Hey girl its bad but not that bad. You are spot on regarding the trek you described and the daunting nature of what awaits in a culture who has more dumpsters than answers. But hold on lady of the lake, there is more. Just take heed. And ponder. And then, recall a simple fact, not only are we in sad straights we are able to make the world different. Not the external joint of a place you described. Not possible. But pondering is a different matter especially when it comes to perspective. Perspective is all thinks girly. All things. The rest is ... well as you suggested, to be lived accordingly.