money matters

Everyone asks for money all the time. So far, it’s easier to name the people who haven’t asked me for money than to list those that have. I expressed my disappointment to a German friend, and he commiserated. Just have to get used to it. Had a long conversation with Cristina last night about it too—-what’s the best way to respond to the requests, how to manage our emotional reaction. So far I’ve just said “no,” but I think my future strategy will be to respond just as the Malians do: “oh, sorry, I can’t help you right now, today—maybe tomorrow.” Wait.