Making "Good Time"

"We want to make good time, but for us now this is measured with an emphasis on "good" rather than "time" and when you make that shift in emphasis, the whole approach changes." -Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

I really can't say it any better than that. For someone who is very goal-oriented and thrives upon having deadlines and being able to check accomplishments off lists, this has been my biggest cultural difference to adjust to so far. But as my emphasis has shifted towards the "good," I've found that I have started to enjoy myself much more and have found myself fitting in to my surroundings and really feeling at home within the community. The first time I realized this was when we returned from Jinja and I had that feeling you experience when you take a trip somewhere, and while it's great, you love just coming home and the comfort that surrounds being somewhere you know so well.

So, I've started to slow down and enjoy the special moments each day, instead of always trying to be in a hurry to get somewhere. One of my favorite things to do is to sit outside on our back porch while it's raining, and listen as the raindrops ping off the tin roofs, creating a rhythmic cadence that creates such a soothing effect.

By far though, the best part about a slower paced life are the relationships that you form along the way. I've enjoyed meeting kids in the community, who are then so excited to introduce you to the rest of their family. And when I say family, it's not just their mom and dad, and siblings, it's their immediate family, as well as extended family who live under the same roof. Oh, and then you take a trip down the street to visit their other aunties and cousins, and then again to visit their grandparents. And most likely, you are toting a baby around on your hip who was thrust into your arms upon arrival and is marveling at the lighter shade of your skin color and doesn't quite understand how it is possible for someone to exist who isn't black. And this whole experience is so great because people here define what it means to exhibit hospitality. They have nothing, yet they lay out their best food, etc when they have a visitor, which means that I have to spend time coming up with creative ways to repay them for their kindness, but these intricate relationships that are being formed make everything worthwhile.

And another great thing is how crazy Africa is. I love it and find something to laugh about every day. For example, I am getting ready to go to church with my friend Jackline yesterday and I walk out in the only dress that I brought with me to Africa. She takes one look at me and says, "Corten (how they pronounce my name), you need to go change. Your dress has wrinkles." No filter whatsoever that it is rude to tell someone they look bad, and I was like, this is the only dress I have! But the whole situation was so funny that I laughed, walked back into my room and changed into jeans and a t-shirt, that apparently were not as offensive as my wrinkled dress.

Some of the funniest experiences have been my interactions with the guys here as well. Everyone has marriage on the mind! I was going through a security checkpoint in town the other day and the guard who was checking my bag says, "I noticed you are not wearing a wedding ring, so I would like to come visit you where you are staying..." At which point I promptly walk away. I am considering getting a fake ring to wear, a nice big one that I can flash at anyone who happens to glance at my hand, haha.

While Africa is crazy and I am constantly surprised and humored by everything that happens each day, I love it here. It is so great fitting into a new community and a new culture. When I run in the mornings, kids will run alongside me, or sometimes ride a bike next to me so that can accompany me for a greater distance. It is comforting feeling welcomed here, and as much as I hope that I will leave an impact on the people of this community, they have already, and will continue to, leave an even greater impact on me.