Life in a Sh*thole Country

Yesterday I hopped on the back of a scooter and made my way to the bank where I was able to cash my paycheck. True, I waited in a long line just to get into the bank, and then I had to sit in a cramped waiting area for about thirty minutes for a teller to become available. Still, eventually I cashed my check.

It was a hassle, but nobody sat next to me and set me on fire.

***

The day before yesterday, I went to the market to buy some vegetables. There wasn’t much to choose from, but I was able to get a few squash and also some fruit and eggs. Things were much more expensive.

It was loud and chaotic, but nobody accused me of eating their pets.

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Last week I went to the doctor for a lingering headache. I was able to get some aspirin, and it helped.

Last year my mother died because we couldn’t get her the operation she needed. The hospital staff did what they could, but there were no doctors here who had the skills or the training to help her.

We cried for months. We will never get her back.

But we do not owe any doctors or any hospital our life’s savings. We did not go bankrupt.

***

Sunday we went to church. It was hot, crowded and the service was long.

But when it was over the pastor didn’t leave in a Mercedes or fly away in his private jet.

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If I could, I would wave a magic wand over my country and make it healthier, cleaner, safer and more peaceful. I would make it quieter and calmer, and I would make it easier for my children to stay and thrive.

But for now, at least, I cannot do any of that, so I do what little I can to make things better for my family and my country.

And, of course, I feel for those who live in a sh*thole country.