So, I have tried numerous times to upload videos to show you Africa. However, the internet here is not strong enough to upload such things. So, I am going to have to try to sum up my first month in Africa in words.
Names I was called in Rwanda
Daughter– As soon as the bus stopped in Rwanda, I was greeted by the pastor we were going to live with for the month. He was happy, joking, and gave us all a speech of who he wanted us to be this month. By who, I mean, he said we are his daughters. He then went into explaining how he expected us to have that mindset. “If you want something from the cupboard, you just get it. You don’t ask, because it’s your home.” Upon numerous occasions, I heard him say “I am here with my American daughters.” He and his wife truly embraced us as daughters and loved us as part of their family.
Mahoro– This is my Rwandan name given to me by the family I lived with. It means “peaceful.” My Rwandan father, Pastor James, said that when I enter chaos, I bring a peaceful spirit into the place. I agree that I am this way most of the time and it was amazing after only being with the family for a few days that they were able to identify qualities of not only me but each person on my team.
Chicken Killer– One of things I wanted to do on the World Race was kill a chicken. I heard stories of this from other racers and thought that would be a great experience to have “when in Africa…” So, when I arrived in Rwanda, I told the family I was staying with that this was one of my hopes for the race. My pastor said, “We will get you a chicken.” After many days of waiting for a chicken, one finally arrived. So, in that morning, I plucked feathers off a chicken and cut its neck. Then we had it for lunch. One of my teammates is a vegetarian and she didn’t enjoy the experience at all. It was quite comical actually and there is a video created by my teammate that one day you will be able to enjoy probably after I leave Africa.
Songwriter– I have not been called this one before. This month, I wrote my first song. After learning some really basic guitar in Cambodia, I decided I would keep practicing if there is a guitar where I am. So, I kept practicing and one morning God gave me a lot of words. So, that day we had a lot of time and I sat down with the guitar and wrote a song. It consists of only three chords, but you have to start somewhere. I have tried to post a video of me singing this song, but have yet been able to post it.
Mzungu– This is the common term used in Africa for any person with white skin. Small children and adults alike will yell “Mzungu” as you walk down the street. I heard a few different descriptions of what this meant. Some said, it means you have money. Others, that you are an honored guest. I still don’t know what exactly it means, but I took no offense to it. I guess for two more months I can be a mzungu.
