| More Africa crap |
I'll stop with the pictures at some point, but for now I just can't help myself. Look at that face! You should also know that at this particular moment, he is saying (in Kiswahili) "White girl, push me please." I love this kid in the picture. He's my little Gary Coleman. His subtext is "I highly doubt you carted your ass over from the US just to take pictures of me and my plaid pants. You want to 'make a difference?' Start pushing. Earn it!"
Working with the children was great- I was really lucky. In the mornings, I ran the village equivalent of HeadStart with a classroom of 40-something children, ages 4-7. My Swahili had no choice but to improve, as everyone's first language was Uhehe (the local trible language- pronounced HayHay, as in HAY HAY, Y'ALL, THERE AIN'T NO FIVE ALIVE 'ROUND HERE!) and their second language was Swahili. English doesn't show up on the scene till way later. So while the other people in my group could get away with articulating and gesticulating to support some verbal commonality, I had to quickly learn how to say important, sophisticated, peace-infusing phrases like "No," "Stop that," "Don't bite him," "Seriously, stop that right now," and "Pee outside instead, yes?" What can I say? Five year olds are five year olds all over the world.
It was interesting for me to be the first white person some of these children had ever seen. Often, I'd be strolling around my village and I'd hear a noise behind me and turn to find a situation like this:
They'd just stand and stare, ready to run, so as I'd been instructed to do, I'd kneel down and say (I think this is what I said) "Umealikwa (you are invited)." And then they'd run up and start asking questions, and we'd have conversations like this:
Child: I am a black person, and we like bananas. Do YOU like bananas?
Me: I like bananas very much.
Child, to friends, whispered: Ohmygodyouguys she eats bananas. (Back to me) Okay, okay okay. I sleep at the night time. When do YOU sleep?
Me: I also sleep at the night time.
Child, to friends: SHE SLEEPS AT NIGHT TIME TOO. THIS IS INSANE.
At first, because of how I'm totally fascinated by myself, it was kind of funny being such a novelty. But after a bit, I really just wanted to blend. The likelihood of that was not so good, but I did become less of a shitshow, I like to think, as my time continued.
One of the local people asked me how I was able to keep such control over the children in the HeadStart class. She assumed I had some great American childrearing secret. "I do," I said. "The first hour and a half of every day, I let them sit down and try to rub off my freckles. Keeps them entertained forever. After that, we have recess." She was quiet for a second, and I thought I'd really pissed her off. Then she reached over and gave my arm a rub, just to check for herself.
There were definitely a few not so awesome moments upon which I will elaborate later, and I plan on talking extensively about how I got dysentery, but for the most part, Tanzania was a dream come true, and I went to sleep smiling every single night. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world that I could have such incredible experiences, and could live in a remote, rural African village where electricity and running water are not yet part of the picture. I washed my clothes in the river or in a bucket, which means they are dirty, because that shit is hard.
This is only a quick little peek in here to say hello, because today? TODAY, my friends? Is Birch Camp Day! Huzzah! I am up early getting a few things done before I dash down to the awaiting buses and immerse myself in a week of fun, love, support, silliness, and bead necklaces. I really can't wait.
I'm off, loves. I'll be back in a week. Take care of yourself and each other, and let's talk soon!Labels: Africa, babies, blogs, boring |
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| 13 Comments: |
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White girl, I think you should share lots of your stories and pics with us.
(Though maybe not too much detail on the dysentery? I'm just sayin'.)
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I'm so happy you're back; I've missed your stories so! Can't wait to see the rest of the pics and to hear more! XOXO
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hi meg! so happy to see your posts and know you're having a blast.
have more fun, it never hurts to have "more" when it comes to fun. you are in my thoughts.
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Can I adopt all of the babies you have photographed here? They are too cute for words. I would especially like the first little boy here. NOW. Go get him for me!
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Can you bring me a baby hippo?
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Hi Meg, I'm so happy you're back! The pictures are beautiful and I can't wait to hear more about your adventures!
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Welcome back, White Girl. I am impressed with your ability to make kids of all backgrounds love you. Can't wait to read more stories of your adventures.
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Who do I hug for your gift of humor? Seriously. I've been reading you since the beginning of the year and you are seriously gifted.
That whole banana/sleep at night example conversation is comedic genius.
This is fast becoming one of my favorite sites to read. (btw: found you via comments in Miss Doxie's blog.)
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OMG I totally sleep at night and eat bananas, too! It's like there's some deep universal truth there.
Those children are so beautiful, as are the giraffeses.
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thats so cool, the things that you are doing, will you marry me? ... if not.. then, hello! :-D
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You'll be back. In a few years, as an extraordinary pediatric resident. I feel it.
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I just love you too, and I'm dying to hear about life after Africa. I miss you tons!
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Name: A Lover and a Fighter
Home: New York, NY
About Me: "It is a very sad thing that nowadays there is so little useless information."
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White girl, I think you should share lots of your stories and pics with us.
(Though maybe not too much detail on the dysentery? I'm just sayin'.)