Once upon a time, I was sitting outside in Uganda, washing some dishes and minding my own business… when out of the blue, one of the ChildVoice staff members began telling me how I looked like I was becoming an African woman. He explained that in Africa (at least where he was from), it is expected for women to learn skills such as washing dishes, cooking, taking care of a house, and the like. If a woman did not know such things, then it would be very unlikely that she would ever get married, at least to an African man. So, we decided it was a good idea for me to learn what it takes to be an African woman while I’m here, you know… just in case. 😉
Let the training begin!
First, I learned to dance as the women do during worship in Rwanda! It was my favorite thing each morning, devotions and dancing! Learning to dance did not stop here. I learned quite a few dances throughout my time in Africa, thanks to my patient and coordinated friends!
Second, I learned how to sew and make this cute little purse! I loved working with both the class in Rwanda and in Uganda as they taught me what they knew. And they are FANTASTIC teachers!
The women are also beautiful caretakers, learning a trade to make a living while they care for their babies.
Third, I learned to wash dishes the way they do at the refugee camp in Uganda. They didn’t have a sink to wash them, so we used buckets. However, at the base in Kenya, they did have sinks to wash, but we still carried the water over in buckets from the tank. Bonus was, sometimes I got to wash next to cuties, like this one!
Fourth, I learned to pluck the feathers of a chicken for the first time. This, was surprisingly kinda fun! Before you pluck the feathers though, you must pour boiling water on the chicken, which makes the feathers come out super easily! Then, after all the big feathers have been pulled out, you roast the chicken over a fire to burn off any remaining little hairs.
Fifth, I attempted to carry a jug full of water on my head. THAT was difficult. I honestly don’t understand how women here in Africa can carry so much on their heads. Their necks are so strong and amazing at balance! But with a little help, I was able to do it for maybe 2.3 seconds!
Sixth, it was time… the first week in Kenya I was offered the honor of slaughtering the chicken. Poooor chicken. I said yes, but either my arms were not strong enough or the knife was way too dull. Although that chicken had a sad, slow, and grueling death, the deed was done and I experienced my first chicken slaughtering lesson.
Seventh, the kiddos in Kenya taught me how they sweep the grounds as we took care of their morning chores. They are such hard workers! But so joyful! They do as they are asked and have a good time doing it!
Eighth, I learned the best way to wash my clothes by hand, in a bucket. Now, to be honest I have been washing my clothes in a bucket since Peru, month #3 and have been hanging them on lines outside to dry eight of the ten months so far. So, this is not a new thing in Africa, but still I think I have perfected my handwashing/bucket skills these last few months in Africa.
Ninth, I learned a little of what if feels like to get your hair braided in cornrows! Ouch! Yet, I felt so loved every time. And I attempted braiding cornrows myself, although I have no room to brag…
Tenth, I learned to make chapatti in Kenya! As I walked into the kitchen the first time, my heart jumped to the conclusion that we were about to make cinnamon rolls (how they look before flattening and frying)! However, chapatti day was just as exciting for everyone. MMMmmm Mmm!
Eleventh, I learned how to MOVE MOUNTAINS!! That’s right! Mountains of beans! We sorted out all the stones and sticks to help prepare dinner for the troops multiple times. I also love this photo because we represent four different countries, coming together to prepare supper at the YWAM base in Kenya.
My final lesson I learned in Ethiopia. Part of our ministry was to cut the long, well-watered, grass they had as it was rainy season and the grass grew tall! But it wasn’t cutting like I have back home, we got to use sickles and chop the grass like a boss! I’d have to say, although it made my back sore and when finished, looked like the lawn had a very bad hair cut, but it was kinda fun!
Needless to say, I learned quite a lot during my four months in Africa! It was so fun to learn the culture in each country and test my skills as our patient friends taught us everything day in and day out. And in all seriousness, there is no way I could ever compare to these beautiful people that I miss so dearly. God has intentionally created each of us so uniquely different, and placed us in different cultures with the need for different skills. Nevertheless, I am delighted I got to experience a little of what it takes to live in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia this year. And I hope I can use these skills again someday when I return!
“19For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.”
~ 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
