Top 13 Myths and Truths

Myth:

Africa is hot and humid.

Truth:

We thought we had prepared ourselves for heat. Nope. It is suffocatingly hot while you are leaving a significantly large trail of sweat everywhere you go. Larissa’s hair has yet to dry from last night’s shower. We are gross…constantly.

Myth:

All people in Africa speak English.

Myth:

Most people in Africa speak English.

Truth:

Very little English in spoken. There is a lot of nodding and smiling going on on both ends. It works!

Myth:

Girls don’t sweat; they glisten.

Truth:

We have sweat in places we did not know were physically possible...sick. We know.  We actually have not stopped since we got off the place. We are going to be a sight for sore eyes when we get back to the states! ;)

Myth:

Speed limit signs are carefully followed.

Truth:

Apparently the “death toll” sign, outside the airport, does not deter speeding. We are not sure what the African landscape actually looks like as we were speeding by to fast to see anything but a blur.

Myth:

Larissa is 1/8^th black.

Truth:

She is not, nor has this felt like coming home for her.

Myth:

Mara will never have cankles.

Truth:

We were all swollen from the heat yesterday...or so we thought. Looking at Mara’s ballooned up ankles/feet made us grateful for our minimal swelling. Seriously, big foot has nothing on her. :)

Myth:

Americans eat huge portions.

Truth:

Two things must be thought by all the African people when they see us. 1. “Look! Rich white people!” 2. “They are Americans, they must eat a lot.” CC, our wonderful cook, believes we should be able to eat our weight in food three times a day.

Myth:

Americans are stupid/careless/naïve…whatever you want to call it.

Truth:

In some cases…maybe. However, we are not dumb enough to let you “hold our money” for us while we are walking out of the airport. Nice try!

Myth:

We are in Kpando Village.

Truth:

Well we are, but it is actually pronounced Pan-Doe. Silent K… We’ve decided to just start calling me, Kendra, En-dra. Silent k.

Myth:

We are going to love the children.

Truth:

Pretty sure this is the only thing we got right. And love hardly describes it. I wish you could meet them all. I think the phrase “Love at First sight” is incredibly appropriate in this case.

Myth:

You can not get sunburned while wearing sunscreen.

Truth:

We are right next to the equator…the sun can (and will) do whatever is pleases.

Myth:

Coke is the only universal drink.

Truth:

After going to 7 different shacks, due to insistent whining from Mara, a Pepsi was found!! (Larissa’s side note, the Coke was better and cheaper!)

Myth:

Skin to skin contact is comforting and crucial to development.

Truth:

We’d be perfectly content to never be touched again. (While here)

And, in case you had forgotten…

Myth:

Africa is hot and humid.

Truth:

We thought we had prepared ourselves for heat. Nope. It is suffocatingly hot while you are leaving a significantly large trail of sweat everywhere you go. Larissa’s hair has yet to dry from last night’s shower. We are gross…constantly.

We love Africa and we love our kids. We want to post frequently...but with the kind of connection we have..don't hold your breath! :)

We love you all!!!