Can't figure it out? Well that's because at first glance, it's paradise! We went to this resort today where we paid 20,000 Tsh (the equivalent of $13 US) just to swim in the pool and bask in the sun for a couple of hours. Don't get me wrong, it was wonderful! But as I looked out into the harbor, the exotic islands, and the beautiful blue Indian Ocean, I realized just how wrong this picture was.
You see, just on the other side of this hotel there were people who would have to save up for weeks in order to get enough spending money to visit this place. Just a few blocks away, as we were driving home we were approached by a man pushing another disabled man in a wheelchair and begging for money. To be honest, the sight of the disabled man took me off guard. I had almost forgotten that disabled people even existed in Africa because you rarely see them (I will have to do another post on this later! Lots to say about that...ha). The list goes on and on about poverty in Tanzania and sub-Saharan Africa, from lack of adequate education, hunger, water sanitation, health & disease prevention, etc. etc. etc.!
It is easy to forget sometimes that I am living in a poverty-stricken country while I sit in my air conditioned room on my laptop with a full belly and healthy body. Also, many places here in Dar seem so urban and westernized because it is such an international city. But not long after I come back to the reality that there is poverty, still alive and well, just right across the street. During my stay here, I know I can't eradicate it. I can't fix it. I can't even make dent in the depressing face of poverty in Africa. But I can make a difference, and I really hope I do.
Very thought provoking, Kara! I'm glad you had a nice break to get to know the rest of the team,but also glad that you are not a material girl living in a material world!
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