They sit. On the ground, on a piece of mat, on a stool, on a broken chair. In the shade, necessarily in the shade. Or covered with a piece of cloth, especially their heads. They sit to survive the heat.
I understand them. And I don’t understand either. I understand that the bodies are exhausted. Mine is always in Mozambique. Everything is harder because of the thirty Celsius degrees at home. And the thirty-something in the shade. You’d like to have two naps during the day. You’d like to lie down, sweat and wait for the dusk, which brings some relief. You’d like to do nothing. But you still want to eat. But this persistent thought cries out inside – that life is passing and what will I do in it? The only one, the given one. It lifts the body upright. And somehow keeps it in check.
And then I think about those who sit. I sometimes spy on them from the windows of my house. One of them sells fuel in bottles across from us. I understand. He waits for customers. But what are a few grown men doing there all day? I immediately think that they are wasting their days. And I immediately wonder what they could do while sitting like that. Maybe learn something? They all have phones with internet access. Maybe come up with their own business? Maybe look for a job? Maybe go home and help with everyday household chores? Spend quality time with their children?
I would like to. But that is not their culture. While they could be encouraged to find some source of income or take a course, they will not educate themselves or do any of the things I mentioned. They will rather choose to sit. They have already chosen.
Can you come to someone’s home and offer him/her a life according to a different model? Just because you have more knowledge, experience, you have a broader perspective? I personally cannot do that. Maybe there is nothing of a teacher in me.
Nevertheless, here in Mozambique, we are looking for opportunities to help. Not to interfere, not to arrange lives in our own way. But to follow some dreams or plans that are already present. To look for those who may be sitting but would like to get up. This is the task that speaks to us much more than giving constantly. (I am not talking about a crisis situation, where giving is an act of love.) To give opportunities instead of a temporary solution.
In a country where unemployment is 30 percent. In a country where the minimum wage is 5,800 meticals ($90).
When you go out in the morning to walk around the city, many people are working. They repair roads. They carry heavy sacks. They sell doughnuts baked at night. They fill gas stations and work at cash registers. Offices and banks are full of them. They teach in schools and universities. They work in ports and on ships. That is very good. We want more of them. At least one more person.
Mozambique, every year you ask new questions, not necessarily answering the previous ones. Despite this, I think it is better this way. You teach that my world is not the only right one. You teach me humility.
/ You can support me as a creator on the Buy Me A Coffee platform. Thank you! /