We joke around all the time with our contacts about “becoming African.” Everything is so different here that we have had to really adjust to this culture. One of the biggest things I’ve learned so far about becoming African is that it is NOT easy!
 
 
Step one: Appreciate water (pulling water from a well is hard work, plus did you know it takes 9 liters just to flush a toilet?)
 
 
Step two: Learn how to cook ugali (traditional African dish similar to grits, and VERY filling)
 

Step three: Bucket showers – cold yet refreshing. Just splash a little water on yourself and you’re all clean!

 

Step four: The bigger you are the better…so women eat and embrace your curves! Being called fat is a compliment (plus the common diet here is carbs and cooking oil!)

Step five: Carry everything on your head: fruit, clothes, water, etc. and trust me it is NOT easy

 

Step six: Adjust to the sun. Sweating constantly is normal and deodorant is not easy to come by

 

Step seven:Relinquish all rights to personal space.
This is real community living here. (a matatu is a typical mode of
African transportation = a minivan built to accommodate 15 people often
has 20+ people crammed in and hanging out the door)
 

 

Step eight: Always be ready to bust a move – in church, in houses, in restaurants. There is always loud music everywhere you go!

 

Step nine: Learn to love walking (what you consider
to
be close will need to change. The church is 1 ½ miles from our house
and it’s considered to be very close)

 

Step ten: Relax. Time is relative and no one is ever in a hurry. If you’re on time you’re early, and if you’re late you’re on time.