Africanisms
We have learned a lot since our arrival on the continent. We have realized that we will never truly understand Kenyans (or Africans) simply because of our birthplace. Even in the city of Nairobi, many do not have running water or electricity. I often feel so naive because I have expectations for life, I feel entitled to certain things but the Lord is revealing to me how the rest of the world lives. The Lord never said that I would have electricity and water, He tells me that I will have trials and tribulations.
Some things we are learning are funny, a very "non-western" mindset!
Here are the top Africanisms in our first few months here:
1. It is a compliment to be called fat! If you are fat, that means you have plenty of food and you are well provided for.
2. Women are known by their children's names...I am called "Mama Nicholas", "Mama Katherine" or "Mama Nathan". As a woman your children are your identity.
3. Your wealth is measured in cows and children...this is a quote we have heard said to someone, "you only have 4 children and you call yourself a woman?"
4. The "hooter" is what you push when you want the car in front of you to get out of the way. We see signs all over town that say "No Hooting". It took us awhile to figure this one out...I thought they were against owls! :-)
5. I asked someone if it was okay to wear pants to church and she responded, "I certainly hope you will wear pants!" Pants are underwear.
6. You are considered a child until you are married, but you become a true adult when you have children.
7. Relationships come first in everything, work and time do not matter until you have properly greeted and inquired about the family, everyone's family. Think about your day in America and consider how much your day would change if you could not start your business until you discussed the news of everyone's family.
On the other hand, some things we are learning make me sad. Such as many children growing up in Nairobi are not learning the heart language of their tribe. It will be a generation that loses a huge part of their culture. Some good is coming out of it, with Kenya striving to be a people of one nation instead of tribes fighting against one another. But as we all know, there is always good with the bad.
Please be in prayer for the people of East Africa who are experiencing drought and famine. Also, pray for those in position of power that they will make wise decisions, pray for pure hearts and no corruption.
Some things we are learning are funny, a very "non-western" mindset!
Here are the top Africanisms in our first few months here:
1. It is a compliment to be called fat! If you are fat, that means you have plenty of food and you are well provided for.
2. Women are known by their children's names...I am called "Mama Nicholas", "Mama Katherine" or "Mama Nathan". As a woman your children are your identity.
3. Your wealth is measured in cows and children...this is a quote we have heard said to someone, "you only have 4 children and you call yourself a woman?"
4. The "hooter" is what you push when you want the car in front of you to get out of the way. We see signs all over town that say "No Hooting". It took us awhile to figure this one out...I thought they were against owls! :-)
5. I asked someone if it was okay to wear pants to church and she responded, "I certainly hope you will wear pants!" Pants are underwear.
6. You are considered a child until you are married, but you become a true adult when you have children.
7. Relationships come first in everything, work and time do not matter until you have properly greeted and inquired about the family, everyone's family. Think about your day in America and consider how much your day would change if you could not start your business until you discussed the news of everyone's family.
On the other hand, some things we are learning make me sad. Such as many children growing up in Nairobi are not learning the heart language of their tribe. It will be a generation that loses a huge part of their culture. Some good is coming out of it, with Kenya striving to be a people of one nation instead of tribes fighting against one another. But as we all know, there is always good with the bad.
Please be in prayer for the people of East Africa who are experiencing drought and famine. Also, pray for those in position of power that they will make wise decisions, pray for pure hearts and no corruption.
Adrienne,
ReplyDeleteYou write a great blog. Truthful, humorous, thought provoking and concise. Good job. I'm posting the link on my page.
Mama Joseph