I have been struck by the question, "What would it be like to be born, to grow-up, to work, and to die in Bata?" Nobody's asked me but I've wondered about it as I buy bread from an old, bored woman on the street (paying twice as much the regular price and knowing it; she seemed so miserable), or as I talked to the kid who I bought caramels from (my first frivolous purchase). I am just meeting people all the time who I don't know their stories or what makes them tick.
I really don't understand people here well at all. In so many ways they are like people back in Canada (they know of Justin Timberlake of all people), but every now and then I am smoked in the face with something I just don't understand (like why does nobody use bikes here??? I have no idea). For the most part, the whole culture shock thing hasn't been a big issue. I don't think it's as much culture shock as it is an inability to communicate effectively. In fact, as I think of it, it is kinda like when i used to stutter real bad. I feel like I'm at someone else's house who I don't know very well and I can't really relax or fit in anywhere; and if anyone tries to talk to me, I drop the ball and make things a little awkward. But each day gets easier.
I live with some awesome people. Rafael is my main connection in the home. He's about my age and he loves going to the church by our house. He's kinda quiet but when he's with his friends (usually at the church, which is the main place where people hang out) he comes alive! He laughs lots and 2 nights ago we had our first time truly laughing together and both understanding what we were laughing about. It was in bed (sharing beds here is no big deal) and ya, we were talking about who we liked; just like i was back in gr. 5. It was great and felt sooo good to laugh.
We also live with Dodo, who is Rafael's niece but she is our age as well, and Ramami who is about 15 probably. Ramani is actually Dodo's niece. Families are crazy extended here. It's great. Our house is very homey and sufficient. It's different in the obvious ways. Like I shower using a little bucket dipping and spilling over my head, and I sleep with a mosquito net. Sometimes it feels very missionary-esque. Other times it really doesn't, like when we are sitting around in the evening watching tv (like today, 24 was on in spanish, kinda weird).
There is lots to share and it's hard to sum up my feelings. This whole concept of God living in me has been on my mind recently. The verse I read this morning was , "On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you." Pretty cool. How would my life change if I understood this.
Sorry about no pictures on this blog. I haven't taken any and I don't have a digital camera. I will try to change that as soon as I can.
sorry about no pictures, and no video's
I really don't understand people here well at all. In so many ways they are like people back in Canada (they know of Justin Timberlake of all people), but every now and then I am smoked in the face with something I just don't understand (like why does nobody use bikes here??? I have no idea). For the most part, the whole culture shock thing hasn't been a big issue. I don't think it's as much culture shock as it is an inability to communicate effectively. In fact, as I think of it, it is kinda like when i used to stutter real bad. I feel like I'm at someone else's house who I don't know very well and I can't really relax or fit in anywhere; and if anyone tries to talk to me, I drop the ball and make things a little awkward. But each day gets easier.
I live with some awesome people. Rafael is my main connection in the home. He's about my age and he loves going to the church by our house. He's kinda quiet but when he's with his friends (usually at the church, which is the main place where people hang out) he comes alive! He laughs lots and 2 nights ago we had our first time truly laughing together and both understanding what we were laughing about. It was in bed (sharing beds here is no big deal) and ya, we were talking about who we liked; just like i was back in gr. 5. It was great and felt sooo good to laugh.
We also live with Dodo, who is Rafael's niece but she is our age as well, and Ramami who is about 15 probably. Ramani is actually Dodo's niece. Families are crazy extended here. It's great. Our house is very homey and sufficient. It's different in the obvious ways. Like I shower using a little bucket dipping and spilling over my head, and I sleep with a mosquito net. Sometimes it feels very missionary-esque. Other times it really doesn't, like when we are sitting around in the evening watching tv (like today, 24 was on in spanish, kinda weird).
There is lots to share and it's hard to sum up my feelings. This whole concept of God living in me has been on my mind recently. The verse I read this morning was , "On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you." Pretty cool. How would my life change if I understood this.
Sorry about no pictures on this blog. I haven't taken any and I don't have a digital camera. I will try to change that as soon as I can.
sorry about no pictures, and no video's
2 comments:
Hola Timothy! - I'm so glad you can express things so well in writing. I'm really enjoying reading about your adventures, but especially seeing a bit of your heart. Es bueno. (thanks to Jess for the Spanish :)
Grace and Peace,
Dorothy
TIM!!
Sorry I've been slacking off on reading your Blog. This is the first time I've checked it. It sounds like a wicked awesome time! I remember when I was in Guatemala and I couldn't speak spanish and I only knew one and a half people who spoke english. I say half because he could only kind of speak it. Anyway, I suck majorly with languages and I the most I could say were really basic things like hi and good and good night and stuff like that. Anyway, I think I have an idea to how you may be feeling. But it's still pretty awesome how cool people are even when you can't communicate through words.
But yeah, I'm totally looking forward to your next blog. I even put your site in my favorites. I'll keep praying for you!
You're awesome,
Jamie Fox
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