The Norms

“Hahahaha, oh my word you look like the sterotype missionary!” Kelly was laughing.

“What do you mean?!” I had long stopped pondering what I was putting on, only to make sure I was adorned for the day.

“Long hair, long skirt, hat. Stop where you are!”

Kelly took a picture.

I guess the new way of life has long set in, and once in a while someone reminds the other of what the “norm” really is. Watoto recently, entirely ran out of fuel for their generators. We mentally prepared the be illuminating candlesticks, dismissing the microwave, washer, dryer and fans goodbye. We were doing it over half the time anyway, so it would not be a big adjustment  However only a couple days later, they must have decided to buy enough fuel until January because the power has never been better – and it is odd. The fan stays on all night; I do not have to strategically be charging my electronics while there is power; I can wash my clothes at any time; the water in the shower remains hot. It really is a luxury and I suppose I realize how much I did not even mind before. The adventure is lost in the predicable.

Around 4pm, I met with Kyra outside and we walked up and around the village All of the village children are on their holidays for the month of December. Almost anyone I ask will tell me they are bored. School is out of session, the libraries are closed, and there does not seem to be a whole lot to keep one busy. The young children are well entertained in the playgrounds or through hours of imaginary play within the yards, but the older kids get restless in thinking up activities. I have seen some of their notebooks, where they consistently write poetry, or compose songs. One of the girls was sitting high in a tree and recording her voice through her mom's cellphone. I often see Kyra's sisters trying out new hair-doos in the front of their house, and more than once my own head has become a playing field. As there are no power outlets in the village homes, there are a handful of youth that sit at the clinic, charging and texting on phones which are sticking out of the wall outlets, under the main desk.

Nevertheless, there is really an incredible amount of talent in within Watoto. I have read the kids poetry, heard some of their voices and watched them dance, and words fall short of proper definition. The potential is immense, and it is evident that some have used their time and talents extremely well. The majority of songs sung in their Watoto choir, which travels around the world, are written and composed by the Watoto children and youth. The organization continually strives for “excellence” and I have heard it repeated time again, maybe that is why here, that talent is among the “norm”, yet it is so far beyond average.

I do admit, there are some Western "norms" things I am looking forward to, on return. Top of the list would be a diversity in food, driving a car, a bathtub, fudge-crackle and candy cane ice-cream (*hint hint* dad?)) and most dearly...the snow. I miss the Canadian winter season awfully and I hope to bask in the flakes for the first few hours. These are a few Western "norms" that when unavailable, I have come to appreciate all the more.