A day of Rest, Relaxation and Research

It's a shame we just have this one life. There is so much to do, yet so little time. I want to go to here and work. No, I want to go there and play. I want to be a writer. No, I want to be a designer. Oh, fuck it. I am just going to sit here on my ass surfing the net and giving thanks for infinite tomorrows.

The Mercy Corps launch this weekend was a great success (according to me). I am proud to have been even a small part of that success. Friday was an amazing fall day. The Skidmore Fountain plaza was blanketed by sun as a large group of supporters gathered in front of the new headquarters. Flags from all the countries currently served by Mercy Corps cascaded over the window cells. A little additional festive adornment for an already stunning building.

By nightfall, the building was aglow in excitement and activity. Around 700 guests flowed through the front doors to support the organization, drink, eat and see the new digs. The building, which just received LEED Platinum status, has a natural beauty. It is open and light; filled with reclaimed wood, homey area rugs and stunning photography. As cheesy as it sounds, I feel a great sense of inspiration emanating from those photographs. As I walk through the offices, I'll catch a glimpse of a herdsman standing under the expansive African horizon or an Indian woman transporting water on her colorfully wrapped head. And, for a brief moment I'm back in rural India, or dreaming of what it might be like in Africa.

Karamoja region, Uganda (photo from IRC)

I will miss going into Mercy Corps' beautiful new offices every day. I was just starting to get to know people and get into the groove. At the ribbon cutting my boss asked me if I was going to apply for her job. (She's leaving.) I laughed. And, she said "I'm serious!" I don't think I'm qualified; nor do I think I want a job that doesn't allow me to travel. But, it was flattering and for a brief moment I imagined.

But, I have other plans. I just made the decision to go to Uganda. I'm very excited about it. I don't have all the details yet, but I think I will be in the northeastern Karamoja region. Right now the area is enduring a serious drought. It doesn't get the same amount of rainfall that the rest of Uganda gets. I've spent the morning researching. I also did some additional research on the NGO I'll be working for... and, oh, jesus. Literally. I was told that although it is a Christian organization, it's OK that I'm not Christian. However, their career section of their website talks about "Christian faith" as their number one requirement. That's alright, I thought. Habitat for Humanity says that, too. And, they're not insane. But, then I dug deeper. They elaborate the requirement of Christian faith to say that you must be willing to participate in group prayers and bible studies, etc., etc. Uh, no. No, I will not be willing. "Please don't be crazy Christians," I am silently begging. "I really want to work for you."

Well, a problem for sure. But, probably a problem for tomorrow.

P.S. I don't want to offend my vast and highly diverse readership...so, I should say that I don't think all Christians are crazy. Just some. I don't want to be part of an organization that, for instance, promotes abstinence as the best way to eliminate AIDS. That's crazy talk. And, I don't have a problem with group prayer as long as I'm not required to be part of the group. I will sit silently in the next room contemplating my fascination with African witchcraft while making a list of people I'd like to put curses on. Oh, wait, maybe I'm the crazy one??