The following blog post was written on the evening THE 4th OF JULY (there will be no fireworks). Due to technological restrictions it was posted at a later date.
In Lesotho there is a person that does everything for me. Some body to prepare all my meals, a person that will wash a pillowcase full of my dirty clothes for 40 Rand (about 5 bucks), somebody makes my bed, cleans my room, opens the gate, protects the grounds, drives me around…in Lesotho there is very little that I do for myself, which is a bit strange at times. I recognize that here at the Trading Post, where we are staying, that our $40 (U.S.) pays for us to have our own cabins, three meals a day, and to pay all the salaries of the people that work here.
This is because in Lesotho I am rich. I am one of those rich people that, at home, I cannot understand what they could possibly do with all their money.
Being that our group drives around in such a large vehicles we really stand out-and at times I feel that it is a little obnoxious…like, look at us, we are from the United States and we are so rich. Sometimes it makes me feel a little uncomfortable. However, the people continue to be incredibly welcoming and proud of their country.
I have never been rich before, not in the monetary sense, I have always been middle class…and it is something that I have been comfortable with. Becoming rich basically overnight is not something you can really prepare yourself and I am not sure I am comfortable being rich and, therefore, powerful. It will take some time for me to be able to articulate how exactly this will change my perspectives and actions long term.
However, there are something things I feel like I have been taking things for granted at home-things like the public schools I had access to growing up, the fact that no members of my family have died because of AIDS, the U.S. government officials tendency towards accountability (I would not have said this so firmly before seeing the political systems in southern Africa), access to information through the internet, good communication networks that allow me to stay in touch with my family, the general safety I feel in the U.S. (it is never recommended for an individual to be out alone after dark-and even groups of us are escorted by guards even when walking across the street), and so much more.
Overall, I am not sure I am adjusting to my role as a wealthy person and the expectations that come with it. I am afraid that it might prevent me from really getting to know the real Lesotho and the Besotho people, but I will continue to put myself out there and learn as much as I can from whoever I can.
P.S. The pictures of the Maluti can and bottle are because Maluti is the name of the Lesotho currency, which is also traded 1-to-1 with the South African rand.
In Lesotho there is a person that does everything for me. Some body to prepare all my meals, a person that will wash a pillowcase full of my dirty clothes for 40 Rand (about 5 bucks), somebody makes my bed, cleans my room, opens the gate, protects the grounds, drives me around…in Lesotho there is very little that I do for myself, which is a bit strange at times. I recognize that here at the Trading Post, where we are staying, that our $40 (U.S.) pays for us to have our own cabins, three meals a day, and to pay all the salaries of the people that work here.
This is because in Lesotho I am rich. I am one of those rich people that, at home, I cannot understand what they could possibly do with all their money.
Being that our group drives around in such a large vehicles we really stand out-and at times I feel that it is a little obnoxious…like, look at us, we are from the United States and we are so rich. Sometimes it makes me feel a little uncomfortable. However, the people continue to be incredibly welcoming and proud of their country.
I have never been rich before, not in the monetary sense, I have always been middle class…and it is something that I have been comfortable with. Becoming rich basically overnight is not something you can really prepare yourself and I am not sure I am comfortable being rich and, therefore, powerful. It will take some time for me to be able to articulate how exactly this will change my perspectives and actions long term.
However, there are something things I feel like I have been taking things for granted at home-things like the public schools I had access to growing up, the fact that no members of my family have died because of AIDS, the U.S. government officials tendency towards accountability (I would not have said this so firmly before seeing the political systems in southern Africa), access to information through the internet, good communication networks that allow me to stay in touch with my family, the general safety I feel in the U.S. (it is never recommended for an individual to be out alone after dark-and even groups of us are escorted by guards even when walking across the street), and so much more.
Overall, I am not sure I am adjusting to my role as a wealthy person and the expectations that come with it. I am afraid that it might prevent me from really getting to know the real Lesotho and the Besotho people, but I will continue to put myself out there and learn as much as I can from whoever I can.
P.S. The pictures of the Maluti can and bottle are because Maluti is the name of the Lesotho currency, which is also traded 1-to-1 with the South African rand.
2 comments:
We truly don't realize the wealth that we have in the US. My husband had the same experience when he went to MX for the first time for Honda. He was never the same, in a good way.
I'm so glad I have a chance to read your blog. Ashley and I are checking it out today.
We are SO blessed in this country. Everyone should experience what life truly is for people elsewhere so they can really appreciate what they have.
I'm so glad you had a chance to go.
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