thats what brings me back into town so soon. since i don't have a radio that will get BBC and could listen to the election results come in i had to give myself two benadryl to fall asleep. maybe not the best move for a health volunteer but necessary cause there was no way sleep was going to come on its own given that in the morning we would have a new president. it's been really bizarre being in africa as the first african american president is elected in the U.S. some people are excited but most don't really understand why we would want a "non-american" (read: not white) to be president. this brings up a really interesting convo about what makes an american. american and what america really looks like. it blows people's minds when i show them pictures of my asian, black, persian, etc. friends....who are all american! these conversations also highlight the residual effect of colonialism in east africa. there is still a sense in these africans that white is better, smarter, and more able. i will have 90 year old men and women bowing and kissing my hands when i great them because to them i deserve respect for being white. it feels very backward and a little hard to swallow growing up in an america that at the very least preaches that respect is based on one's wisdom and accomplishments and has tried for the last 50 years to reject the idea that race inherently gives you status.
but my friends and i met here in the nearest town to hear the speeches and toast tanzanian made chocolate cake and frosting to our new president that i hope will bring something new and good into the world and not break our hearts. (the cynic in me is just waiting for the other shoe to drop.....)
i am still waiting for furniture to arrive. i ordered it over two months ago. but i guess this is africa time.everything else is good. i am having some frustration with my village and district government but the people here are mostly motivated, especially the kids. i've been tutoring four everyday in english. they wrote me letters requesting help... very cute. and its hard since education here is seriously not up to par. but little by little right?
today i also got some letters and a package!! thanks jessica, uncle brad, mom and dad, amy, grandma, jenna, and lauren for my letters and packages. it makes me feel not forgotten. i love you guys
3 comments:
Anytime you get frustrated just go outside and look at your turtle drawing...and I still can't get over the fact that you're doing such an amazing thing. Love you lots...miss you more!
Kimbo, you bring up really interesting points. I never knew the colonial mentality was still so active in this day and age(ignorance at its best). Thanks for bringing that insight. It helps when you learn lessons and post them. As a reader, we learn so much too!
Love you lots and your experience seems so amazing.
PS Keep workin that hoe
Kim!
You are truly amazing, and I am so proud of what you are doing! I get chills when I read what you write because it is so inspiring!! You are awesome and I miss you and always remember!! Be the change!!!
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