I become surprised every time I hear of gringos in town
simply because it doesn’t happen very often. These days, it doesn’t really
matter what they are handing out, I feel very critical of their reasons for
being here. Nicaraguans, like anyone else, love free stuff. Ask any “poor”
college student and they would tell you that it doesn’t matter what free food
or free material was offered, they would attend. I understand the desire for
free stuff.
But what does that mean in terms of aid? I used to fill bags
of food for Feed My Starving Children, packing rice enriched with soy and other
dehydrated foods to be sent to developing countries around the world. Now, I
live on the receiving end of this donation and will be eating the same food
that a volunteer packed on the day my family decides to cook it.
Here come the gringos with free food and shoes to give out.
People are excited to receive whatever this may be. But is this all we
can do?
I am certainly not saying that Peace Corps as an organization is perfect nor
that we work under a perfect development model. I, too, have been caught in moments where I
have wanted to simply do something for my community instead of teaching someone
how to do it for the sake of efficiency and quality. But how far does that go?
We can continue to give materials and aid, at times to corrupt governments who
do not spread the wealth or at times it does reach those in need. But will
that solve a suffering economy?
The bus rolls up in San Isidro full of gringos with a smile
who dance and give out packages of food. Food that will not even be enough to
feed families for even one day. We are not solving issues of development here, and
maybe we’re not pretending to. Maybe it’s just fine that all we want to do is
alleviate some suffering.
What I do know is that my perspective has changed greatly
since coming to Nicaragua. In December I was able to return home to enjoy a
wonderful Christmas with my family and friends. I have so many opportunities,
so much privilege, and so much to be thankful for. Most of all, I’m grateful
for the lessons I have learned in Nicaragua, the skills I have gained, and the
moments I will remember for my entire life that I have spent with my Nicaraguan
family and friends. But to be honest, I'm happy to be the only "Morgan" in town again.
