Maputo for the weekend
Hi all! This has been my first chance to get to a computer since departing for Namaacha 2 weeks ago. A lot has gone on, and I feel like I have been here much longer then two and a half weeks. Don't mind the typos if there are some.. the key boards are a bit different here.
So there is too much to say, and not enough time, but I have moved in with my homestay family. The family is really big because lots of people live in the house, not just the immediate family. They are really nice, but it is not always easy because they speak portuguese, and I do not. The portuguese is definitely the hardest part about being here but I am not stressing because I did not expect to learn it immediately. I take portuguese lessons every day and I have learned a lot in just these two weeks. I should be doing a lot better by the time I go to site.
The house that I live in is down a hill in the town, and it is "rustic" to say the least. I have my own small stone house that is just my bedroom. I have a bed, a small closet and a desk to lay my things. The family lives in the big house about 15 yards to the left of my front door. There house has two bedrooms (that somehow they all fit into at night), and then there is also a dining area with a tv and dvd player! There is a separte house for the bathroom, which is basically a hole in the ground, and then another house for where they cook. When I say house it is not at all like our houses. They are often made of scrap materials and they all have tin roofs. The bathroom does not have a roof at all in some places. Its not bad though... just takes some getting used to. I get to take a bucket bath every morning which I kind of like. There is no wasted water and that is important here. I spent an hour and a half getting water last weekend so I know how important it is to conserve. I don't want to be lugging back 200 gallons of water more then once a week.
My family structure is interesting. I have three brothers, 9, 18 and 20, and then a sister, who is 15. We also have my Dad's brother living in the hosue with his wife and twin babies, and there are two other children living there who are family but I'm not really sure how they are related. The women here are really strong and tough. They do all the cooking, cleaning, laundry, and child care. It is a lot of work here in Mozambique where there is no running water and dirt everywhere. The men get to hang out a lot more, and get to reap the benefits of all the good food, but they go to work during the day as well so they do a lot too. The way the family interacts is completely different from any thing I have seen in the US. They live much more communally and there is very little privacy. I have to escape sometimes and lock myself in my room just because I am not used to it. Americans need a lot of alone time I have realized.
The town that I am living in is really pretty. It is in the mountains, so it is pretty cool. I never thought I'd be cold in Africa but I have been! I didn´t bring enough warm clothes with me to my homestay. I am not sure when I will be able to share pictures but I will do it as soon as I can. Internet is not easy to come by here.
I know I'm leaving a lot out but I have a lot to do here before 12 when everything shuts down. I have a wedding to go to later in the day also... Its a three day wedding... they know how to have fun here in Mozambique.
I miss everyone! Let me know how you are all doing through email.
So there is too much to say, and not enough time, but I have moved in with my homestay family. The family is really big because lots of people live in the house, not just the immediate family. They are really nice, but it is not always easy because they speak portuguese, and I do not. The portuguese is definitely the hardest part about being here but I am not stressing because I did not expect to learn it immediately. I take portuguese lessons every day and I have learned a lot in just these two weeks. I should be doing a lot better by the time I go to site.
The house that I live in is down a hill in the town, and it is "rustic" to say the least. I have my own small stone house that is just my bedroom. I have a bed, a small closet and a desk to lay my things. The family lives in the big house about 15 yards to the left of my front door. There house has two bedrooms (that somehow they all fit into at night), and then there is also a dining area with a tv and dvd player! There is a separte house for the bathroom, which is basically a hole in the ground, and then another house for where they cook. When I say house it is not at all like our houses. They are often made of scrap materials and they all have tin roofs. The bathroom does not have a roof at all in some places. Its not bad though... just takes some getting used to. I get to take a bucket bath every morning which I kind of like. There is no wasted water and that is important here. I spent an hour and a half getting water last weekend so I know how important it is to conserve. I don't want to be lugging back 200 gallons of water more then once a week.
My family structure is interesting. I have three brothers, 9, 18 and 20, and then a sister, who is 15. We also have my Dad's brother living in the hosue with his wife and twin babies, and there are two other children living there who are family but I'm not really sure how they are related. The women here are really strong and tough. They do all the cooking, cleaning, laundry, and child care. It is a lot of work here in Mozambique where there is no running water and dirt everywhere. The men get to hang out a lot more, and get to reap the benefits of all the good food, but they go to work during the day as well so they do a lot too. The way the family interacts is completely different from any thing I have seen in the US. They live much more communally and there is very little privacy. I have to escape sometimes and lock myself in my room just because I am not used to it. Americans need a lot of alone time I have realized.
The town that I am living in is really pretty. It is in the mountains, so it is pretty cool. I never thought I'd be cold in Africa but I have been! I didn´t bring enough warm clothes with me to my homestay. I am not sure when I will be able to share pictures but I will do it as soon as I can. Internet is not easy to come by here.
I know I'm leaving a lot out but I have a lot to do here before 12 when everything shuts down. I have a wedding to go to later in the day also... Its a three day wedding... they know how to have fun here in Mozambique.
I miss everyone! Let me know how you are all doing through email.
posted by Kendall | 4:21 AM
3 Comments:
Kendall,
Thanks for sharing your adventure; I am learning a great deal from you.
Anything I can do for you?
Peace,
Shep
Kendall!
I miss you so much, I can't believe everything you've experienced already and how strong you are for doing this! You are a real inspiration!
Love,
Kristen
Ok, Flat Stanley is on his way to you! Love you!
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