Knowing the poor by name

Last week one morning I spoke by phone with a man I knew when I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mbanza Ngungu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1985 and early 1986. He is now a high school teacher with a master's degree. He earns $5 a month from the government for his efforts. He'd like some financial help, whatever I can give.

 

I have a lot more money than this man does, yet I myself know where almost every dollar is going these days. I haven't found an extra $50 or $100 to send him. Even when I do, I am afraid I'll end up paying Western Union about as much as he gets.  

 

A couple of weeks ago I made a list of Africans I know who could use some financial help from me. I had over 10 names without thinking hard at all. Knowing this need and NOT having any quick way to deal with it does weigh me down.

 

This is why I went first to Central and South America traveling and then to Africa with the Peace Corps and later with CRWRC. I wanted to know the poor by name. Today I do not find it very comfortable. This is where I am supposed to be, though. We shall see where it takes us.