As we were talking Doris asked me about our journey to South Africa. She was blown away that we would travel to be with them especially spending that amount of money. She asked how much the flights cost. So wanting to be honest I told her and watched her jaw drop!
I felt us getting on to tricky territory as she said 'you must be very rich to afford that price'. I explained that we did indeed have more money in our country but she then said 'I will come and live in your country and work'. Ahhh! So I found myself explaining that although our country is rich we are poor emotionally and spiritually.
But this is a common problem. As soon as people in Africa develop a skill or decide they want to do more with their life, they often will leave Africa to seek more affluent climates. This then leaves their communities with vulnerable people who become more vulnerable as they don't have the strength to pull through.
I found myself trying to explain to Doris that her role in the community was vital and felt myself feeling panic that she might leave it in search of a more comfortable life for her family.
No comments:
Post a Comment