The Economics of Scarcity
The economics of scarcity is a phrase that we’ve brought up amongst TSA often and it wasn’t until recently that we began to understand its full meaning and what it does not mean. The economics of scarcity, in this region, doesn’t that people go without what they need but that they approach how they get what they need (or want), if a manner that we are unaccustomed to. The fact is that not many people are at a level of poverty that westerners associate with India. Not everybody has shoes but nobody starving. On the flip side, people have gone ion debt, sometimes for a cause, often times because they have purchased gold, which is ostentatious in our view but honorable here.
Back to the economics of scarcity: One of the first encounters with the economics of scarcity here was driving the motorcycle here. The idle was so low that it would stall unless fully warmed. The idea was that a low idle would increase the life of the motor. On one occasion we drove into town to buy mutton because it was cheaper. It didn’t matter that we spent two hour on the journey and $1.00 on gas which was more that savings would have been if we actually able to find mutton (stores close early on Friday so Muslims can go to worship). Another discussion we had was about purchasing a extra power strip so we would have to keeping unplugging our laptop and so we could use the video player in a another room at another time. In the states we wouldn’t think twice about buying another one in order to get around the “inconvenience”, but its not consider an inconvenience here, just something that has to be done.
So, now you have the skinny on the economics of scarcity.
New Prospects
When we returned from our trips abroad (Greg to Thailand and the Moys to Hong Kong), we were faced with the daunting task of assisting our host with financial indebtedness. Most of this stemmed from the purchase of our car for which he had borrowed money from his sister-in-law. We cancelled that debt buy purchasing a share of his ownership of the car. It was a prudent thing to do because originally we would have had to purchase a car in full. This option still gave him ownership and the opportunity to use the car. It also established more accountability regarding the paying of gas, service and insurance on both sides.
We were next faced with the task of assisting with immediate expenses- food, rent, and his son’s schooling and transportation to school. We opted to tithe to meet most of those needs and a portion was covered by an account established by our San Francisco Association. It was at this point that we needed to call on our own organization for assistance but they were not in a position to assist and it was determined that it was not our or their responsibility to raise funds for the livelihood of our host. We were all in agreement but that did not alleviate the problem. . Mahadevan, our host, and his assistant have found employment outside the village and TSA has bought the remaining portion of Mahadevan’s ownership in the car to supplement his other income for a few months. Currently, we are thinking and talking a lot about how we can continue this partnership and continue to care for the orphans.
In the meantime Greg has meet with the head of the YWAM (Youth with a Mission) project in this village. They had also responded to the area after the tsunami and had been working here ever since. The director, Mark Antony, has been with YWAM for ten years and his supervisor who established the main office in Chennai, is now heading up the office in San Francisco! After another conversation with Mark Antony and an invitation to celebrate his wedding anniversary, we feel that there are some opportunities to work together and will be meshing those out in the next few weeks
Greg was also at a meeting of the Tsunami Association. Believe it or not, this group (comprised of Christians, Hundus, and Muslims) meets to discuss how to meet the need that still existing after the earthquake nearly three years ago! At this meeting, Greg meet a teacher from St. Mary’s
Priorities, Thanks, Needs
· If we decided to discontinue this partnership, we will have to make new housing arrangements as both house are in our hosts name.
· We are still looking for a language teacher, but we are studying what we have learned on our own.
· We have all been healthy.
· The November delivery of the Mays’ baby boy. ETA: 11/18
· Our national partners as they discern what to do and where to do it.
· Discernment in forming new partnerships, establishing projects and generally just taking our next steps.
· At the writing of this update, Greg has already left for Delhi and may be traveling to Chennai to visit friends and gather information pertaining to the orphanage and other business ventures/opportunities.
What You Didn’t Know
- There are 19 million Sikhs in India, making up 2% of the population; however, Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world. Where are the rest of Sikhs located? The two largest populations are found in Fremont, California and Vancouver, Canada.
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Greg’s weight loss has stalled at -38lbs. (neither a priority or a need at this point)
Questions & Answers
Q: What is the weather like?
A: Summer is in May and June, 90-95 degrees and 90% humidity- very sticky. Then the monsoons come, normally for about two weeks, although this year it was only a week. A couple of weeks ago we one week we were in a cycle where it was partly cloudy in the morning, clear and hot in the afternoon and rain in the evening. Right now it is mostly sunny and hot but the humidity is not that bad (or I’ve assimilated well). Rain comes sporadically.
Q: Can I mail you a burger?
A: No. We actually get beef in this area. We don’t buy it often because is it the costliest of the meats we get here and we have to go to the city to get it or pay more in the village. We can also get beef sausages at the store in town but they are a bit bland, though good with onion and pepper. We also found bacon which is very good. We are mostly eating chicken and fish, and just picked up some more canned tuna. Skippy Peanut butter is available but at U.S prices. As it turns out the store we go to is owner and operated by an Indian national who started two of these stores in Arlington, VA.
We are trying to cook some Indian items as well, soups and breads and different curries.
TTFN,
Greg
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