Lunch is an exciting time at my host family’s house. It’s the only time everyone eats lunch together. We all gather around a big bowl on the floor and eat with our hands. Each person has a little space in front of them in the bowl that is theirs to eat. There is so much food that we could never run out. My family is always telling me to eat more, that I don’t eat enough, but I eat more than my fair share. Here, they take pride in being well fed.
Also, they age hierarchy is quite evident. The children do everything and must listen to every adult. The littles ones do a lot of the cooking and cleaning, and are typically sent out on errands. The mama is the queen of the household and the father is here only two days a week. The other days he spends with his other family. I have never heard any family member mention the other family, I only know it exists because Jesse told me. It seems to be a sign of wealth to be able to afford the living expenses of two families. I have met the father once, but that is it.
Today, both the electricity and the water are out. Therefore les petites had to go and bring back water from another Sicap or neighborhood. The electricity has been going off and on all day but the water has remained completely out.
Also, because of the mefloquin - the antimalarial- i have been having incredibly lucid dreams that involve intense emotion - so far it’s intense fear, helplessness, or sadness. I want a happy one. Well c’est tout for now.
