The Boob Tube

Lately I’ve been reveling in the peace building aspect of my volunteer responsibilities.  I am so proud when I get tell people I’m from the United States.  As part of our responsibilities to create a better understanding of American people on the part of Malians, I really enjoy talking to people here about Ameriki and how life here compares to life there.  People in my village always ask me about the States.  They want to know how far away it is from Mali, what we eat, what is our religion, have we seen Rambo lately, do we like soccer, and so on.  I find it ironic because here I am on this peace building mission, but I’ve talked with multiple people who associate America with guns and violence.  I find that strange because, a lot of people in the States would say the same about Africa.  Oh the television is a powerful thing.  People in my village don’t have the opportunity to see television on a regular basis, but when they do, what they see, they take for truth.  And what are they watching?  Action flicks.  Rambo, Commando, Predator - I’m just waiting for them to get a load of the A-team.  Mr. T would take Mali by storm.  

Lots of people tell me how it must be so hard to be so far from home, and I agree with them.  It is hard to be away from home, but I’m gaining so much by being here, it’s worth the sacrifice of missing out on life at home for a couple years.  I am learning so much about Mali, its people, the traditions, and how to live a different way of life.  I’ve been given the opportunity to help people here in ways that I feel I’m truly contributing.  I’m also learning so much about myself and how I can be a better community member both here in Mali AND back home in the United States.  I understand more and more about how just being present and willing to help builds trust and forms peaceful relationships no matter where you are in the world.  

So not only am I glowing because I have this opportunity to represent my country, share stories about life back home, and lend a helping hand for a couple years, I get to hopefully help people back home to understand a little more about the world outside of Ameriki.  I have plenty of friends who travel the world, but I also have lots of friends who would rather just stay home because there is no need to travel outside of the States.  That’s fine.  I have no problems with that.  Some people would rather just stay home.  By being here, I hope I can give people, both in Mali and America, an insiders’ view of life, from both sides, that’s not solely based on the boob tube.