Monday, January 28, 2008

Things I'm Becoming Accustomed To...

  • Older men and women being called "Uncles" and "Aunties." This does not mean the children are related to these people. In fact, they may be a stranger, but their title is "Uncle" or "Auntie." I have even been called Auntie.
  • Being called "Teacher Andrea." Everyone here is called Teacher _____. I must say, this is much easier than saying "Miss DiBartolomeo." :)
  • In school, the students must stand to speak (which I am used to) but they also have to reply "Yes, Teacher" before answering the question. This can especially be confusing when the answer is a negative. For example, does 15 + 14 = 28? "Yes, Teacher. No, 15 + 14 does not equal 28." Oh yeah, they also must answer in a complete sentence (which I think is a great idea to help them with sentence structure).
  • Children shouting "Mazungu, Mazungu" and waving wildly. This means "white person." It is not a particularly flattering phrase, but it is not offensive when spoken by young children.
  • Wearing skirts and dresses ALL the time - even when taking a walk for exercise.
I am learning to appreciate each of these things. I really am so thankful to be here. It is such a learning experience!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am a member of UPC and enjoy reading your blog. Good friends Alice and Gary Fredricks are going to Uganda next month. Is there something small that you would like me to send with them?

Joan Stephens

Unknown said...

Ah yes, teacher Andrea, the Chynoweth's first introduced me to "uncle" and "auntie". Life in Africa....

Have I mentioned lately that....I love you?! Also, I miss you!

Brandi said...

Too cute! My friend just came home with her 2 adopted Ugandans and they call me Auntie Brandi and know that I am a mazungu with a little brown boy!

Brandi

Cara said...

This is so interesting...can't wait for more stories...Auntie D.:)

Love
Cara

Jess and Andrea said...

Joan,

Thank you so much for asking! I can't think of anything at the moment. We are able to get so much over here. I will let you know if I think of something. Thank you so much,
Andrea

Miss Braddock said...

Hey Andrea. I loved reading your blog and seeing your pictures. When I went to Malawi, the kids called us Mazungu too. They would be shouting it every time we showed up in the village. Take care!

victoria said...

Andrea, we are praying for you! We love reading your blog. The faces of the children are precious! We are going on a family mission trip to Trinidad this summer. One day will be spent at a children's home. Prayerfully reading about your experience will help prepare Virginia & Sarah (a little). Love, the Ramseys :)