Malians

We are officially "Malians" as the people of Mali like to call us. They say if you are living in Mali, then you are Malian, regardless of where you are from. That is a perfect example of the culture here. The people are so warm and welcoming here, it's like nothing I've ever experienced. Every single person that I say "bonjour" to, replies back with a big smile on their face. Not a single person is rude, not a single child is scared of us. They really are the friendliest people I've met. The culture here is so unique. Traveling through the city, I've seen the poverty, the trash everywhere, and the shacks with a mother and 4 children sitting inside. And yet everyone appears happy. Everyone is dressed well, and enjoying the company of the neighbors. Along with seeing the poverty, I've noticed that there will be a mansion built within the main streets lined with shacks. I've been so accustom to the American lifestyle, where the rich live with the rich, and the poor live with the poor. Back home, the rich dress very well, and the cannot afford to dress well. There is a distinct line separating the groups in America. Here, everyone is united as one community. The rich live with the poor, and everyone dresses their best. There is no way to tell the difference between a wealthy person and a poor person walking along with street. Everyone treats each other equally, even the wealthy children play on the streets with the poor children. It's very humbling to see that. It reminds me that we are all human beings, and how much money we have does not determine the type of person that we are, or the type of person that we are allowed to be.

On another note, we have started working in the main hospital in Bamako, which is located on top of a mountain, miles and miles from the city. Keep in mind that many people have no means of transportation, and many others cannot afford a cab or an ambulance ride. Many walk there, and wait outside. They bring blankets and food with them, prepared to wait outside for days. The buildings are old and dirty. Very few nurses work there, so the patients get little attention, except when the doctor sees them. The families of the patients camp out on the dirty floors next to the patient's bed. They have food packed and blankets to cover the beds, because there are no sheets on the beds when the patients arrive and no nurses to even help them set up the bed. The patients squat in buckets next to their bed to go to the bathroom. Many patients can't even afford the treatment the doctors offer them. Regardless of all of this, I see that the patients are so peaceful, happy, and humble. They still say bonjour to me when I walk by. The patients passively allow me to listen to their lungs without their putting up a stink. Not a single person yells or complains about waiting. They are such a patient and peaceful community. It is really an inspiration to me to see that, and I know I will be taking that home with me. The next time I'm put in a situation where normally I may lose my patience and get frustrated, I will think of the Malian's, and smile to myself. Ok I've talked too much and everyone else needs to blog too!! I will blog again soon. I have so much to talk about!