DAY 1
Last night as I got to the village, it was an emotional wreck and complete cultural shock. All I could think about was home; I was feeling way out of my element. Everyone just stared at me and didn’t talk much, however they were very open and friendly, except they smelt of rotten meat and some of them were even missing teeth. It was really hot and humid so it was hard for me to adjust to the heat. When Kim showed me her house, which turned out to be a tiny hut, it was like nothing I have ever seen before. It had dirt floors and guinea pigs running around all over the place. Most people find them cute but they are not cute to me at all, as they remind me of rats and the noise they make is super creepy. As the hut was small, her kitchen and bedroom were in the same room. Kim’s whole house was the same size as my bedroom alone.
When I found out I was going to Africa I tried to expect the worst, but I think living this way is even worse than I could imagine. It’s nerve-wracking not having electricity and sweating all day long, doing exhausting chores, taking long mile walks just to do something simple. I hate it. It’s not somewhere I’d ever want to come back to as it’s completely boring. It’s either work, or sit in the sun and sweat to death. I hate the feeling of being dirty and grimy all day- it’s unbearable. I thought that having to go to work in America stank, but this tops it all. I just want to go home. I don’t like the feeling of having dirt in my eyes and mouth, milking cows, and standing in cow poop all day and worst of all, sweating and being around greenly colored bugs. I am so ready to fly back home.
DAY 2
Yesterday evening I had to help Kim build the hut, which is made up of cow dung. Having to touch the dung without gloves was gross and not sanitary. So therefore I decided that I leave my self out which then got Kim kind of offended so both of us decided to try and explain our reasons for learning about each other's cultures. I came a long way to Africa to experience and practice this lifestyle; however I will still stand up for my beliefs and speak my mind.
Another thing that happened last night was the invitation ceremony. I was completely amazed by it. Kim’s parents explained to me that I was soon to be part of their family, but there was a mini test I had to pass. When I woke up today, the tests began. The beginning part was slaughtering an animal, which was extremely hard for me to watch. They killed the animal then without mercy cut it up, pulled out all the intestines and other parts of body, which were miserably falling out everywhere. It was really nauseating. I thought cutting the animal was gross but when they drank the blood from the animal I was extremely shocked as the whole experience made me a vegetarian. I just thought it was so abnormal for them to do things like that. When the family invited me to dinner, I refused. I think I may have insulted the family because Amy soon told me that I didn’t eat their food because I thought they were filthy. I tried to explain to her that she had to understand that this was difficult for me and it was hard to do everything she is accustomed to doing. I definitely need more time to adjust and practice this kind of life.
DAY 3
After watching Amy’s family cut up the animal, I think I may not eat anything for the remaining days in Africa even if I am about to die.
DAY 4
As weird as it is for me to be here, they think it’s weird that I’m here, too. I'm starting to realize that I should just live this experience up - learn things from their tradition and also teach them things in my tradition. So last night, I had a bit of fun while we sat around the fire, Amy’s friends and cousins came over to demonstrate their traditional dances, which I thought were very funny and energetic. So I showed them my type of music and how Americans dance. It was the first time on this trip I felt I was enjoying my self and got to know Amy in a good way, living here after all wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Besides that, it was my first time since I arrived here, that I really stepping out of my boundaries and doing things that I wouldn’t normally do. I was earning their respect and it felt really good.
DAY 5
Today was the big day, the naming ceremony. Amy help me put on Maasai clothing and their off colored jewelry. When I was getting ready, I felt so nervous thinking if they are going to name me good name or not.
As I walked to the top of the pasture - all the elders were up there and waited for me with all their eyes on me. I was so excited, but at the same time I was nervous. Papa Amy stood up to gave me his blessings. Then he started to talk about how I normally never cooked and just sat around all day, but now it was time for me to grow up and be responsible. It was really bizarre because it was like as if he knew me for so long. When Papa Amy was up there talking to me, he reminded me of my own father and how he always reminds me to be a responsible young adult.
After the blessings they chose a name for me which was Nadupui, It means very lucky, and someone who is becoming awake, aware and responsible at the same time. I was not expecting a good name but I guess I deserve it now. Now I realize that why my father sent me here. I was blessed with this trip. It felt good to have a Maasai name because I worked for it and thought I earned it.
LAST DAY
When I first got to the village I was shocked. Like, why would people want to live like this? There's no electricity, you have to worry all the time about food and water, and everyone lives in little huts. I thought there was no way I would survive. I hated it and only could think about going home. But I lived it up and did what I was supposed to do so I could learn about their culture.
Amy’s family can move to the city with water and electricity, but they respect their culture and want to maintain their tradition. They’re proud of living this way. Here, I have learned it’s all about respect and family. You don’t have to worry about paying bills or looking good or being judged.
I don’t necessarily want to live this way, but now I understand that life isn’t all about money, image, and drama however it’s about family, respecting, and love. Coming to Africa and learning about their culture made me realize its okay to be different. You should learn from others and accept the people the way they are. Additionally, I now know that I am strong and I can do things that aren’t really my way and overcome any obstacles. I feel like I’ve grown up and matured from this experience, and I am grateful to my dad who decided to send me here, turning me away from my selfish attitude and being self obsessed. Still, I’m so happy to be on my way home so I can continue my thrilling new lifestyle.
HOME AGAIN
finally! I am home and it feels so good to be with my family again. I had a great time during the trip. I learned a lot about myself and got to know such a great person. It was a little hard for me at the beginning as I had such a negative attitude, but I got over myself and tried to live the moment. The experience really gave me a better outlook on life. I feel more mature, responsible, and more respectful of others. The Maasais taught me to work hard and you'll be rewarded with a feeling that no one can take away from you. There's a sense of accomplishment from seeing the progress I have made. Overall the trip was amazing. I learned things that I would never have imagined and was given motivation to succeed in life as an adult.