Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Ok, in classic Julie fashion, I have a story that could have very easily happened in the states to me. I was finally planning to host a colleague and her husband for a Sunday lunch. Planned ahead, went to ku isoko (the market), bought all of the ingredients, and soaked the beans overnight. After preparing my international feast (guacamole, Israeli salad, and French bean salad), I realized my guests did not seem quite satisfied. Later in the evening, I had so many leftovers, that I invited another set of guests. As I was discussing with them whether they thought the ibishyimbo (beans) turned out well, I was pretty sure we were having a huge language barrier. They kept insisting that I had not indeed cooked beans (pre-soaked, I repeat, and cooked for over 2 hours). I assured them that they were very well cooked...turned out I had cooked peanuts instead. Oh my.
Things are quite well. As you can guess I am elated about Joe`s visit. He arrives tomorrow morning.
Been working hard. Did a training today on the importance of play and how to use toys appropriately, that went quite well. Just putting together all of my training topics. The group prioritized and we are off (feeding, toileting, caregiver training...). You get the idea.
Two interesting language nuances. I can`t find a word in Kinyarwanda for FUN. And, people say here a translation of YOU WERE LOST, when they have not seen you in a long time. Loving language.
Hope to hear from you all soon. Happy upcoming holidays.
Things are quite well. As you can guess I am elated about Joe`s visit. He arrives tomorrow morning.
Been working hard. Did a training today on the importance of play and how to use toys appropriately, that went quite well. Just putting together all of my training topics. The group prioritized and we are off (feeding, toileting, caregiver training...). You get the idea.
Two interesting language nuances. I can`t find a word in Kinyarwanda for FUN. And, people say here a translation of YOU WERE LOST, when they have not seen you in a long time. Loving language.
Hope to hear from you all soon. Happy upcoming holidays.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Hi all. Well, I love the 17 posts, and feel totally shamed by Alisa's (I could never, ever live up to that image, oh my dear, Alisa!!). Murakoze cyane. Life has gotten busy, electricity scare, and posting harder, but I will do my best.
I am enjoying the nuances of language and what that reflects about culture. When a child is about 8 days old, (s)he goes for a baby naming ceremony. The entire community gets a say in the name. One favorite of a little girl from work who literally does not stop crying, is called "Wanumwiza", which translates to: "do not make her cry"! How appropriate. : ) Another example: the word for a housewarming in Kinyarwanda, translates directly to: "chase the mice away"!!! Though, I have seen far more cockroaches, grasshoppers, geckos, and rats, then mice. On a side note, grasshoppers (cooked) are quite a snack delight here. I will let you know once I have tried one.
I have just returned from a conference for physical therapists (PTs) and technicians from all over Rwanda and DRC. In the closing speech, Doctor L., compared the therapy team to the holy trinity. The doctor being "the father", the PT being "the son", and the technician who builds the equipment being "the holy ghost". People really seemed to appreciate this analogy. Although, I hear often that Rwandese culture exhibits an extreme heirarchy between men and women and between people of different professional posts, I would have to say that my experience has been the opposite. I cannot imagine a similar meeting in the US, where the doctor would refer to his PT colleagues regarding therapy questions and would be a participant instead of a presentor for most of the sessions.
I enjoyed my time and even learned something (though all presentations were in French). I did discover that nuns here can be quite cliquey (how is that spelled?) and forceful in their affections. I still exhibit a bruise on my right forearm from a nun, shouting, "Jurilya", and pulling me to her. Oh, just to clarify, apparently, there are many nuns in Africa who are also PTs.
Ok, love the comments - hope all is well. Oh, and for those of you updated on the political situation regarding Rwanda and France, I am feeling much better. No one has asked me for days if I am French. Ntakibazo (no problem).
I am enjoying the nuances of language and what that reflects about culture. When a child is about 8 days old, (s)he goes for a baby naming ceremony. The entire community gets a say in the name. One favorite of a little girl from work who literally does not stop crying, is called "Wanumwiza", which translates to: "do not make her cry"! How appropriate. : ) Another example: the word for a housewarming in Kinyarwanda, translates directly to: "chase the mice away"!!! Though, I have seen far more cockroaches, grasshoppers, geckos, and rats, then mice. On a side note, grasshoppers (cooked) are quite a snack delight here. I will let you know once I have tried one.
I have just returned from a conference for physical therapists (PTs) and technicians from all over Rwanda and DRC. In the closing speech, Doctor L., compared the therapy team to the holy trinity. The doctor being "the father", the PT being "the son", and the technician who builds the equipment being "the holy ghost". People really seemed to appreciate this analogy. Although, I hear often that Rwandese culture exhibits an extreme heirarchy between men and women and between people of different professional posts, I would have to say that my experience has been the opposite. I cannot imagine a similar meeting in the US, where the doctor would refer to his PT colleagues regarding therapy questions and would be a participant instead of a presentor for most of the sessions.
I enjoyed my time and even learned something (though all presentations were in French). I did discover that nuns here can be quite cliquey (how is that spelled?) and forceful in their affections. I still exhibit a bruise on my right forearm from a nun, shouting, "Jurilya", and pulling me to her. Oh, just to clarify, apparently, there are many nuns in Africa who are also PTs.
Ok, love the comments - hope all is well. Oh, and for those of you updated on the political situation regarding Rwanda and France, I am feeling much better. No one has asked me for days if I am French. Ntakibazo (no problem).
