Footprints in the Sand

Footprints in the sand

I was out for a walk the other day and noticed a single bare footprint among the many shoe footprints and I got thinking. These footprints in the sand gave me a small lesson about poverty as I pondered what I saw on the ground.  I can tell that I live in a good upscale neighbourhood because the footprints I see are like the ones in the photo, criss crossed by bicycle tracks.  A variety of shoes have passed by.  In a village or in a city compound area there would be multiple unshod footprints, especially those of children.  It's seems like a simple thing to be able to own a pair (or 5! or more!) of shoes.  But children in rural areas and the "compounds" of Choma are often barefoot, unless they are heading to and from school where dress shoes are required as part of the school uniform.

Then I thought about neighbourhoods, in Canada and the USA where it would be hard to even find an area of dirt road where footprints could be seen.  The luxury of good infrastructure is taken for granted.  The fact that a population is mostly employed and can pay taxes for the upkeep of roads, even in small "off the beaten path" neighbourhoods is yet another difference I see between my life in Canada and my life here in Zambia.  You might say that if you are on a farm you could see some dirt roads - but I'd also say that you're not likely to see footprints after the end of the driveway because you'd start to see car tires.

Two more observations from my musings:
1) Africa walks.  If you've even been to Africa you'll notice this right away.  Sure the congestion in the cities is crazy, but most people walk.  Everywhere.
2) Before you go out and buy a pair of TOM shoes to make a difference, just know that a missionary friend of mine watched the distribution of shoes at one of my schools and experienced the attitude of wanting to help but the help not really being what was needed. Students don't wear canvas type shoes because school uniforms need shiny black dress shoes.


*Now on an unrelated note: I realized that I haven't been blogging very often these days. I think that is because my life here in Zambia feels "normal" to me now.  The reality is, that for my friends and family back home nothing about life here is "normal" to you - so I'm hoping to be more regular about updating this blog, even if it's just little glimpses into life here.
*Also, did you ever realize how impersonal a blog can be on the readers end?  I write about my life here, keep people updated (sometimes better than others) but long to hear about your life and what's going on with you!  So, drop me an e-mail sometimes!  I think that's also why I haven't been doing blogs - I've been trying to write e-mails instead.  People usually feel a need to respond to an e-mail.  Not so with a blog post! :)  So - maybe today you can write someone (a missionary or a friend whose blog you read) a personal note in response (to a blog, a prayer letter, etc.)  Give them that personal connection to let them know you're keeping up with them and some information for them to keep up with you!