupted and disillusioned that I encountered everyday in Tanzania, I usually concluded that I in their position would be the same or worse. I was often told by Tanzanian aid workers who visited me in Matombo, a village of high population and dismal services, that the people were embittered and how could I possibly continue to do so much work there, where I wasn't appreciated, and where everyone was just out for their posho (portion). Thinking it could just as be me made me scoff at this observation, thank them and say, 'How could I not?'
At the same time as the poverty culture of 'take what you can when you can' pervades in TZ, including the taking of money, bike parts, and even lovers, it certainly doesn't hold true for all. Not there, not anywhere.
For a long time, I saw the same sense of 'take what you can when you can' as a main characteristic of American culture. Of course it is one of the intricacies of human nature.
Marked by the European invasion of Africa, colonial times, and current neo-colonialism, esp. on behalf of the US. Is it fair that we all have cell phones, and that this technology that has changed our world and become so quickly taken for granted could not be operated without Congolese coltan*? If the Congo were getting any money for it, it might be fair. Raising everyone up benefits us more than tearing them down. But these are rules that need to be taught over and over again on the playground, throughout the world. Love them and have empathy for them, but do not tolerate that behavior. I wish you all the best in continued fun, meaningful connections with many people, and many more smiles.."

*For more on coltan, also known as colombo-tantalite ore: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1468772.stm. Regional analysts say the international demand for coltan - crucial for cell phone production - is one of the driving forces behind the war in the DRC, and the presence of rival militias in the country.

From a Tanzanian blogger named Abraham, currently living in NYC:
"I went to school in Bongo (TZ) till my high school, I don't recognize that cheating or stealing was allowed or ever pervasive as you have mentioned. It is sad, but the fact is that fabric of my society is coming apart at the seams, as it never used to be that way. Yes, partly is due to acceleration in poverty, and a lot of aids victims, families can't afford to raise their extended family, but in the past the entire country most resembled the values of togetherness you saw in Manga.
I came to US for education without my parents' or government support, as none was in position to help. But teachers and my parents' guidance made all the difference in the world. Walimu walikuwa wakali sana enzi hizo, that was in the ninety's. Bongo is now just being swamped by capitalist ideals, everyone for him/herself, that trend is evidently in the cities. Our politicians have abandoned the ideals of Nyerere CCM, embracing the foreign investment mostly for their own benefit and not for the people. No excuses though, you have to forbid that behaviour in part of your students, at least they have to understand where you stand on that issue, 'Mwalimu Tait mkali huyo' lol, and please talk to head teacher about your concerns. You certainly are making a difference some days are tough, but don't throw your hands in the air and give up, continue making a difference even if it is just that one kid."

From my bud Chris:
"...in Hermann Hesse's "Siddhartha", Siddhartha says that when setting out to achieve a goal, his path is like a stone in the river. He seeks the goal as the stone seeks the bottom of a river, his straightest path possible. Thing is, the waters can be treacherous and they may carry and toss you a bit before you hit that spot. But there is no doubt, once the calm waters appear, you will have found your place. So find your bliss and like you said, do what you gotta do to feel fulfilled and happy. This doesn't mean an automatic divergence from everyone on a selfish path; it means that paths will converge and people will go together when they follow their bliss. Maybe I got too much Joseph Campbell in me, but I think that can apply at any point in anyone's life."

And Lisa:
"On topic of people not being held accountable for their behavior (stealing, dishonesty) Kofi Annan recently said in Kenya that it's just not ok that things like this happen every few years (though not on this scale before) and no one is ever prosecuted or brought into account...yes, I lift my eyes to the mountains with you."

And from lovely RPCV Kate Raum, the one and only:
"I've just read your blogs (mine and friend Jen's which is amazing - you should check out - titled "i just wanted to know": http://jenintanzania.blogspot.com). You both are such eloquent, honest writers. You capture the spirit of Tanzania and the emotional tug-of-war of Peace Corps volunteer life perfectly. I love that you are taking your third years and successfully expanding on what you learned in the first two. I am proud and envious. I'm in awe that I was ever in the same place, experiencing the same things. I miss Tanzania so much right now it hurts.

Being home hasn't been easy, but I can tell you if you ever decide to come back, this is how I view my service now that I'm here: I am intensely proud to be a Peace Corps volunteer. Reading your blogs and recently rereading my own letters home makes me stand a little taller and realize that what we did and what you're doing really IS amazing, really IS noble. I remember all those feelings: why am I here, is it worth it. The answer is absolutely without a doubt YES. If for nothing else, for ourselves. Yes, I desperately miss Mama Sauli, baby Kate is growing up without me there to watch, and it's incredibly difficult to be living a life where my Peace Corps friends aren't readily available. But I am so grateful to have those experiences at all. I have the memories, I have a part of me that's sacred, and I know that, while I wasn't saving street kids' lives and teaching them valuable technical skills:), I have experienced life and the power of the human spirit. So Tait, if you can't take anything else from your endeavors at the moment, at least you have that. It is so important."

Here's to that one kid, Abraham, and to experiencing the beauty of the human spirit, Kate. So true! Thanks for you all's encouragement. Tupes.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Some interesting blog for you to share and get new ideas with your fellow PCV:

http://mfst.blogspot.com/

Local bloggers;
http://www.issamichuzi.blogspot.com
http://mjengwa.blogspot.com/
http://mpoki.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Tait,
Perhaps what has brought you to Africa is precisely that, to see the depth of misery and triumph of human spirit, it is all there for you to see. No one is above that which is human, lying, stealing, greed, jealousy, envy, anger, joy, pain, and unless those things have had a chance to present themselves to someone, its easy to judge others. Ask yourself had u been born and grew up in the same circumstances would you behave differently?

Despite few cultural issues that are perhaps lost in translations, you will find out most human beings are indeed the same, especially given same conditions. Tanzanians are not different from us Americans, or European or Latino, what you see out there is a normal behaviour that most human will resort to, under the same circumstances.

Look out through human history, men and women have used religion, politics, gender, race, age to do unspeakable things to each other. Look at our American history, from native indians to history of civil rights to all wars that we have conducted overseas. Are we really better?

The lesson here is we should not be quick to judge others in an attempt to make our self feel better. God had a plan for you, you are witnessing it. Do not kick them while they are down, help them.

"Let him who is without sin cast the first stone- Matt. 7:1 This is the verse so many use to try to shame Christians for discerning poor behavior, ethics, morals, and values. "Do not judge, or you too will be judged."

You seem are real good and genuine person, otherwise I would suggest that the hollier than though attitude that you display there is not cool!


best of luck,

Jamie Nelson

PS: Touching part is how you seem really to enjoy the simplicity of life there. Am sure there are ways to continue living in Tanzania in a long term, which is cool, as we are living in inceasingly connected world. Get yourself an educated Tanzanian man am sure there are plenty of those in Arusha, settle down and have the best of both worlds.