Solidarity and Vacations

Just when I think African solidarity couldn't possibly become any more intrusive... it does.

Not only what is in my wallet, fridge, and medicine cabinet not just mine (remember the borrower's right to receive is greater than the lender's right to keep)my vacations come under attack.

Yesterday, I was sitting in the courtyard reading, as I often do to not seem as if I am always in my room, when one of the women in the family, out of nowhere, asked me if I am taking any vacations back to the US. Now, the family knows a lot of what volunteers do, having hosted a volunteer in the past. And let's be honest, it's a reasonable question to ask. I figure I can't get away for weeks on end without telling them. They'll just call Peace Corps, and then I'll have to answer for it when I'm back.

So I reflected for a second and decided there isn't any harm in telling them I'm going to Egypt. It didn't quite work out that way.

As usual, the conversation immediately turned to how the family doesn't have money. So much stems from that one mentality and it's incredibly frustrating. It's always, "we just don't have money," which is a very reactive response. We use this reply in the States, but dig a little deeper and this is where our cultures diverge. Ask someone why he or she doesn't have money and the answer will be different. In Senegal, I never hear someone use debt (good or bad), budget constraints (but how I wish!), or savings. When I ask why they don't have money, the response falls along the lines of not having jobs or things are expensive.

It's rarely, "I had too many kids in an economy with no jobs" or "I didn't finish school and don't speak French" or "I was socially obligated to give what I have to friends/family." I do get these responses, but it's usually by someone who learned a little too late.

I wasn't hounded or harassed, but the conversation moved in the direction of the only family member with solid job and income who is sending money to so many family member. I was told that if he wanted to take a vacation outside of Senegal, the family would call him and say that he was throwing away money because the family has needs and the money could be spend better elsewhere.

Ain't that some shit...