Stratified Life

Trip Start Aug 01, 2008

Trip End Jun 30, 2010

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Flag of Congo Pointe Noire, Congo
Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Let me not be understated about the quality of life here in Congo. In the past two weeks, two of our guards have lost their infants. One was two months old and one was barely a week. I cannot think of anything worse. I feel like royalty, with our big flat, our healthy kids, a car, a dog that probably eats better than many Congolese. Those of you who know me, know that I have one of the bloodiest bleeding hearts there is and yet, here I am, smack dab in the middle of classism and elitism at it's most extreme. At least in the states, we can all pretend that social classes don't matter, but here. No siree Bob. It really is heart breaking. And I am told, and I believe it, that if you give, to anyone, the beggar, the homeless, you make yourself a Mark. It's a very small city here and everyday I see more and more faces that I recognize. And being one of the small white community, I stick out, with my big dog and my healthy kids.

Lyle

I know, get over myself. Get over my white guilt and get on with it. I don't mean to wax philosophical, but I used to think that we, as people, could actually change the world through our own actions. Congo makes it real that it's a much bigger problem than that. And besides, what am I gonna do? NOT haggle at he market? Not shop where I know the veggies are less expensive? And it's hard to be respectful when I say "beat it" to the no-legged, half-a-guy who is begging outside of the expensive hotel where we pay to swim in a nice clean pool and drink whiskey at dive-bar prices. But you have to say no, because the half-a-guy will be parked outside your house tomorrow morning if you don't.
Anyway, the boys started swim-lessons, and the nanny is staying over tomorrow night because we're going to a friend's house for a party. I've been given a big bag of novels (in English) and I'm so excited that I've already read half of one. We've finally discovered a source of edible meat; we buy in bulk with some other families, and a fisherman that will come right to our door with today's catch. I am having a dress made to order with beautiful African cloth. The cloth cost $7 and the tailor is charging me $10. I'll be showing it at any and all fancy, or weddings events next summer. (Yes, Jessica, that means you!!)