My host mom doesn't understand me when I speak. It takes an hour to get to town and sometimes another for a matatu to come. We don't eat dinner until 7, 8, or 9. I have to repeat everything, slower, wait, slower wait.
PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE.
The teachers think America is perfect, the students are taught in America anything is possible. I am not conscious of my skin color, I forget but am constantly reminded. I'm late - stop the preaching, teaching, conversations, stare, whisper, point, laugh. Muzungu. The USA is perfect. I am rich. Little boys and girls hold out their hands - asking for money. My skin color tells my story, speaks my history, tells of apparent wealth. There is no escaping it, no hiding it.
TOLERANCE IS A VIRTUE.
Nelson and I spend most of our time together laughing at each other. Lindsay has the best laugh, it follows her giant smile. The kids were suprised when I danced, sang, played with them. They laughed so hard. I always get caught running in the rain, through the mud. I tell my mom I don't like coke, she buys me coke. I can't understand Pastor Silas's jokes but I laugh anyway.
LAUGHTER IS A VIRTUE.
My students stand to greet me in class, erase the board for me, hold my things. The boys at the orphanage turn into my allies in school. They watch my things like a hawk, hold the students back when they run at me to see my camera, greet me excitedly everytime they see me. I drink a million cups of tea a day, eat things I would never imagine - I am a guest, welcomed and invited to everyone's home.
RESPECT IS A VIRTUE.
I care for those kids, bring them candy. Stick up for them in class. See the wrappers everywhere on my way home and pick them up. Shake everyone's hand and smile, "Hello, Jambo, Amosie" they are bound to understand one or the other. I bought paper and crayons. When I leave, who will help my host mom figure out or phone or remind her to take her medicine. I am welcomed, complimented, greeted, hugged by strangers who become friends and family. Invited for tea. Chelsey, you look beautiful this morning. My friends call to say hi and ask how I am.
KINDNESS IS A VIRTUE.
I love the mountains, the lake, the village. I love the hot sun and cool rain. The sounds and excitment. The smiles and kindness. The people.
LOVE IS A VIRTUE.
About Me
- Chelsey
- I started this blog in the Fall of 2008 to document my semester abroad. Now, the blog has turned into a journal of my most recent adventures! Stay tuned!
6 comments:
I can't wait to see you!
-Karine
There You go again!I sitdown toread your new blogs...get so into whatyou're saying ..thn, the first thing you know tears are forming in my eyes again.
Love eading your blogs. love trying to visualize exactly what you are painting with words.
Great fun.Really miss you.
Just hung up from talking with Grandma. Only five more days and she'll be down here in Arizona.
Be safe. Be caeful
Grandpa
I was on Facebook Marketplace looking for housing and somehow I ended up at your blog. Just wanted to say that your writing is marvelous and I shall be bookmarking this.
Chelsey,
I really love you. Everytime I read your messages I think to myself "This is my daugher, isn't she awesome?"
I can't wait to see the hundreds of pictures that you have taken and see all the people who have become your family and friends for the past almost 4 months. People who will remain in your heart forever.
I am sure you are looking forward to many hot showers these next few days when you travel to meet friends near the ocean. Maybe you will be able to see your feet again! Hope you have a great time and can't wait to hear about that adventure.
I have seen some of your rafting pictures, wholly cow, scary! I can't believe your little body stayed in the raft:)
Talk to you next week.
Love Dad and Mom
Hi, Chelsey.
We miss you and hope you are doing well. I love your posts. (Funniest one is when the locals yell Barack Obama in your face.) Stay safe and know that I'm keeping an eye on your Mom & Dad for you. They're good kids.
Getting colder. We decorate the sanctuary for Advent and Christmas next week. Happy Thanksgiving.
Your Friend in Christ,
Pastor Scott
Chelsey!
I just got your postcard! Thank you so much. I'm sorry for not staying in touch, but I'm glad to hear everything is going well. I have been keeping up to date on your blog though, and your trip sounds amazing. Minnesota is still the same old. Grad school is going well and I already aced one class (Medical Terminology.) I have a part time research assistant job, but it's not enough to move out (living in parents' basement.) I've been searching for another job for awhile now, but it's pretty slow out there. I'm still playing in a band (Shake Down) with my dad and brother. We play around Forest Lake about three times a month. It's pretty fun, especially when the bar gives us a free tab. I can't wait to see you again. Have a great time for the rest of your stay and a safe trip back. I'm sure you'll be tied up for awhile after you come back, but you can be sure I'll have some pizza rolls waiting for when you have some extra time. Take care.
-David
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