Skip to main content

Hate & Love - Our Africa Adventure Lesson by Paula Grey

Rob and I just spent most of the month of August, 2017 in Africa...5 countries (Tanzania, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa), 13 flights, 6 game reserves/parks.  It was a “trip of a lifetime” and I found a great love for the African people. 

Around the time that racial craziness was happening in Charlottesville, NC, we visited the Genocide Museum in Rwanda.  Thousands of people were killed by friends and neighbors 23 years ago.  The museum is dedicated to the memory of those killed and the education about how and why genocide starts. 

Genocide begins when people start identifying other people only by specific groupings (race, religion, culture, sex, etc.). Those seeking political power identify one group as “Bad” and works to make them a common enemy.  This common enemy creates an allegiance to a political leader. 

In the museum they pay homage to other instances of genocide such as Nazi Germany.  A direct quote in the museum from Hitler that startled me was his reason to get rid of the Jews was “he set out to make the country great again.”

Other countries then support the military of the political leader.  In the case of Rwanda, the UN, the press and the Catholic Church all ignored the growing problem resulting in mass murders and torture of thousands.

Hate begets hate and isolation.  Love begets love and togetherness.  We have both hate and love in our hearts.  Choose which one you want to grow.

I grew to love the Tanzanian people, especially Daniel, our guide for 9 days.  We became family in that short time and were in tears when we said goodbye.  I was able to open my heart and learn from other cultures.  As Daniel said, we are all brothers and sisters from a different mother.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is Retirement? by Rob Grey

During my years of working full-time, I always looked forward to my 3 day weekends and you probably do as well.  However, I do not look forward to the prospects of a 30 Year long weekend. I have spent the better part of my professional life helping people financially prepare for "retirement."   Frankly, I did a good job for them and for myself as well.  However, now that I have "arrived" at retirement and recognize that I could live well into my 90's, I recognize the next 20+ years of my life is a journey that I am not fully prepared for.  I am at the crossroads of "if I am what I do, then who am I when I don't? "  In other words, if my identity is my work, who am I when I am no longer working? One way to answer that question is to never stop working.  Despite the fact that I sold my business,  I still consult with a handful of clients that want my help, but it does not equate to 40 hours per week. So, I have begun asking myself some questi...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Probabilities of Living Past 80 & How Interests Shift ..... by Rob Grey

Two guys grow up together. After college one moves to Michigan, the other to Florida. They agree to meet every ten years in Vero Beach and play golf. At Age 30 , they finish their round of golf and go to lunch. “Where you wanna go?" "Hooters.”   “Why?” “Well, you know, they got the gals with the tight shorts, and the great bods' …” “OK.” Ten years later at age 40 they play. “Where you wanna go?” “Hooters. “Why?” “Well, you know, they got cold beer, and the big screen TVs, and the football games.” “OK.” Ten years later at age 50 they play. “Where you wanna go?” “Hooters.” “Why?” “ The food is pretty good and there is plenty of parking.” ”OK.” At age 60 they play. “Where you wanna go?” “Hooters.” “Why?” “Wings are half price.” “OK” At age 70 they play. “Where you wanna go?” “Hooters.” “Why?” “They have 6 handicapped spaces right by the door.” “OK.” At age 80 they play. “Where you wanna go?” “Hooters.” “Why?” “We’ve never...
Post a Comment
Read more

"Seventh Inning Stretch" ..the beginning of your path to ReFirement by Paula Grey

REFLECTIONS ON MY 7TH INNING STRETCH I fully retired about a year ago after a previous year of stress (lawsuit threat, cancer, business sale and family drama).  Unlike a baseball game where there is a time limit on the 7th inning stretch, I think everyone's timeline and experience will be unique.  I was mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted so I have taken my time and I am grateful that I had the resources to do so. During the 7th inning stretch at a baseball game, some go for refreshments or the restroom, some chat with friends and strangers or just relax in the sun.  I like to stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" then dance to "Haaaaaay Baby" after which I'll drink a beer (and I hate beer).  This past year I have been singing with relief (I'm cancer free, the business sale went extremely well, the lawsuit went away...family drama still exists, but you can't have everything).  I've also been dancing with adventure (travel...
Post a Comment
Read more