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First world problems in the third world

My sister introduced me to the term "first world problem."

I've been gnawing on this concept all day.

We live in the "third world" or whatever the politically correct term is these days... I call it "low-resource setting."

But we still have what I would classify as first world problems.

I have to make my own cheese to make lasagna.  'sigh'  (I have figured out how to make amazing lasagna here AND I have an oven!!)

60% of the time, there's no running water from my kitchen tap so I have to do dishes from a tap that comes from our water tank.  'sigh' (I still have running water 80% of the year!!)

I can't do laundry when the power is out (because I have a washing machine!!).  'sigh'

But, additionally, our community has "NGO-world problems." It's really the same concept.  But created by the presence of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) who have given hand-outs for a decade  (or longer) due to war and crisis in the region.

You're sponsoring my child to go to school, but I want my child to go to the most expensive school in the region.

You gave me a cow last year, where's my cow this year?

The home that you built me two years ago now has a leaky roof.

I don't mean this as a criticism of individuals but more of a real-life reflection on the worlds that we create for ourselves and the problems we then have to live with.

If we cater to our children, shelter our children, or have extraordinary standards for how we feed, clothe, educate, and amuse our children - they end up with first world problems.  Is it wrong to do any of those things? Not inherently.  But we have to know that we're going to have to live with and deal with the first world problems that we have created.

If we give hand-outs, clothe other people's children for them, feed them without requiring any participation or contribution - they end up with "NGO-world problems." Is it wrong to care for the poor and those in crisis like that? Not inherently.  But we have to know that we're going to have to live with and deal with the NGO-world problems that we have created.

There is discussion now about how to curb the first world problems facing our generation and our generation's children.  There is also discussion now about how to curb what I am calling "NGO-world problems."

For more reading on this topic, read "When Helping Hurts." It's a MUST READ for anyone going on a mission's trip OR living in the real world.  Please don't take it to the extreme.  The Bible commands us to care for the poor, the widows, the orphans.  We ARE to be God's hands and feet to a hurting world.  But let's be thoughtful and intentional!

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