Having lived in a developed country all of my life, there
are a ridiculous amount of things I take for granted. I think I do a pretty
good job of appreciating the amazing people in my life and I feel very blessed
to be surrounded by inspiring, strong, humorous, caring, supportive friends and
family. I do not, however, stop to think about the material things I never
think twice about having. I can’t say whether or not that’s true for everyone, or
whether or not the material things and access truly enhance quality of life, but
it’s worth thinking about. Check out the ongoing list I have below to see if
you’ve appreciated them recently.
- running water
- hot, running water
- utensils
- internet access
- electricity
- paper
- rubber bands
- photocopy machine
- scissors
- tape
- pretty much any educational resource, especially
textbooks
- dairy products
- lady products
- privacy
- garbage cans
- a public sanitation system
- access to books… a LOT of books
- access to health care
- shoes
- dustless roads
- fuel
- a culture that supports an unmarried woman in
their late 20’s
- “free” time not spent commuting
Here are a few from my roomies:
- cheap and accessible chocolate (Rachel)
- 24 hour stores (Rachel)
- paved roads (all of our asses are super sore
post safari)
- refrigeration and leftovers (Lauren)
- choice of food at lunch and my own work
space(Debbie)
- clean feet, showers with pressure, and a ‘good
‘ol toilet to poo in’ (Beth)
- entertainment shtuff ( Beth)
- not having to worry about a rat in the latrine
that is your poo hole (Debbie)
... I will also add on just having a toilet to sit on in times of need... I was sick all night and day and a squat toilet is less than enjoyable to run to.
The Squatter, rat free at this instance |
Our swanky (seriously) crib from the back - huge plastic container is our water... if it doesn't rain, we don't have any. |
*NOTE: On the flip side, there are many things I
have become so dependent on at home that are part of our lifestyle that I am
grateful I do not need here and can let go of for these mere six weeks such as:
- a car
- car insurance
- TV
- fast food
- make up
- all you can eat buffets … well, they do have
them and I have eaten at them, indulgently, but the average Ugandan would not
- budgeting
- the electronic leash side of technology
including internet, phone, tv (Lauren)
This is definitely not an all inclusive list on
either side, but it does make me think about what different countries and
communities value and the effect industrialization and development have on said
communities and the individuals within in. You cannot necessarily pick and
choose the attributes that come along with development and with all actions, but
there are consequences either way. Do you think the development of your home
country has been positive, negative, or both?
Thanks for the perspective. It's always good to get a slap in the face to realize just how damn blessed we are.
ReplyDeleteThe picture of the toilet was a 'leetle too oogly'...don't ever want to have the runs with that as my saving grace. Ew. You're a rock star!