West Africa and the people here are beautiful and wonderful in many ways. And as is the case in many countries in Africa, there is great poverty and lack. Here in Nigeria, there is much money from oil and gas but very little gets to the people. Roads are very bad and health care is shockingly lacking. I'm told by a Nigerian friend that The World Health Organization provides millions of dollars in medicines to be distributed to the people here free of charge. As is the case in many developing countries, government officials and the large government of Nigeria receive the drugs first. By the time the medicine is "distributed" to the people who need it, they are having to pay out of pocket for it and it is much more expensive, unattainably expensive for the Nigerian who is ill. Fraud is rampant.
So, there is much to see and my heart grieves. I was told three years ago that I would "get used to it" but decided that I did not want to "get used to it" if this meant closing my heart and shutting down emotions. I do not want to get used to children not having enough to eat and people suddenly dying for no apparent reason. Nor do I wish to get used to the smell of human waste or seeing animals slowing starving to death on the side of the road. My heart remains open and I cry often. Usually I feel angry and frustrated when I am crying because it doesn't really help anyone to cry, unless it translates into action. I prayer often, so that is good. A dear friend of mine told me that I could make a difference just in how I interacted with each person I meet here, one day and encounter at a time. This was a great help for me.
I am writing this blog because I want to ask others to hold this reality with me. I want to share the stories in hopes of inspiring others. I selfishly want to know that I am not alone in seeing and feeling and carrying in my heart and soul, the challenges of this developing country. If you are reading this, I trust you will breathe through it with me, stop and send a thought of intention and prayer for the people of West Africa. Perhaps as we hold it all together, this intention for transformation and healing for all, we will make a difference.
There is much to do, much to learn, much to feel, much to see. I believe in the power of intention and prayer. I also believe that when our hearts are open, we can more easily be guided intuitively by our Divine Source and God/Goddess. When we follow this guidance, whatever it may be, we make a difference in service for the highest good of all.
So here's to us keeping our hearts open and "not getting used to it" together.
With love,
S.
