Made in the USA…

Nov 8, 2009

So today I decided to take some time to write about an interesting aspect of my experience here in Guinea. I’m not sure how to start so I think I’ll just start…

Being an American in Guinea is interesting. Everyone knows you’re a stranger and once they hear you talk they know you’re American. It’s almost like having a tattoo on my forehead that says “MADE IN USA”. And in the mind of the people here USA= Easy Fortune and Fame. Some of things I’ve experienced so far:

• When someone found out I was from the states they said they want to go back with me, or something to that effect.
• Some guys have followed the other missionary around almost worshipping him because he’s American.
• Everyone wants to be like Akon and go to the states and get rich and famous.

Also people like to ask if I’m married. Most girls my age are married with 2 or 3 kids. So for me to be unmarried is strange to them. If they find our I’m not married they ask why, as if something is wrong with me lol. Talk about cultural differences. A man has told me that he’d leave his wife to marry me. HAH! Well I didn’t understand him so they person who was with me told me what they said. Now this man who said that was old, probably old enough to be my dad or my grandfather! Nasty man. When people say crazy stuff like them I just look at them and laugh, say no and walk away. These folks. And most of them have multiple wives. What makes them think I’d want to be one of multiple wives to an old man??? Oh these people.

I laugh at it but its really not funny. That’s a huge cultural difference. It’s not uncommon for a girl to get married around 15 years old. And they usually get married to an old man. Men don’t get married until they’re in their late 20’s or 30’s here. So its not strange for there to be a big age gap between husband and wife.

So yea, that’s just one interesting thing I’ve noticed over here. Its strange but don’t worry I definitely won’t be coming home with anyone! lol

 

here’s some pics from the waterfall we went to last Sunday.