Which population to help?

Global Community

By: Jenny Bailey

So here I am, back in the U.S., reluctant to readjust, having accepted a job offer with Humana in Mozambique beginning in January 2007. My heart is still there, shared between my students, friends, colleagues, families and work. I've never known myself better, never felt so complete, so alive than in the past 9 months in Mozambique.

I long to return to my village life, driven by purpose, infused with love, celebrating each day. The seeds were sown into my heart last November, each by a different hand, and have since sprouted roots, daring to be ripped. With each wide eyed stare, with each malnourished swollen belly, each poor farmer's generous offerings, and each child's death. With each woman's quiet questions of righteousness, with each scared, sick body – prisoners to HIV, and each act of genuine community, the roots of these people mingled with mine, like the sap of life had entered my blood, challenging me to live and to see, penetrating to depths of my soul I never knew existed.

Since my return and after learning of my decision to go back, family and friends have treated me differently. Many have too much respect, acting like I am some kind of martyr, which is a very uncomfortable misconception. And many are full of worried criticism. My favorite question thus far: "Why are you going to work in Mozambique when there are people suffering in your own country who are more deserving of your help?"

If you are working with people in need, why does it matter where? Who decides which population is more or less deserving? This is a global world, all of us equals. The more walls we put up, the more division we create. We are a part of something bigger, each of us connected to the world, and the world, in turn, is connected to each of us. We all do what is in our own equally important capacity to make the needed changes, whether it be on a local level here in the U.S., or in third world countries. The important issue at stake is each of us taking responsibility and exercising our potential. For me, it is working in Africa. That is how I fit into this puzzle called our global community. Deep down, I think we all want what is right for humanity, it's just a matter of finding our own way to exercise the will to make that change.

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