Friday, November 15, 2013

The Good Life

I listen (and give!) to BBC Africa on National Public Radio, where I am instantly transported to my little blue room with orange curtains in Uganda and to life’s realities. Scores of immigrants are fleeing violence and starvation in Mali, The Central African Republic, Eritrea, and, more recently, Libya and Syria only to drown in the Mediterranean or die in the Sahara. Those who do arrive on an immigrant refuge island face dismal prospects for work. Many of those interviewed spoke of reaching for the “good life.” What is a “good life?”
Recently, I had coffee with a co-worker who, like me, is a late 20-something college graduate. We enjoy our work, but she expressed frustration with her income, something I understand. Over that coffee, she also showed me her book of paintings and sketches and invited me to read some of her writing. I invited her to read mine. I then asked if we could make the meeting regular--- she replied that we could make it official. The B.S. Writers’ Group was born. Fortunately, she has begun writers’ groups before, so she knows what she is getting into. I am excited about the ride.
Last week, I went camping in a state park (and swimming in the freezing water), celebrated Diwali with friends, had a great meeting with the ladies’ group at my church, went the new writer’s club meeting, and saw both sets of my grandparents. Work has been going well, as I am forming deeper relationships with the children I work with. Yes, I am waiting to know if and where I will be accepted to medical school. Yes, I am haunted by my own inadequacies and yes, I do not measure up to society’s definition of a successful professional. From my Peace Corps life, however, I know that, in the end, it was not the quality of living conditions or job status that determined a volunteer’s success. It was personal growth and community connection. I am living the “good life.” I have meaningful work, financial and physical health, and I am challenged to spiritual and emotional growth. I am part of a family, a community of faith, a neighborhood, an artistic group, and a cross- cultural family.
I hope that, for the scores of immigrants fleeing violence, each may reach not only a place of safety and work opportunity. I hope that each can once again become part of a community and have opportunities for emotional and spiritual growth and healing.