The food shortage around is impacting the nation Liberia, and will likely directly impact Tricia and I on our trip.

As I am hearing more about the severity of the food shortage it worries me that we may have trouble getting food, or that food will be more expensive that we are expecting. In my nervousness I imagine have food stolen from us, or money to buy food.

Then I remember a few important things. I will be well looked after by several people dedicated to my well being. I am in a better financial situation than most of the people that I will be living with, no matter how modest that situation is. And finally, I can come home if things get really bad.

These are advantages that Liberian's and citizens of developing countries don't have during thsi food crisis. There are no other options for them and they come from already desperate situations. The anxiety that I feel probably translates to fear, dread and hopelessness for many around the world in a way that I can't even begin to comprehend.

The food shortage also represents very practical challenges for millions of people. There are already far too many hungry people in the world and the shortage means many more will be added to their ranks. Those who are not currently hungry may be focusing their attention to caring for their communities, starting their own business or going to school. All of these goals and dreams may be replaced by the basic goal of survival stunting the development of many in the developing world.

When basic recourses such as food are scarce it can make the situation in Liberia by its indirect effects. Not only does it create a more desperate population that is more likely to turn violent out of desperation, but it makes it more difficult to form the national identity needed to create unity in the wake of a civil war. People shift their focus to primarily feeding themselves and their family and regard the needs of the community and the nation as secondary and can see others in the community more as competitors rather than neighbors.

So, news of food shortage does concern me for reasons of our personal needs and security, but it also concerns me in regards to the progress of the Liberian people. Also, it is a poignant reminder of the extreme want of far too many people that I share the world with.