I am embarrassed to admit that my host family had to remind me that today is the anniversary of 9/11/01. My host father listens to the radio and watches the news on TV often and mentioned that today the flags in America will be at half mast and it took me a moment to realize just why that is. Isn’t it amazing how much changed that day? It was then that so much of the US developed a kind of phobia towards anything remotely Muslim or Middle-Eastern, an attitude that is taking longer to dissipate than we might like to admit. As such, it’s interesting for me to spend this holiday in a place where I can hear the call to prayer many times each day, where the Grand Mosque is the center of town and my go-to landmark where I am trying to find my way around. It’s not that today feels any different than any other day here (except that it’s especially hot outside!), but I think it’s good for me to spend time reflecting on these sorts of things.
That’s all I have to say about that for now, really.
In other news, I’ve been with my host family for over a week now and I have to say I really like these people. They are fun and helpful and generous and patient and friendly and kind. We pray together every morning in a language I don’t understand, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate it. And my host mom says she’ll write out the words to the Lord’s prayer in Gumbai for me so I can say it with them, which is pretty cool!
Fun Tchadian things I’ve experienced so far:’
*riding a moto! Not driving, because we aren’t allowed as SALTers, but being a passenger was pretty exhilarating. The traffic here probably has a thrill rating right up there with any of the roller coasters at your local six flags amusement park.
*walking through the central market by myself! I made it through with only one “hey girl!” call and it was even in English so I was actually more impressed than irritated by it.
*my 12-year-old host sister and her 7-year-old cousin braided my hair today! Pretty sure it will fall out tonight, but they love playing with my blonde-ish hair and are quite proud of the finished product.
That’s all I have to say about that for now, really.
In other news, I’ve been with my host family for over a week now and I have to say I really like these people. They are fun and helpful and generous and patient and friendly and kind. We pray together every morning in a language I don’t understand, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate it. And my host mom says she’ll write out the words to the Lord’s prayer in Gumbai for me so I can say it with them, which is pretty cool!
Fun Tchadian things I’ve experienced so far:’
*riding a moto! Not driving, because we aren’t allowed as SALTers, but being a passenger was pretty exhilarating. The traffic here probably has a thrill rating right up there with any of the roller coasters at your local six flags amusement park.
*walking through the central market by myself! I made it through with only one “hey girl!” call and it was even in English so I was actually more impressed than irritated by it.
*my 12-year-old host sister and her 7-year-old cousin braided my hair today! Pretty sure it will fall out tonight, but they love playing with my blonde-ish hair and are quite proud of the finished product.