Northern Exposure: Lessons from Timor Leste

Timor Leste was not on my mind when I was first invited to apply for this Group Study Exchange (GSE). I recall hearing only Australia when this professional development opportunity was forwarded my way. Two members from the Australia group traveling to America were Timorese from one of the Timor Leste Rotary Clubs. So as part of the exchange we were going to Timor Leste - it finally stuck in my head.

I did my research on Timor Leste. I learned of their recent struggle for independence. I read short articles about their current journey towards reconciliation. I googled the websites to the places we were visiting to try to gain insight on the challenges and opportunities of an emerging economy...and and emerging nation.

But secondary research cannot replace on-the-ground learning. The visuals of poverty I saw while I was there reminded me of poor rural communities in the U.S. and Mexico I've visited that seemed forgotten by time. Every place has a story, and a people who can teach you or remind you of valuable life lessons. For me, this is what I took with me from Timor Leste:

1. Learn without judgement: It was difficult, but necessary, to ask questions from the locals without asking "why." I did not want to be judgmental - both so as not to offend and also so as not to limit my perception of what was happening from my lenses, my "why's."

2. Humble services vs. saviorship: I was only in Timor Leste for two days. My humble service during those two days was to share what I knew about economic development and youth education. If I am fortunate enough to be of service to the team in Timor who I met, it will be just that, humble service. I don't need to save anyone, just serve in creating community and economic conditions that allow people to reach their own potential.

3. Limitations to our service: There is a limit in what we can and should do while serving others. Self-determination is a pillar of Chicanismo (Mexican-American political and cultural movement which reached a peak in the 1960's and 1970's) and it was obvious it is a pillar for the Timorese people as well. At one point we had a young man tell one of my traveling companions that they didn't need "us" in Timor. I would disagree to some extent - a small emerging nation can benefit from international advisors on governing and capital to ignite economic growth. Yet, I could understand his desire to see his people achieve these milestones on their own.

Now Timor Leste is firmly on my radar. I left inspired by the Rotary club members working to build wings at a local clinic and distribute donated furniture to a school for young adults. I was inspired by both the hope and actions of the young waiter who had learned English in preparation for his job at our hotel's restaurant and was helping other employees practice their English after work. As in other communities, the pace of educated youth may outpace the creation of local jobs - this was a challenge I heard from a couple of people.

I spent some time trying to communicate with our driver and an 11 year-old boy, both of whom did not speak either English or Portuguese (official language of Timor Leste). As we gestured and cobbled together a conversation where I learned our driver liked American country music, I was reminded of the challenges and excitement of building community. I have high hopes for Timor Leste and its journey to greater democracy and prosperity.