So today was frustrating, to say the least. We obviously would like to get out to the camps and actually interact with and hear the stories of the refugees. But it looks like we’re going to be in the capital for at least another day. On the plus side, Colin and I got a new hotel room that has two beds, so it’ll be nice to have that tonight.
While the day was frustrating, it is important to put it in perspective. As my mom told me in response to a venting e-mail, “Remember, you’re in Africa.” Life moves at a vastly different speed here to the fast-paced East Coast. I’m used to going from dawn until the wee hours of the morning, constantly on my phone or e-mail, and needing everything to be on time. It’s not necessarily a good trait, but it’s largely who I’ve become as I live on the East Coast. So, it takes some getting used to when I get to Africa. Things here move on Africa-time, and not our time. When I was in Tanzania over winter break, we routinely would get our lunches five hours late, and our dinners even later. But, one thing I have learned is that eventually, things get done. Just not necessarily when you’d like them to happen.
So we’ll be out to the camps soon enough, and that will make all the waiting worth it. We knew we had to be prepared for the unexpected, but I guess I just didn’t expect this. I’m still really excited to get out to the camps, and hopefully that will happen soon. In the mean time, I’ll have to learn how to be patient, which is not a bad thing!
Scott
One reply on “Delays in the Capitol”
For those of us who always need more hours in our day to squeeze in just a bit more we “need” to do, it’s hard to adapt to cultures which don’t share our rushed Western ways. Those in the refugee camps know what waiting really means. We all have much to learn from them, as my family is learning from our interactions with the Darfuris who are being resettled in our city. Even the translation of their names gives us reminders of their nature . . . Sabir = patience; Mansoura = victorious. I hope your “patience” helps sustain you in your wait, and that you are “victorious” in finding safe travel to the camps! ;D
Lisa