"Bobos in Paradise," a book by David Brooks talks about a new upper class, the Bourgeois Bohemian, or BoBo. Last night we discussed this book at home community and how as well-to-do Americans we use our travel experiences to set us apart from others. And not just traveling, but the specific things we consider exotic, off the beaten path and undiscovered. This in and of itself is not the issue, but how we use it to bolster our own self-worth and marketability, which in essence is pride. Our friend Jess shared stories from her recent journey to Malawi - a country known as the "heart of Africa" for the peoples' warmth, and interestingly, the poorest economically as well. While visiting a local market, Jess did what many of us would do, and brought her camera to capture images of the people there. A woman balancing a large basket on her head caught Jess' attention, but before she could take a picture her own conscience stopped her. She felt as if she was exploiting them for her own benefit, operating out of a self-centered place and viewing the world as "what can it offer me," as opposed to "what can I offer it."
This whole discussion was personally convicting to me, for I guess I am a bit of a BoBo. Sharing about my travels around the world and our upcoming move to Africa makes me feel good. So I was thankful to have this discussion last night, before we leave, to remind me to be sensitive to the people and places we will be visiting.
My hope is that through this journey abroad and time spent in the exotic, "off the beaten path" places, that it would be less about me and my experience, but more about the actual people & places themselves. That we wouldn't forget why we are traveling to Africa: responding to God's call to serve & love Him and His people and to partner with Jesus in His mission to "...bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for captives and release from darkness for the prisoners...to comfort those who mourn and provide for those who grieve."
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2 comments:
That sounds like a very challenging book! I'll have to check it out! I enjoyed reading your insights! I have often wondered if short-term mission trips fall into this same area. They seem to be more about what the person going on the trip can get out of it. When Katie and I went to Guatemala for 11 days this became clear to me. While talking with a lady from a small village my eyes were opened when she explained that she becomes sad when missionaries come to her village because she knows that they would soon be leaving. There is simply not enough time to form a significant relationship. Wow. I'm sure the villagers were thankful for the volunteer work we were doing but I began to think about the experience from their point of view. I'm really excited that you two are staying for a significant amount of time. I hope you can form some deep relationships and get past the "bobo" aspect to the experience.
well said, rick or faye, or both. i think in order to truly leave behind the "bobo" tendency, you have to develop the posture of a learner, and understand that those you will spend your time in africa with have just as much, if not more, to teach you. i see you guys striving towards that end, and it makes us so excited to see how God will bless that. looking forward to what He has for you during this year.
faye, i will pray for you on friday :)
abbe
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