April 21 and April 22, 2024

(Thanks to my brother Brian commenting on my Cape Town post my secret is exposed. Earth Day, April 22, is celebrated on my birthday. Hopefully I’m getting a little wiser and not just older. Thank you all for your well wishes-they meant the world to me.)

The Republic of Namibia is bordered on the north by Angola and on the east by Zambia. This is the part of the African continent that is dominated by sand dunes and where you may see more wildlife than people. We spent 2 days in Namibia, primarily to refuel in Lüderitz and visiting Walvis Bay, a community in transition, some developments positive, others not so positive.

From my experience, one of the best ways to find out about a new city is to engage with your taxi driver. They usually want to practice their English and will provide you with an unfiltered view of their community. From Walvis Bay, I was able to get a secure a nice tour of the city before being left off “downtown” (the only shopping area). Enroute, I passed the only real green area, what appeared to be a 9 whole golf course, with some friendly visitors.

What I learned from my friendly cab driver is that Namibia’s salt fields produce 400,000 tons of salt annually, perhaps the salt sitting in the saltshaker at your home. Mining is the single most important contributor to the economy, and Namibia is the fourth largest producer of uranium in the world. However, my cabbie was not happy because although minerals are being taken from Namibia, they are being processed in other countries adding no economy for the poor of Namibia. He felt they were being “stripped” of money. (Maybe another origin of the phrase “Strip Mining”.)

After I leave a destination, I try to do a little research to make sure I am sending you factual information in these posts. I found out my cab driver was right on target. Namibia, and other African countries are being targeted for their mineral resources. Especially by Russia:

And there are a lot of minerals to be found in the vast sand dunes. I was told that if you run a magnet across the sand fragments of minerals will arise.

However, the cab driver was also correct regarding the fact that this exploitation adds very little to the local community. In fact, 41% of the population live in multigenerational poverty and income disparity is one of the highest in the world at 59.1%. Even more alarming is that although resources are taken from the nation eyes are turned away from flagrant human rights issues including reporting that 32% of women aged 15-49 experienced violence and domestic abuse from spouses/partners and the frightening statistic that 30% of men believe that physical abuse toward their wife/partner is acceptable.

I have now left Namibia, and am headed toward Ghana, a nation that the last time I visited I was struck with the intensity of poverty that I had never experienced before. I have a few thoughtful sea days ahead of me.

I know that my travels have been the genesis for my philanthropic endeavors. The Walsh family has been truly blessed, but I am reminded of a line from one of my favorite Vince Gills songs: “No matter what you make, all that you can take, is what you give away.” You can listen to it here: Vince Gill— What You Give Away (Live In Downtown Nashville Ryman Auditorium ) (youtube.com)

But sometimes I think if I only would have worker a little harder, I could do more. I don’t think that is an uncommon feeling for so many that I know who have been blessed with a generous heart. But that type of thinking is a trap of our human condition that can easily lead to an unbalanced life.

As I left Namibia, I was gifted by another one of those awe-inspiring sun sets which reminded me that there is always something readily available that I can do for those in need.

I can pray.

And so can you.

Thanks for traveling with us.