What Mali has taught me...

So I have been in Mali now for what seems like eternity but in reality it has been 4 months! I have learned so much though in these 4 months, had an experience that very few Americans can say that have had.  I have been living as a Malian which is one of the hardest things one could do, but yet a Malian does it every day.  Mali taught me that people do not need all the amenities in the world to be happy, that electricity is not necessary, or material items do not make you better than another.  In this culture, it is a culture of sharing and family, what is mine is also yours.  My host father is a very fortunate Malian who manages to have more than many other, he has a car, a motorcycle and is building another house, but yet he does not feel superior to another, he shares what  he has with everyone.  If someone needs a ride, he will give them his motorcycle, or drive them anywhere they need to go.  If he sees someone not eating and he is, he will offer food to them.  This is the Malian way, any time anyone is eating, they will offer, even if they can only offer a little.  This culture has taught me a new appreciation for humanity, to be able to see people who are the poorest in the world, give the little they have to others so another can be happy.  I am an American who would be considered very wealthy in Malian standards because I have disposable income to buy ipods, computers, abundant amount of clothes, but where does this make me better or superior to a Malian.  Malians have no need for these items because they have what many in the world desire, they have family, and what I mean my family, its not just a mother, father, sisters or brothers, everyone is their sister and brother.  It is a confusing concept for me to grasp, but as a form of respect, one calls each other n balimamuso or n balimace which means this is my brother or sister, even though their is no blood relation between the two.  This country has created a joking cousin in which you are allowed to tease someone with a competing last name.  This creates a sense of harmony and teaches everyone not to take life to serious.  Mali compared to most African nations is one of the safest there is, also the most stable.  The violent crime rate is very low here compared to many of their neighboring countries, because they have this since of community and everyone gets to know everyone.  It is amazing how it works out. I wish  that many Americans could have experienced what I have in my four months here, I believe they too would grow an appreciation.  Nothing is better on the soul than watching a small child running down the street with a smile on their face while using a stick to balance a rolling spare tire.  Many Americans are simply spoiled and our children expect toys that in reality are not needed, not to say that we need to give up our way of life to live like Africans, but I think we all need to have a better for of appreciation for all the gifts and privileges that America has offered us.  We are all fortunate to be Americans, we have choices, whether it is for clothes, entertainment, food, culture, or leisure, we are so blessed to have all of these at our opportunities that most of the world does not.  I will never take a toilet for granted know that most of the world doesn't have one, as I take my morning shower, I will appreciate the fact that I did not have to walk 10 minutes to get a bucket from a pump or well and carry it back to my house so I can bathe.  Everyone who reads this, please take 5 minutes or an hour, and think about all your problems and realize that you can work through them, that you do not need to work 100 hours a week just so you can get the new Ipad, remember that as long as you have loved ones in your life, that is what really matters!  In my first four months in Mali, I know I have grown beyond what I thought, through all of my complaining, I appreciate the fact that I am here, and the most important thing that I have learned and hoping to keep when I return to America is patience.  It has always been my biggest flaw, being impatient, but I hope I can take what I have learned from Mali and adapt as much of it as I can in America.  Until next time, peace!