Nudity is viewed differently in the states than it is here. it is a strange paradox. Traditionally people are very modest and are well covered. This includes head covering and/or a blanket on top of their head and upper body.
At the same time it is pretty common to see a mother breast feeding in the middle of the road. In the countryside it is possible and not unlikely to see a woman wearing only a skirt with nothing covering her chest.
As common as it is I must admit I still get embarrassed at the site of a naked breast. While Mom and Dad were here we walked in on a girl changing. The previous day I had been shown a back entrance into a dining room of a café. It got me where I needed to be much quicker. On the day in question I had shown Dad and Whitney that door and now Mom and I were about to go through it.
Mom opened the door and turned to retreat. I gave her a slight push and said, "It is okay, go". Come to find out Mom was coming back because she had just walked in on a young girl changing shirts. I was to impatient to trust her and therefore we both walked in on her. I covered my face and apologized as the girl carried on like nothing happened.
The day before yesterday I went with my guard to refill our case of bottled cokes. We still use bottles. We return them to get refills. As we walked up to this small street side shop where I was to buy them a young girl entered from the door in the back of the store. Typically this door leads into the families one or two room house that is attached to the shop. She came out just as she would fully clothed the only difference is her shirt was still in her hand and she had no intention of wearing any thing under it.
I must admit, even after she put on her shirt I had a tough time shaking her hand.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Recap...
You should have just recently received my update email. If not than you aren't getting them for some reason. Having received it, you know that I have returned from Kenya and am home safe and super busy. Kenya ended okay. I made some friends while there and had some people to spend time with which helped the situation a lot.
But I was ready to get back home. I remember well stepping off the airplane and smelling the air. The air here has a distinct smell. It must be a combination between car exhaust, dead animals, excrement (human and animal), body odor, local spices, and animals. Sounds nice doesn't it. I think this is how I know I have fallen in love. The smell of the city was a welcome home. It was a wonderfully refreshing odor.
Since then much has happened. I've moved. The new house is nice and I am adjusting to roommates. I have actually begun mapping. I still don't know how to use the program to do it but I am learning and doing preliminary preparation. We secured a map and are beginning to transfer it into something usable.
My parents and two others from Lone Oak were here for a short time. It was such an encouragement to have them here. Two years ago I came here and fell in love. After returning home many asked about my trip but they wanted the 30-second version. It can't be done right. I eventually stopped telling. Then a month after being home I met with my parents in Arkansas. They asked about my summer and I gave the 30-second answer I had learned everyone wanted. They wouldn't settle for it. They sat me down and made me retell my experience. Now they have seen it and I believe they too have fallen in love with the people here. It is exciting.
Mom, Dad, Whitney, and I visited some historical sites here in the country. It was beautiful. I will try and post some pictures for you.
Our team has grown by four more people since I returned and we have already seen over 20 volunteers and the summer has just begun. Great things are happening and again I promise to do better updating you about them. Moving threw me out of wack for a bit.
But I was ready to get back home. I remember well stepping off the airplane and smelling the air. The air here has a distinct smell. It must be a combination between car exhaust, dead animals, excrement (human and animal), body odor, local spices, and animals. Sounds nice doesn't it. I think this is how I know I have fallen in love. The smell of the city was a welcome home. It was a wonderfully refreshing odor.
Since then much has happened. I've moved. The new house is nice and I am adjusting to roommates. I have actually begun mapping. I still don't know how to use the program to do it but I am learning and doing preliminary preparation. We secured a map and are beginning to transfer it into something usable.
My parents and two others from Lone Oak were here for a short time. It was such an encouragement to have them here. Two years ago I came here and fell in love. After returning home many asked about my trip but they wanted the 30-second version. It can't be done right. I eventually stopped telling. Then a month after being home I met with my parents in Arkansas. They asked about my summer and I gave the 30-second answer I had learned everyone wanted. They wouldn't settle for it. They sat me down and made me retell my experience. Now they have seen it and I believe they too have fallen in love with the people here. It is exciting.
Mom, Dad, Whitney, and I visited some historical sites here in the country. It was beautiful. I will try and post some pictures for you.
Our team has grown by four more people since I returned and we have already seen over 20 volunteers and the summer has just begun. Great things are happening and again I promise to do better updating you about them. Moving threw me out of wack for a bit.
