Comments on: I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD

By: G-money

G-money — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:59:47 +0000

I always read your blogs but never leave a comment. This one’s for you. I love how you blogs take one every aspect of this experience…”muno”…lol.

About the country music, it was only a matter of time. I have to admit Kenny Rogers is my fave. I know some serious lyrics to some of his songs.

Miss very much. Get back soon.

By: Roshanne M.

Roshanne M. — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:21:57 +0000

Hey Melissa,
I know it’s been forever, but I’ve been reading your blog and it sounds like you’re having a thrilling experience.
I cracked up over the “Muno” part, and the younger kids running away in terror – I can only imagine your expression the first time it happened
Best,
Ro

By: yadankush

yadankush — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:11:25 +0000

i’ll put myself on blast and admit that i too appreciate good old kenny rogers and dolly parton. what can i say – good music is good music. maybe you can expand your program to include line-dancing

“source of a child’s fright and horror” – that’s deep. so sorry my dear. but how horrifying must that be from the perspective of a small child who has NEVER seen anyone with a complexion lighter then their own. i’d be interested to know what the dynamics are among adults when it comes to skin color, features, etc.

i love this feature. i can’t wait to hear what else you never though you would….

By: Gaelle

Gaelle — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 01:37:15 +0000

“You gotta know when to hold dem, know when to fold dem…” I actually miss Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton! They were staples of my visits throughout Africa; spent two days listening to the same Rogers CD in Masai land in Tanzania and almost overdosed Do you find that the yound people you work with are into country music as much as adults? How do adults view hip-hop when compared to country music?

Love the blog! I was called white in Africa and, I don’t understand this one at all, in Haiti I was actually asked if I was Lebanese! Go figure. Perceptions of race, ethnicity and colour are so complexe and mind-bogging.

Keep writing. Miss you.
Gaelle

By: Tamara

Tamara — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:02:54 +0000

Hey Melissa!
Just checked out your new blog entries–love the idea ! LOL about you being called a “Muno.” I had a similiar experience, minus the children running away in pure horror , when I studied abroad in Ghana in 1997. We (the study abroad students) were often called “Bruni,” which we were told meant “foreigner” but I really think it meant “white” person as well…anyway, it’s the same concept of we look different so we are foreign in their minds/eyes. I’m sure you’ll continue to have success in Uganda along with many cultural experiences/exchanges.
Take care,
~Tamara

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:34:43 +0000

Yeah, I love the concept too. It’s a great idea. I like country music too, but only on long road trips… I agree that its both relaxing AND entertaining. Melissa, I need to come with you to Gulu one of these days… cause if they react that way to YOU… can you only imagine what those babies would do once they saw ME??

By: Vivianne

Vivianne — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 02:25:09 +0000

Love the new blog series concept. Don’t sleep on Kenny Rogers girl and let’s not forget his duets with Dolly Parton. I’ve been a long-time fan thanks to the parents (wonder if it might be an East African thing).

Funny story about being called a “Muno”. If the Acholi kids think you’re a ghost, imagine their reaction when they see a toubab .

Great blog Melissa – tu as un coeur d’or!