I sometimes forget that a reflection can be a positive thing, and does not necessarily have to relate to fears and reservations. I'm going to give positive reflection a shot: something has touched my heart and it deserves a voice...
I got involved with Beyond Borders to engage in "community development". I remember saying I want to participate in this program to do AIDS relief work and community development somewhere in Africa. I might not be going to Africa (this time around), but I am learning more than I had hoped to about "community development".
I am, in living flesh, and example of the Nigerian proverb "Ora na azu nwa" which means it takes the community to raise a child. I believe in the importance of strong, positive, functional communities. It is because of this belief that I seek out a path that will lead me to take part in creation and enjoyment of such communities - both through my education as well as extra curricular activities like Beyond Borders.
As a privileged citizen, I do my best to make sure that I am always working with the interest of less privileged close to my heart. I work for the community so that the community can work for those less fortunate than I am. I consider myself privileged and unbelievably fortunate, and so I think that it is my place to be a giver to the community, and not a taker from.
A curious thing has happened over the last 6 months: I have found myself relying on the community! I have been touched by the number of people who have reached out to help me on my journey beyond borders. People who have donated time, or printing, donated containers, or groceries, people who have offered kind words of encouragement, or expressed their pride and gratitude for my dedication, and especially people who have supported Cookies with a Cause, it is a humbling experience to be able to take from such a wonderful entity. I am forever grateful for the wonderful help and support I have received from my community(ies). I have come to the realization that I am really doing community development because I am reaching out to my community and receiving their support in return. (look at that I didn’t even have to go to Africa!!)
I am still not comfortable in the taking role, and I find myself looking for ways to give back that which I have taken from the community. I can not, however, discount the wonderful experience of being at the mercy of others, and being involved in the development of genuine community. It feels good to be supported, and I am glad I can share my experiences with my community.
I exist because of my community. Thank you.
*love*
Wonderful! It really is a great experience, and I think something clicked for me reading your post: we've already begun the community work. Here I was thinking that we're preparing for the community work to begin (in an overseas community), ignoring the community development we've initiated through fundraising and just being in the program! Great post :)
ReplyDeleteThis is something I have been raised to believe as well, "Ora na azu nwa". Well, my parents would say it in serbo-croatian!
ReplyDeleteIt does, it takes the influence, love, support and guidance of those around you become what we are meant to be.
I am rather excited for my cookies,
Nev ;)