Solidarity

As I have now been in Africa for one week, I’ve tried to struggle with the idea of solidarity.  Many of the people I’ve spoken with here are quite frustrated with the images the world sees of Africa.  They are proud of their country and look into the future with optimistic lenses.  As a muzungu I feel as if I’ve been welcomed as family by the people here.  However, individually and one representing Parish, I’ve wanted to be one who can learn from the people…listen to their stories, and partner with them in bringing good education, stronger healthcare, and in eliminate child mutilation. Doing so, I’ve been thinking about solidarity.

Epistemology is basically the study of knowledge - in other words, it asks the question “how do we know?”  In my studies there are some theologians and philosophers who say that in order to understand poverty, you must be poor…or to understand Jesus, you must be Hispanic, poor, Black, or rich.  See Justo Gonzalez or James Cone.

While I write this, I’m watching the England vs. Germany football match and thinking about my time in Uganda.

Today I said goodbye to the children supported by Empower African Children.  These young people have wonderful stories, and beautiful hearts.  Driving away from the house I was wondering if I can fully know their situation from a distance, or if I must really live with these people I hope to assist.  Eating their food is a privilege, but is that enough?  To learn from them, should we sleep in their houses, use their pit latrines, work diligently for my money, and live in true community?

I know it can be so very overwhelming to live in complete solidarity, but maybe that’s what it takes.

I overheard a conversation the other day about governmental aid to Uganda.  If we follow a completely utilitarian view of aid given to Uganda, might we miss some of the organizations who enter into solidarity with the people to work with them for a virtuous goal?

So can we really KNOW the needs, desires, and passion of people from an office, or a bus, or a nice hotel?

As I write this, there’s an advertisement on the side of my computer by Unicef that says, “Are you making a difference?”  I hope so.  Maybe coming to Uganda will someday entail me living in solidarity, to fully know and try to understand.  But for now, I’ll struggle, fight myself, and try to learn as best I can.

When our students said goodbye, and even now when I write, I have tears in my eyes.  Beautiful people, in vulnerable situations, have learned to live outside themselves…young children, talented, given a gift, realize that if they use this gift, their lives….their country….their world will be transformed.

So after traveling to Africa, should we try to appreciate our big houses, or our nice cars?  I don't think so.  Maybe we try (trust me it might take several small steps) to enter into solidarity with people in the hope to learn, to listen, to act, and to love.