Culture shock? Or just frustrations...

September 2, 2008 6:08 PM

I hate to sound like a whining school kid, but sometimes I wonder if I am letting myself get walked all over or if Mkombozi has some organizational practices that are more Western/bureaucratic than those I am used to in Canada. And then there are some instances where I am left feeling like a baby who is lost and cannot find direction.

Example 1.

This morning I arrived at 8am ready for day 2 of my orientation. I had my orientation schedule in hand and it said: 8am night supervisor, not knowing who the supervisor was the night before and realizing even if I knew the name of the supervisor I probably haven't met them yet, I went to Hilda and asked where I should be. She asked to see my schedule. Then pointed out that I should be with Lucy, who had just left the dining area we were sitting in. Ok, off to find Lucy.

Example 2.

Following my orientation to what the night supervisor's role is and being left in the social work office to observe one of the workers input first aid notes for one of the boys, I set off to the main office area. Here I was informed that I would be meeting with Michael at noon, but could go set up in the community engagement office for a while until they sorted out what I could do until then. Ok Bonus! Was able to set up my computer, connect to the internet and check my email. Only seconds after logging on, Hilda came by and asked if I would like to join the mobile school in town. Excited by the idea I logged off my computer locked it away and jumped into the van. When I returned from town 3 hours later, I was asked by Michael if I had forgotten about our meeting time. I had wrongly assumed that someone would tell him where I was since I had no idea how long I would be gone. Fortunately he was kind enough to meet with me in the afternoon while his students were in the computer lab/library.

Example 3.

Following my exciting morning with the mobile school I returned to Mkombozi and was asked by Yusuph if I had time to chat. Sure, why not? We walked into the little auditorium area and sat down at the table. Very seriously he said to me "Yesterday you went to immigration right?" pause and a nod from me. "and immigration told you that you had to go before 2pm, right?" another nod. "but you were there after 2pm". Nod, plus extreme effort not to show him my drivers license with my age on it. "so why did you not return to the immigration office today before 2pm?" my response "because I was with the mobile school which was arranged as part of my orientation and we did not return until lunch" (at this point I’m thinking, this guy has seen scans of my 2 degrees and seen letters that confirm I am working on my masters, he is also the person that created my orientation schedule and gave me a copy to carry around with me, yet talks to me like I am 2 years old at fault for not walking into town to pay for my immigration visa that I am almost positive that I do not need?) "tomorrow you will go to the immigration office and pay for your visa" sure thing boss, just try not to book anything that conflicts ok? Or perhaps something more like - "sure"

Sorry that was a bit of a rant. My previous trip into Moshi to get my visa was arranged by Yusuph and I was accompanied by Hilda, and we were driven in by a Mkombozi car. I'm still a little baffled by that little speech, but there is more.

Example 4.

Following my immigration lecture, I was informed that while the driver that came to pick me up from KIA (that’s Kilimanjaro Airport, I was informed, again.) was prepaid for driving me to the lodge, it was expected that I would be compensating the organization for paying this fee. (no shock here, Lyn had already informed me, but I wasn't about to go there). He went on to say that he had not included this information in my predeparture planning, and furthermore had decided to wait until I had a chance to settle in prior to informing me that the money was owed. In addition, I need a receipt for this trip (which I haven't paid for yet) and that he would take the liberty of contacting the driver to get a receipt for me (how nice). But I have a couple days to get the money together, no rush. Either 35,000 shillings or $33 but the shillings is ok because that is the currency that was used in the initial transaction.

I would really love to see some comments on what I have shared, because I know they are still fresh and I am willing to admit I may be a little homesick and still adjusting to the Moshi lifestyle. However, I have a large dislike of condescending people and have found the majority of people in Moshi extremely friendly and welcoming.

Random other notes
Mimi na weza - I can

While hanging out with the mobile school (Ezekiel, Simon and Abel) I managed to learn some more Swahili while Simon taught the older street youth some English. It was pretty cool, I hope to return as much as I can

The kids were amazing, Simon explained that they appreciate Mkombozi for caring about them and trying to help so they are very respectful and come to them to learn, read and play. After a quick lesson and some reading time I watched a fun "football" match with Kili's snow peak in the background before heading out of the hot sun into the mobile school van to hang out with the non-soccer players.

--> most kids think my name is Mango so far, as it turns out a mango in Swahili is embe, understandable with the accents. I think I’m ok with being called mango. (I can hear Lani laughing at this one - no SNL jokes ok? Ha ha)

Going camping Friday in Masaailand, more details to follow as I know them