Samuel's Take

Hello my name is Samuel Kenneth McGregor and I was born 13 years ago. This is my 2nd trip out of the country and my 6th trip out of the state of California. I’ve only been to 4 places now: Africa, California of course, Nevada, and Alaska. Africa is not what you expect at all. It’s so broken on the outside. There is nothing really usual about this place to me. The houses are huts made out of brick and twigs. The toilets are squatty potty’s. The cars are bikes. I’m learning how spoiled we are. 

I have found the nationals to be much nicer, grateful. 

Now, if you reading this and thinking, “ no they aren’t, I’m so much better”. That’s what I mean, they would never say that. When they start a conversation it’s “hi, how are you? how’s your family? are you ok?” Then they ask how they can help me get whatever I need, they put other people’s needs in front of them. 

I’ve never seen any of them get angry, instead they say, “ nice try.” 

It’s not about power or money, they are about relationships. I think we all could learn from them.  I’m not saying we (Americans) are bad people. Please don’t take that from this.  

Me, personally, I feel changed from them. 

I encourage you to not yell the next time things don’t go your way. Rather remember that there are people who have it worse in every way but have a way better time with it.

I’m really glad to be here.

- Sam