Mother Land Africa. {Eden in Niger}

In 1982, I was born in Zimbabwe, Africa. I was the only white baby in the hospital and my father had to bring more baby supplies to us, because whilst my mother was changing my nappy in the 'safety' of her hospital room, all of my baby clothes & nappies were stolen from her. Life there is very different to here. People live to survive. Whereas most people here; live to enjoy. Live to love. Live to explore. Live to learn & grow.

My Christening, 1982, Zimbabwe Africa.

As a family of five, we migrated from Africa while I was still too young to remember any of it. However, my brothers remember living there, going to school there, surviving there. With only $1000 and a shipment of our belongings, we as a family; started from scratch here in this beautiful country! Lucky? Yes, I'd say so!

In my life today, as an adult, as a Mum; I selfishly complain about little things, such as; when the internet connection is slow, or when 'god forbid' my iphone's battery dies whilst I'm out shopping for important things like shoes & photo frames & coffee beans & health foods. I whine about the lack of sleep I'm suffering or how busy I am. Gosh, what a tough ole' life I live!!?? Yet, my Mum has stories of our life in Africa, stories I should get her to relay to me again...as I might absorb them more now that I too am a Mother. She has stories of my Dad out 'fighting' for justice & protection & peace in the Army whilst she was alone at home with 3 young children. Hiding us in the hallway of our house in a fort she had built of mattresses, protecting us from near gunfire & mortar bombs! A way of life, that I can't imagine....coz all I know, all I remember, is a life of abundance. I've always had EVERYTHING I need plus more, amazing opportunities & always surrounded by love. All because my parents took the leap of faith to move us here to Australia.

In 1997, I was 15, we returned to Zimbabwe, Africa. The purpose of the trip was to travel & visit family & friends. We were there as 'tourists', enjoying the beauty of such a diverse country. Even at 15, I was able to see the difference in lifestyles. I was able to acknowledge the blessings I have in my life. I learnt a lot on that holiday. I grew up a lot.

We went into Harare City one day, which to my knowledge is now not a safe idea at all - to visit my Dad's previous workplace. Being white and dressed in ridiculous Hawaiian shirts & Akubras; it was obvious we weren't locals; so we were harassed on every street, on every corner. People trying to sell us anything & everything from their crafts, to their junk & even drugs.

Teenage Me; 1997; African Village. That was one experience that opened my eyes, but I think the biggest eye opening revelation for me was when we ventured into a township just outside of Kariba. We needed a few supplies and were told that there was a grocery store within the township. Oh,My,Goodness!! We think we have it tough when our internet connection is playing up or the rain is effecting getting our masses of designer, excessive clothes dry or Coles has sold out of the organic porridge mix, well.....I saw doing it tough with my very own teenage eyes. The streets were dirt pathways and the town was just a mesh of dusty browns & rust ridden hues. Nothing fresh or clean or colourful about it. The houses {if you can call them that} were made from flattened tin cans & any other pieces of rubbish melded together. The people were barefoot & poorly dressed. They were not in complete famine but they weren't beaming with health or nutrition either. And the smell.Oh my goodness, the smell hit me like a train crash. It was everywhere. I have no idea what the smell was....but I'm assuming it was the rotting materials, the rubbish, the unwashed locals, the non-existent plumbing & sewerage. I think I gagged several times and tried to breathe in as little as possible, without passing out. We were in & out of that township pretty quickly, but the memories have stuck with me.

And like everyone, even after experiencing this firsthand view on Africa, I occasionally take for granted the life I now live. Maybe it's ignorance? But, I think it's more that innocently we get caught up in our everyday lives and our problems are our problems! It's easy to blow things out of perspective when you're living your own stresses & hard times. But, we are all fighting our way through this crazy world: to pay our bills, to be organised, to fit it all in, to be good & happy, to be loved, to have good stuff, to live well. We all want financial freedom & happiness.

When I think about that, I'm in two minds. One is: I am fortunate to live where I live & have the freedom I have...and with that as my safe base I do work bloody hard for my money & lifestyle. I should be able to enjoy these luxuries guilt-free. Then the other is: people out there are starving & dying & living in a poverty stricken world, one I will probably never have to live. So, who I am to have this abundant lifestyle, rich with health & friends & materialistic objects?? I want to find a happy medium there. To do this, I will be more mindful of my decisions and show gratitude for my many blessings. I don't want to ever take for granted the amazing life I live with my loved ones. Eden's posts this week have reminded me of what we as a society should be more aware of. I want to help where I can too. I always donate to charities & funds where possible. A few dollars here & there doesn't break my bank account so that's the least I can do. I do care about the unjust way some people live...especially in Africa....my birth land, and I want to show that! I've always pondered sponsoring a chid through World Vision.....but have never gone through with it. I think in the past, with our financial situations always changing & unpredictable {as a uni student, having babies, starting businesses etc} I was scared to commit to a sponsorship and then have to renege on it & let down a very needy child & their community. That would crush me! But, doing nothing is worse, and at this current stage of my life; if Chris & I can squeeze Private School fees for our kids into the budget, then we can surely give five or so hundred dollars a year to provide a child with the basic needs that every human has the right to; food, healthcare, a home, an education & a future. My kids have bright futures. All children should have this on their horizon, no matter where they live or what colour skin they were born with. Donating & sponsorship is one way I will help.

And over this Easter weekend, as us; the modern world & booming society of Australia indulge in chocolate & seafood & wine & surround ourselves with family & laughter & love, I want to give thanks to all that I have, all that I am, and be grateful. So grateful. Life could've been VERY different if my parents hadn't made the move here 29 years ago!

Co-blogger, Eden, has just spent a week in Niger, Africa. World Vision flew her there to see first hand the crisis that blankets a lot of Africa right now. They saw that not only is she a blogger with a big, honest & raw voice, but they've acknowledged that blogging & social media is a very powerful tool to get messages across! They're begging for more help. More donations! More sponsorships! More people spreading the word!

Can you help?

You can see Eden's posts here! And this one in particular hit a cord with me, to write this post & get my helping butt into gear!

I know this is a very deep post to be writing on the Easter weekend, but what better time to share it? Let's not be guilty for the blessings & beauty in our lives....but be grateful & thankful, and in-turn do something to help those who are nowhere near as fortunate!