Some of you wonder how I broke the news about my decision to go to Uganda to my parents.
In rather homogenous countries, people are less used to the dialogue of intercultural communication, and most information that they obtain of other cultures and nationalities is through media. Hence, their ideas are highly dependent on what the media is showing them, which, we all know, is not always objective. So, breaking the news to my parents was a bit challenging.
I knew that they wouldn't be in the state of utmost happiness about my decision, so I only told them about it when I was 150% sure that Uganda is where I want to do my internship.
I told all my family members about my decision separately. First, I told my mom. Then my brother, and only then - my dad.
Before I write about their reaction to my decision, I would like to tell you that my family is sacred to me, so I didn't want to do anything they would be completely against. I wouldn't risk ruining my relationship with them for an internship. They were always very supportive of what I did, and were there for me when I needed support, advice or anything else, for that matter.
But I really wanted the internship! So... I had no choice but to persuade them that it was a good idea!
Even though I broke the news to everyone separately, they all seemed to have gone through the same stages:
1) Denial
No, you are NOT going. No way! OVER MY DEAD BODY!!
2) Bargain
But you can go to any country in Europe... You can go to Spain!! You can go to Italy! What about Germany? Or France? ... No, not France, you won't understand French. But you can go to New York... Costa Rica! Please go to Costa Rica...
3) Guilt-tripping
We told you what we think about your "plan". It's dangerous there, and you will probably be eaten by a tiger... But if you want to get malaria and die there - sure. That's your decision!! We raised you... We didn't sleep at night for you... and this is how you are thanking us? By endangering the life of our daughter?
-----
After about a week of talking, weighting all the pros and cons, begging and crying, we have finally managed to come to an agreement that we shouldn't talk about it anymore...
But soon, they just said "Ok, we are not telling you to go to Uganda. We are just telling you that it is your decision, and we are aware that we can't do anything to stop you. So, do what you think is right."
I said "ok" and decided to look carefully to Ugandan projects, so I would start applying. While doing that, I also read about the partners of EMMIR in Sudan. That also sounded very interesting, and I hinted to my parents that I might also apply there (you know, since they were so cool about Uganda).
I loved their reaction!
"NO, GO TO UGANDA! PLEASE GO TO UGANDA!!!!"
And that's how my parents persuaded me that Uganda was the right choice!! :D
p.s. Mom and Dad, I love you!
In rather homogenous countries, people are less used to the dialogue of intercultural communication, and most information that they obtain of other cultures and nationalities is through media. Hence, their ideas are highly dependent on what the media is showing them, which, we all know, is not always objective. So, breaking the news to my parents was a bit challenging.
I knew that they wouldn't be in the state of utmost happiness about my decision, so I only told them about it when I was 150% sure that Uganda is where I want to do my internship.
I told all my family members about my decision separately. First, I told my mom. Then my brother, and only then - my dad.
Before I write about their reaction to my decision, I would like to tell you that my family is sacred to me, so I didn't want to do anything they would be completely against. I wouldn't risk ruining my relationship with them for an internship. They were always very supportive of what I did, and were there for me when I needed support, advice or anything else, for that matter.
But I really wanted the internship! So... I had no choice but to persuade them that it was a good idea!
Even though I broke the news to everyone separately, they all seemed to have gone through the same stages:
1) Denial
No, you are NOT going. No way! OVER MY DEAD BODY!!
2) Bargain
But you can go to any country in Europe... You can go to Spain!! You can go to Italy! What about Germany? Or France? ... No, not France, you won't understand French. But you can go to New York... Costa Rica! Please go to Costa Rica...
3) Guilt-tripping
We told you what we think about your "plan". It's dangerous there, and you will probably be eaten by a tiger... But if you want to get malaria and die there - sure. That's your decision!! We raised you... We didn't sleep at night for you... and this is how you are thanking us? By endangering the life of our daughter?
-----
After about a week of talking, weighting all the pros and cons, begging and crying, we have finally managed to come to an agreement that we shouldn't talk about it anymore...
But soon, they just said "Ok, we are not telling you to go to Uganda. We are just telling you that it is your decision, and we are aware that we can't do anything to stop you. So, do what you think is right."
I said "ok" and decided to look carefully to Ugandan projects, so I would start applying. While doing that, I also read about the partners of EMMIR in Sudan. That also sounded very interesting, and I hinted to my parents that I might also apply there (you know, since they were so cool about Uganda).
I loved their reaction!
"NO, GO TO UGANDA! PLEASE GO TO UGANDA!!!!"
And that's how my parents persuaded me that Uganda was the right choice!! :D
p.s. Mom and Dad, I love you!
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