Elephant and Mouse

When I look back at my first year of college, I have a hard time believing that it is already coming to an end. Although it has gone by fast, it has been a year that I can look back upon and be proud. It has been a year of challenges, adjusting and self-discovery. With two semesters completed, I am confident that my May Term class will be the cherry on the already delicious sundae of my college experience. Friday, at 6:00 a.m, I and 8 others will board a plane and travel to the Dominican Republic.

As we learn more about the Dominican culture, we have come to realize that there are much more then beautiful beaches and wealthy resorts. The Dominican Republic is a county that has had a rich and challenging history which has led it to its current socioeconomic situation.

If you were to look past the numerous beaches you would find hard working people working for non-living wages. You would find children who are unable to go to school because they do not have proper documentation. You would find communities that have frequent power outages and that lack clean water. You would find beautiful people who want to live a simple and free life.

In our first few days of class, we read the following quote in one of the class texts:

“If you are neutral in a situation of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has his foot on the tail of the mouse, and you say you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate you neutrality.”
-Desmond Tutu
After spending some time thinking about what this quote means and how it is applicable to my life, I cannot help but ask questions. How can I live a life with an abundance of ‘things’, when there are people who barley have enough to survive? What can I do to make a difference? How can my faith play a role in fighting for justice and peace?

I look forward to the upcoming challenges and opportunities for personal growth that await me in the Dominican Republic.

Take Care- michael