Empowerment

Joseph met me on the road the second day I was here. He had worked in the house where I I am living, and he hoped to be hired as the houseman. I thanked him and said that I had just arrived, and asked if he could meet me the following Friday afternoon, because I did not know yet what arrangements I needed to make. He did come by as we had agreed, and I explained that the University had hired a housekeeper on my behalf. "I'm sorry Joseph." His smile and Kpelle demeanor belied the disappointment in his eyes. Joseph works as a part-time contractor at the College during planting season. I watched him planting flowers in front of the Administration Building, and he works the soil, sows the seeds, and carries water to the plants with a kind of ritual. I thought, and I wondered if he would plant a garden at House #14. "Joseph, I want to ask you if you might have time to make a garden where I live.' "I'd like that, what do you want to grow?" "Whatever you decide to plant Joseph. I want you to plan a garden with flowers and vegetables, just exactly what you think will look nice and do well."
I asked how much I would pay him, and he said, "Whatever you want to give me." "No, Joseph, I want to pay you what you deserve, and what will make it worthwhile for you to grow a beautiful garden." He hesitated, and started to resist giving an answer. "You must tell me a good and fair salary, and that is what we will agree on. "Forty dollars a month, Michael. You pay me forty dollars a month," he said mixing tentativeness and assurance. "It is agreed," I answered. "Mama will make us both lunch every day." Thank you Joseph." He smiled, and I think it had less to do with the money, and more to do with personal empowerment. Perhaps both.