I recently spent the last three weeks on a solo trip to Togo, West Africa where I was challenged immensely. As the Project Manager of GPiH, my objectives were to improve my French (the national language of many West African countries), oversee in-country projects (construction of the surgical block, arrival of the shipping container, etc), and assist our in-country partner (Compassion) in achieving their goals to advance our partnership. Beyond this, I had the personal goal of “becoming Togolese”. I desired (and even more so now) to deeply understand the livelihood of the Togolese. To eat what they eat, walk where they walk, and live as they live. Through this pursuit, I uncovered so much beauty in Togolese culture and gained an immense burden for the West African people.
African culture is simply authentic. They are true to themselves.
The illustration of these points would come best through introducing a close friend of mine. Pictured to the right is me (on the right) and Gerard on a moto. He is 23 (I’m 22) and he is the assistant Project Manager for Compassion. Therefore, he was with me just about every day in Togo. Because he doesn’t speak any English, every conversation we had was incredibly intentional, with much care and thought put into every word. Through the personal memories we entrusted to each other, the laughter we shared as if old buds, and our common love for God, we became very good friends. Through these conversations, careful observation of others, and reflection on American culture I found something profound. African culture is simply authentic. They are true to themselves. They do not have a fear of man. They do not speak to impress others but simply speak their mind. They are genuine. This was such a liberating experience.
Global Partners in Hope is not just improving health outcomes for women and children but is tangibly contributing to the improved economic health of the country as a whole.
One pivotal memory I have with Gerard occurred over a usual dinner at a local pizza place. I was reflecting with him on the simple lack of opportunity that the Togolese face. There are so many Togolese who desire and have the ability to work, but simply don’t have the opportunity. Upon my asking, Gerard explained that the average Togolese in the capital city makes about $100 per month. Looking down at my menu and doing the mental conversion, I found the prices to be similar to those in America. He explained that eating pizza or a hamburger at a place like this was reserved for special occasions - like Christmas. Often, even those in the capital city can only afford one homemade meal a day. Suddenly a plethora of previous conversations flooded back to me: In my efforts to meet and talk to local Togolese people, I was consistently hearing a desire to someday leave Togo for better opportunities elsewhere. This made me pause.
As I reflected on the weight of this reality, I recognized that the work of Global Partners in Hope (the establishment of water wells and healthcare facilities) is not just improving health outcomes for women and children, but is tangibly contributing to the improved economic health of the country as a whole. It creates jobs, encourages the flow of money, enables education, and so much more - leading to the uplifting of the Togolese people as a country. I left Togo with an even greater commitment to the work that Global Partners is doing in West Africa.
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