Each day I become more and more comfortable living in this
new place. One thing that has helped me settle in so well is being able to live
with such wonderful people and getting to know them and their families.
Since I’ve arrived, we have had many of the guy’s families come
and stay with us.
Their company has been enjoyable and I’ve learned to appreciate
how important family is to everyone in this camp. For the RAs it will be months
until we are reunited with our loved ones back home. And although it does get
hard being away for so long, it is encouraging that others have willingly adopted
us into their extended families.
I’d like to introduce you all to a couple of families that have
made my stay that much better.
Chief, his wife Emily and son Jeremy
Benson and his son Lemayan
Chief and Benson’s families have been here for about a month
and Jared and I have learned so much from them. There have been long talks on
family customs and traditions and the differences and similarities shared
between families here and in the states. For instance, in the states many think
of our immediate families as our parents and siblings. And most families in the
states only live with their immediate family. Here, immediate families does not
only include your parents and siblings it also could include your grandparents,
aunts, uncles and cousins.
There could be more than one home on a plot of land filled
with your entire family. The cluster of single family units can create a
massive family fortress. It amazes me how tightly bonded families are and how
they work together to make sure the entire family benefits. It is something I
hope to evolve in my own family when the time comes. But until then I am happy
to be a part of this fisi family fortress.
CSGM
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