October is a very exciting month for me. On the ninth I will have been in the D.R Congo for one year. I can't believe its been a year since I boarded the plane and started this adventure. As I sat down to reflect on this year I realized there are so many things that have happened and that I have learned. I want to share with you the best I can about this year.
I have realized that I gained an amazing family. When I left my family and friends back in the States it was the hardest thing I could ever do. I knew that I would be missing out on my niece and nephew growing up, spending time with my parents and even losing family to death. What I couldn't imagine is the family I gained here in the Congo. The Kibambazi's have made me feel so welcomed and so loved. They have opened their hearts and home to me. I still miss my American family so much, but life is easier having such a great family here too.
I have learned that Malaria and Typhoid are the real deal. Before I moved to the Congo, I had heard people talk about these two sickness. I knew they were bad and could kill but I never had taken them too seriously. Now its a different story. I don't think I have ever felt worse then when I had Malaria and or Typhoid. It makes me think differently about these diseases and realize they are a big deal here. Now when I get a mosquito bite I say a little prayer hoping that I don't get Malaria again.
Through this sickness I learned how much African's can and will help. They will go out of there way to ask if you are ok, make you juice or even make you some yummy food. When I was sick up in Lemera away from home I had to rely on people I didn't know to help me. The doctor who came to check on me twice a day, a nice women made me pineapple juice to drink. They don't know me, but they knew that I was sick and they wanted to help me. Fahamu's mom wanted to come the four hours to be with me and help me. Its hard to miss home when you have people like these helping you. My biggest help was Fahamu. He would clean up my throw up, get me a cold rag, go get my medicines, watch Dawson's creek with me and through all of these never complained. He would pray with me, force me to eat when I didn't feel like eating. He showed me what the vows mean when we say in sickness and in health.
I have learned that just because its normal in my culture doesn't mean its normal here. In America people usually call the day before they come over so you can prepare. Here its a very different story. I'll be reading a book hear a knock at the door and SURPRISE we have a visitor. I ask Fahamu, "did you know they were coming"? Then they go through all your stuff. If you have things on your couch or table they pick it up and look at it. Its just so different then what I'm use to.
I have learned to always make enough food for company. Like I said before we never know when people will show up, but they tend to show up when its time to eat. This means that we give them a plate of food. There have been a couple of times where we made just enough food for the two of us and then two people show up and we have to run around and make them something. Yes there are things that drive me nuts but I love this culture and I love that its different then what I'm use to.
Here is a list of some of the differences in culture:
-Men can wear women shirts (not all men do this just some)
-You can listen to music as loud as you want. We can hear the bars music that is two blocks away.
-You can listen to LOUD music anytime of day. Our neighbors play there music at 6am
-Honking isn't rude, it means move to the side of the road.
-They don't have the word please.
-Parents don't need to watch their children 24/7.
-If you want to have chicken for dinner you go and buy a live one and kill it then eat it.
-You don't just smile at people as they pass, they will think you are weird.
-You don't need to wear deordernet.
-If the van seats 18, in Africa it seats 30
-Seat belts what are those??
-What are rules for the road?
-When you say something in their language and they laugh its not to be mean. It just means they are happy you are trying to learn their language.
-You hide everything you are carrying. Even if it is a tomato you put it in a bag so no one can see.
-They clean there shoes before they got out.
Thats just some of the cultural differences that I have picked up.
I have learned the struggle of the people. The Congo is a country that has seen many wars, corruption, and poverty. Growing up I read about what poverty was and how people in Africa were starving to death. I have read about what corruption can can do and how it its harmful to many countries. Then of course I have seen pictures of war and the after math of what a war can do. But being here in a country that is still effected by all these things is different then reading it. Talking to people who saw their father murdered in front of their eyes, women who saw their child ripped out of their hands to become child solders and seeing children who are really starving to death, nothing can prepare you for this. I have learned that forgiveness doesn't come easy and people don't forget. They have seen what evil can do and how it can tear apart families and countries. As we go into the villages and try to develop leaders, we see how the past is effecting the future.
I have learned that a simple life is hard but is joyous. I have the best mom and dad, they provided my with an amazing childhood. I had everything I needed and more. I was not spoiled by American standards but I had things that I could survive without. As I have lived here in one of the poorest countries in the world I see that my life can be simple and I can still be happy. Yes I would love to have a hot running shower, but I can survive with a cold bucket shower. I would love to have power 24/7 but I can survive on the limited power we receive. I really miss watching American TV, but I have learned to live without it. I love sugar but I have learned to live with out that. There are days when I really miss my comfortable life back in Oregon. Then I realize that I am truly happy here. Yes there are things that could make my life a lot easier (washer and dryer) but I can live with out those things.
I have learned that American sayings are very hard to explain. Here is an example of things I have said, and Fahamu has asked me to explain and I have no idea how to explain them:
"as easy as pie"
"as happy as a clam"
"close but no cigar"
"face the music"
"hold your horses"
If I said these sayings in America no one would ask me to explain. Its funny how we can pick up on things and we don't understand the meaning or where it actually came from.
There are so many things I have learned while being here. My life has completely changed from a year ago. I can say that this has been one of the hardest years of my life. But through the hardships I seen pure joy and love. This year I become a wife, a full time missionary, a Muzungu (white person), a teacher, a disciple, a adventurer, and someone who just loves life. I have no idea what the next year is going to bring, I know that I can handle whatever it may be.
As my first year in Africa comes to an end, Fahamu's first trip to the US starts. I have received my visa but we are still in need of $380 dollars. As the days go by Fahamu and I get more and more excited. We are really looking forward to this trip. If you would like to donate to help us come home you can go to our gofundme page http://www.gofundme.com/4lmgdo
IF you would like us to speak at your church or small group we would be more then happy. Just e-mail me Jonni05@aol.com and we can discuss the dates and time.
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