africa's women: a journey of hope

http://www.theotherjournal.com/article.php?id=86

here is an article that i recently came across. it makes me sad when i hear about economic disparities that exists throughout the world, but it's important to recognize that when we speak of poverty, we shouldn't limit it to economic hardship. here is an excerpt from the article:

"Materially, America may be very developed, but in other aspects of life, Africa has significant contributions to offer. In Africa, the elderly don’t die alone. If an extended family member is in need, others in the family with their own meager resources make sure the need is met. In the African context, there is no such concept as “inconvenience.” Unexpected visitors are blessings, and there’s always room at the table for one or two more. Older siblings help with school fees for the younger ones. Here people know how to celebrate, to dance, to sing, without spending a fortune to do so. Yes, life is hard, but people know how to find and express joy in the midst of what they have, with each other. People greet each other with “God is good…” to which is replied, “…all the time, and all the time…” “God is good!” concludes the first. Is this simplistic optimism…or is it a view of reality which addresses life from the perspective of eternal priorities?"

this is a description of the african culture that i've heard from a number of sources and i feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be going to a place that has a reputation of richness in the realm of community. i am going to "serve" this community, but know they will inevitably serve me more than i could hope to serve them.