May 19, 2007

How do you explain the concept of Excercising to African Refugees?

Excercising. Okay. Ummmm. In America, we have lots of food. Food, yes? We eat lots of food. And we keep eating lots of food. Too much food. Too much food, understand? We eat more and more and more food in America. And… then we get bigger and then we EXCERCISE to get smaller again. And… well, so, we basically get bigger because we eat lots of food and then we sit at desk jobs in America instead of hunting for wombats in the African desert, so, you know, we have to induce physical activity….

AND…….. they’re looking at me like I’m offering a general description of quantum physics.

This all went down when we took them to the YMCA swimming pools to go swimming in America for the first time. We are chillin in the kiddie pool when all of a sudden we are startled with “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” blasting over the loud speakers and the next pool over is swarmed with giddy water aroebic participants.

“And Push it! And push it! And keep those knees up! Keep those knees up!”

“And run in place! Run in place!” (oh daddy did you know you’re still number one!..…..)

Mama Fugee is transfixed with a triad of feelings including disbelief, concern and terror. She looks to me for answers. Answers that she won’t understand. Just like why Paris Hilton is famous and why we let wild beastly dogs live in our houses and snuggle up next to our children.

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4 Responses to “Question of the day”

1. May 19th, 2007 at 2:50 pm, Dana Says:

   I’ve had similar adventures with people who are from much more interesting places than America. We both thought it was terribly funny, but incredibly confusing at the same time. After a few weeks we finally got some of it straightened out! lol. I miss things like that. Good luck!:)

2. May 20th, 2007 at 2:39 am, Jennifer J. Says:

   They must wonder how in the world America became prosperous when we’re all so crazy!

   By the way, you’re tagged. Go to homeschoolreflections.blogspot.com for instructions.

3. May 20th, 2007 at 10:26 pm, bubandpie Says:

   It is surreal, this Western culture of ours, isn’t it?

4. May 21st, 2007 at 12:31 am, Erin_d_a Says:

   *sigh*

   How do you explain to Paris Hilton that in some parts of the world she isn’t famous and that people are hungry?