Growing up, I always thought my family was poor. We rarely ate out (McDonald's was a huge treat… we used to split to cheeseburgers between four kids), vacations were usually spent at the Grandparents' house, and we never did get that trampoline we wanted (though Micah has one now). But, we were never lacking. We always had birthday and Christmas presents, had a swimming pool in our backyard, and were able to take music lessons and play sports. My parents were careful with their money and, while there wasn't usually extra, we had enough. I had a happy childhood and am blessed with an amazing family!
Now, I look at our family and think about how rich we really were (and still are!) I'm currently reading Revolution in World Missions, which includes a quote by Economist Robert Heilbroner, discussing what an American family would have to surrender if they lived among the one billion hungry people in the Third World.
We begin by invading the house of our imaginary American family to strip it of its furniture. Everything goes: beds, chairs, tables, television sets, lamps. We will leave the family with a few old blankets, a kitchen table, a wooden chair. Along with the bureaus go the clothes. Each member of the family may keep in his ''wardrobe' his oldest suit or dress, a shirt or blouse. We will permit a pair of shoes for the head of the family, but none for the wife or children.
We move to the kitchen. The appliances have already been taken out, so we turn to the cupboards…. the box of matches may stay, a small bag of flour, some sugar and salt. A few moldy potatoes, already in the garbage can, must be rescued, for they will provide much of tonight's meal. We will leave a handful of onions and a dish of dried beans. All the rest we take away: the meat, the fresh vegetables, the canned goods, the crackers, the candy.
Now we have stripped the house: the bathroom has been dismantled, the running water shut off, the electric wires taken out. Next we take away the house. The family can move to the tool shed…. Communications must go next. No more newspapers, magazines, books- not that they are missed, since we must take away our family's literacy as well. Instead, in our shantytown we will allow one radio….
Now government services must go next. No more postmen, no more firemen. There is a school, but it is three miles away and consists of two classrooms…. There are, of course, no hospitals or doctors nearby. The nearest clinic is ten miles away and is tended by a midwife. It can be reached by bicycle, pvoided the family has a bicycle, which is unlikely. ..
So, how rich are you?
Slums in Bangladesh….. can you imagine living here? I spent 5 minutes in one and was ready to run…. Oh, and what is missing from the picture is a railroad track that is just a little further to the right of the picture. A train goes by several times a night.
Beggar girl in Bangladesh…. possibly the only food she would have for that day. Can you imagine letting your 4,5, 6, or 7 year old spend the day alone on the street begging for food?
NICU in one of the best hospitals in Bangladesh.
