Reality Check: Life in the "Developing" World!

For the past two days the Marist College contingent was reminded that although we're in South Africa, a very modern/industrialized place, the country still faces developing world problems. In Rosebank, which is a fashionable, architecturally pleasing, and expensive suburbs of Johannesburg, a pipe that provides water to the local area has burst. The Rosebank area and 8 other suburbs have been affected by the bursting of the pipe, which means we've been without water for two days. In addition to not having access to an adequate supply of water we've been without the internet as well. These problems remind us of issues facing people in the townships that we've visited in Cape Town, Durban, and the Jo-Burg area. While we'd prefer to have access to such basic amenities, we now fully realize the perversity of a place like South Africa where you have the rich, who has everything, the growing middle class, who have limited access to goods and services, and the very poor, whom do not have access to clean water (in some places or it is shared among a township of 100s), electricity, or adequate bathing facilities. This experience allows us to understand a global phenomenon that exist around the world, the gap between the haves and have nots. It allows us to reflect on what our role should be in the global community. Knowing what we know what should we do to effect global change? Is it right and/or fair for some to have access to certain basic necessities while others do not have that access? Lastly, in a place like South Africa where so much wrong has been committed to South Africans who's responsibility is it to right the wrongs of others?

Despite our recent experiences we've had an amazing experience in South Africa. We're sad to leave such a great Country that has so much potential. This experience has been life-changing and will stick with us forever. We will always remember the innocent children we've met along our journey and the families in the townships without adequate basic necessities that we take for granted on a daily basis. We will also remember the good, the great cities, the vibrant culture, the love of ones Country, and cultural traditions, the love of Soccer and the amazing people we've met along the way. While we prepare for our journey back home today, we'll have 19 hours to continue to think about a place that we've come to love so dearly.