“Food First”

The other day in Mariba, the Bishop used what is apparently a catch-phrase around here: “Food first” – i.e., it’s foundational to any other development. We must attend to that issue first. Sustainable development requires that we help the Moru people develop food-sufficiency as a foundation for everything else.

But in another way the Bishop is wrong. From what I experienced among the Moru, it’s not really "Food first." For the Moru, it’s people first. Despite their hunger. Despite their thirst. It’s people. Relationship. A warm handshake that is firm and lasts a long time while you begin to talk. I'm astonished at the primacy they give to relationships.