My trip to The Gambia was absolutely amazing. It was truly an unforgettable experience. Now it’s time to reflect. The first thing I noticed was how peaceful I felt. Like the moment you arrive it’s like aura of peace is all around you. The people are genuinely nice. When people ask you how you’re doing they really want to know how you’re doing; it’s not just pleasantries. And, they expect an answer (this took me a minute to get used to).
The next thing I noticed was how the women carried themselves. They were always dressed from head to toe. We’ve all seen traditional African attire, that’s how most of the women dressed every day. And I’m not just talking about the women in the city, but even the women in the villages. They really cared about their appearance. And not in the prima donna kind of way but in the, I take pride in how I look kind of way. I was truly impressed.
***Warning I’m about to get real deep***
So, I am a Christian and I believe that everything happens for a reason and that God is in complete control. I still believe this but this trip made me feel a little differently about the whole concept. When I look at the conditions of The Gambia compared to the States I have questions. For me to believe that everything that happens is in God’s will means I have to accept the fact that God allowed my ancestors to be ripped from their homes and suffer through the middle passage. The survivors were enslaved, beat, raped, and murdered. Those who just so happened to survived all that had to endure discrimination of all sorts. The list of what my ancestors had to bear goes on and on. But for what?
Did all this really happen so I can live in a developed country and have a surplus of opportunities? Did God know that one day I would be born so he allowed me benefit from other’s suffering? And if the answer to these questions are yes what am I doing? Am I taking full advantage of opportunities afforded to me? I mean people paid for this with their life. Am I really fulfilling my destiny? I just don’t know, I just really don’t know….
I can't tell you if the answer to those questions are yes or not. If there wasn't slavery would Africa be like The Black Wall Street but a whole continent? Or would we (Africa) be like the USA? Can you fathom that thought? People risking lives to come to Africa b/c WE'RE the desired continent?!?!
ReplyDeleteBut, you have taken advantage of education opportunities, and the freedom to move where you want. I think that's reaping the fruits of the land.