This reminds me so much of when I went to Côte d'Ivoire when I was 18 with Canada World Youth. The first week, there was a snake in the bathroom behind the toilet. Later, my friend had a scorpion hidden in her clothing on a shelf and the room where I ended up living for a year (I stayed behind when my group left after three months) often had lizards on the walls and rats galloping overhead. The squat toilets and the lack of running water where I stayed were part of the adventure. The culture shock when I returned home was almost greater than what I experienced when I arrived there. It shaped my life.
I’m not sure that the story is entertaining. Obviously you don’t understand the way of life of the people you are supposed to be helping. Whatever assistance you’re giving to them, you seem to be aloof; detached from them. A true philanthrope would slant towards his subjects instead of the negative views you’ve vomited 🤮 out: ‘more grey than black ‘ etc. Reading between the lines Josie is actually you. 👎
The nitty gritty of development work. We do not have to go too far. Think of homeless encampments in numerous Canadian cities or the dark side of indigenous communities. In all of these communities, there are also experiences of celebration and joy.
An entertaining account of privations and fears but am I missing something or is there something missing? I certainly feel for Josie but what of those African people and those countries? Am I wrong to sense a collonial perspective in this dispatch? "Laugh till we cried" I don't know - how do we now "see the field"? This piece certainly has made me think - thank you Adair.
This reminds me so much of when I went to Côte d'Ivoire when I was 18 with Canada World Youth. The first week, there was a snake in the bathroom behind the toilet. Later, my friend had a scorpion hidden in her clothing on a shelf and the room where I ended up living for a year (I stayed behind when my group left after three months) often had lizards on the walls and rats galloping overhead. The squat toilets and the lack of running water where I stayed were part of the adventure. The culture shock when I returned home was almost greater than what I experienced when I arrived there. It shaped my life.
I’m not sure that the story is entertaining. Obviously you don’t understand the way of life of the people you are supposed to be helping. Whatever assistance you’re giving to them, you seem to be aloof; detached from them. A true philanthrope would slant towards his subjects instead of the negative views you’ve vomited 🤮 out: ‘more grey than black ‘ etc. Reading between the lines Josie is actually you. 👎
👏
The nitty gritty of development work. We do not have to go too far. Think of homeless encampments in numerous Canadian cities or the dark side of indigenous communities. In all of these communities, there are also experiences of celebration and joy.
An entertaining account of privations and fears but am I missing something or is there something missing? I certainly feel for Josie but what of those African people and those countries? Am I wrong to sense a collonial perspective in this dispatch? "Laugh till we cried" I don't know - how do we now "see the field"? This piece certainly has made me think - thank you Adair.
Well done!
Delightful read. I love Josie’s honesty. Africa is definitely a different experience. Wondrous, however.
I'm with Josie
What an experience for Josie. Don’t blame her one bit!
Super story! I loved that I was surprised at your ending.
Thank you for this story that indeed got a smile from me!
Entertaining and well-written story. Josie was very brave not to screech, scream and scram as I would have.
I hear you Josie! Wonderful!