I don't believe that hope is a pipe dream. I don't believe that hope is inconsequential, insubstantial. I believe that hope has shape, inertia, it even has smells and sounds. On two trips to Africa, to Ghana in 2006 and Uganda in 2008, I have stood at the intersection of hope and despair on this beautiful continent. I've never encountered a more colorful and hospitable people. And I've never seen such challenges among the living - disease, despair, division, displacement. Much of the continent is in ruins; yet the people keep smiling. And such beautiful smiles they have.
I was in Ghana when President Bush made his visit. I actually was on the campus of Trinity Theological Seminary, in Legon, outside of the capital city of Accra. My classmates and I saw his jet fly overhead. Obama is in Ghana now, calling for peace and opportunity, and challenging African leadership to find strength in their diversity. He is also committing to contribute to the wars - not between tribes and faiths - but against HIV/AIDS, tropical diseases, and childhood illnesses.
These are some of the initiatives for which doma international exists. The nonprofit that Julie and I started last year is leading two trips to Uganda this Fall. Email me at daniel@domaconnection.org to find out how you can be a part of this.
I'll never forget my trip to Ghana. I stayed in a village called Sokode Etoi for a week. What a time! By the end of the week, my local name was Togbi Yevu Yau, meaning Chief White Thursday. That's a story for another time. Until then, look for hope. Be shaped by it.
Africa will never even approach the European level of civilization as long as they cling to tribal allegiances and vote with spears!!
Posted by: jim | July 11, 2009 at 01:57 PM