As I have spent more time in Rwanda, I realize that societal circumstances and living situations shape people to have many different mindsets than I do. Their “normal” is much different than mine.
I think that one of the biggest differences has been around the weather. I know that it is cold in Kentucky right now and some would say that it is really cold here too! But we are still in the rainy season, and during rainstorms, the temperature drops lower than normal and the winds start to take over. While the typical temperature is around 75°, it drops to about 68° which is still pretty warm for me. When I am walking down the street with other Rwandans, they ask me why I am not wearing a coat! When I look around during these moments, I see most other people wearing full winter coats in 60° weather. 60° in KY happens in spring and early fall—I think that we would all consider that to be very warm and even enjoyable. That is why it is easy for me to politely say “I’m fine” when telling them that I don’t need a coat. This is one example of recognizing differing perspectives.
