New family- ML

New family

The air was filled with excitement and curiosity who our homestay parents would be. I was very curious to see how my new family were as I had so much about them from Noah, who had lived with him two years ago, and Tatyana (our trip leader). As cars rolled in, Amrit and I eagerly looked to see if it was our “new parents”. One by one parents came to pick up their “kids” up. Meanwhile, Amrit and I waited eagerly as to when our dad would pick us up. He finally came in. As he approached us, he looks at me and goes “you are a hard man to find, sir”. It made me feel so welcome. It felt like I had known him for the longest time. It set a pleasant tone for our relationship. We load our bags and head towards our new home to meet our family. As we arrive in our new home, we were welcomed by our host mom, Enala, and two young siblings Divine and Tawonga. Divine is six while my little madam Tawonga is one and half years old. Brian calls Enala his big madam and Tawonga his little madam.

                                                 

Throughout the week we try to get to know about one another. During the second week of our homestay, I had arrived home early from work. As I approached my home, Divine and my “little madam” saw me. They both came in running and gave me a hug. It was the first time that they had done that. It was touching to see them being excited to see me back. Meanwhile Enala was on the porch grilling chicken in this small charcoal grill which seems to be a common way grilling in Zambia. I put my bags down and sat right next to her. We started talking about our day. She started explaining how she had killed the chicken she was grilling in our own backyard. She even offered me to show how to kill one, which might take a long time before I accept that offer. We talked about the cross-cultural difference between Zambia, Nepal, and America especially the communal and family-oriented nature of Zambians. Our conversation then took a lighter turn as we started talking about the traditional drinks of Zambia including chimbuku-traditional Zambian beer and monkoyo, a Zambian energy drink made with maize. I even got to try to a strawberry flavored monkoyo. While we kept on chatting, Tawonga decided to gently squish herself between Enala and me. That right there was a perfect and memorable moment for me as it showed how far our relationship have come in just two weeks. I feel like I could share things with her. I felt very much at home.

Before two weeks I was just this muniye (a person from South Asian descent) from the United States now I feel that I am part of their family. It amazing how people can connect with one another and form genuine relationships even though we live halfway across the world with markedly differently lifestyle. Zikomo, Brian, Enala, Divine and Tawonga allowing me and Amrit to and be part of your family.