When we arrived in Maputo, I went on a walk with Sarah, we wanted to see if we could find the Indian Ocean (we knew we were close!). As a team we have been super excited to see the ocean again, because we haven’t seen it almost two months! With a couple lucky turns, we finally did actually find it.
So, we walk to a ledge that puts us a few hundred feet above the ocean, and we’re standing, overlooking the sea as it spreads out to the left and right and in front of us. There is even an island in the distance. To our right are 3 benches, 2 of which are occupied by homeless men sitting on cardboard, leaned over with their heads resting in their hands. On the benches there is an advertisement written; “Prove your Love, get tested for HIV with me”. As we looked down over the ledge, I observed a teenage boy, standing in the piles of trash and broken bottles that had been thrown over the side, cutting off tree limbs - I’m assuming for firewood? I don’t really know.
But then, far below, you could see an expansive resort. It had a magnificent swimming pool, a “yacht” yard for guests to dock their boats; and all the rooms had beautiful balconies overlooking the water.
How close yet how separated these two worlds were.
May we all, rich and poor, know TRUE wealth, and that its not found in lavish resorts.
- July 2
- , 2012
