I've heard that the Ancient Greek people saw life as if a person stood in the present with their back to the future, and eyes toward the past. They appreciated the fact that no one can know what will happen, good, bad, or neutral. I value reflection as an important part of life, and where most of my own personal learning and passion stems from. The value of remembering that we look over all of our previous learning experiences, joys, and sorrows, and being able to reflect, gives us insight, strength, and flexibility for the future. As I mature I realize that expectations and rigid thinking can keep me constrained. The power of perspective is not to be underestimated. Mentally we attach value to items or conditions. I try to be aware of this thinking and remain neutral. Nothing is good or bad. I think I will have many opportunities over the next few years to cultivate this perspective.
With good perspective and a positive attitude I hope to cope with the gigantic changes I'll be making. I will focus on the good moments and small improvements. I've been reading this book, Dead Aid, Why Aid is not working and how there is a better way for America by Dambisa Moyo, and I really like it. It is dense and makes my lack of African history and economic principles obvious, but I am learning a lot and at least being introduced to these concepts. I do see opportunities that I hope I can empower people to improve their communities. One quote that I will share with you is, "In a world of aid, there is no need or incentive to trust your neighbor, and no need for your neighbor to trust you. Thus aid erodes the essential fabric of trust that is needed between people in any functioning society." p. 59. Of course this quote is taken out of context, but the idea is that without local trade, local business relationships disintegrate and it is hard to generate income in a place without a strong middle class that can depend on each other, and some sort of justice to rely on if the trust does break down. There was also a great example in the book about how small sustainable businesses can be bankrupted by an influx of donated imported goods. The small business goes out of business and the (15 or so) employees lose their jobs and means to feed their (10 or so) people in their family (in this scenario, leaving 150 people without a recourse for employment). Eventually the donations stop, and the local community is left without access to the good. What draws me to learning about aid is that (although there are benefits for the lenders) ideally it is motivated by the desire to help people live healthier lives. In looking at the actual effects however, it is obvious that aid in a poor country breeds more dependence and worse conditions for the average citizen of the "aided" country. As I said earlier I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination and if you're interested I encourage you to read Dead Aid.
This all contributes to my commitment to the Peace Corps. My ideal goal is to empower people, to connect locals who can build support networks, and as the PC says, work myself out of a job. I was just fully medically cleared, and I have to say its a big weight off my shoulders. After a nine month process, I'm finally preparing to go. It's exciting to think that in about 2 months I will be meeting up with other people in my same situation to all begin this journey together.
