Our Daughter. Or Umukobwa Wanjye, my daughter. Every time these two words are uttered it fills me an overwhelming sense of acceptance, of belonging, and of love. This Mother’s Day, I am reminded that I am not only blessed with my incredible, amazing, beautiful Momma back home, but I also am deeply blessed with my four Rwandan Mamas here.
Mama Fred showers me with joyful love. She gives the greatest hugs and greets you as if she hasn’t seen you in years. She’s always asking me if I’m hungry, and when she is in charge of feeding me, the food never stops. Her jubilant, full of life personality, fills me with warmth every time I’m with her. |
Mama Kidumu is always looking out for me. She brings me breakfast or snacks if she thinks I’m hungry. She speaks very slowly and repetitively until she’s positive that I understand what she’s trying to say. She’s always eager to involve me in some way (like getting me to wash the altar linens), and she never stops moving. Quick to smile, quick to laugh (or cackle), Mama Kidumu brings me joy. |
Mama Davis is probably my best friend here in Rwanda. She is so supportive, empathetic, and genuinely kind. I can feel it every time she hugs me or fixes my hair and clothes that she loves me as if I were her own. She has taught me how to make Pilau, welcomed me into her home and made sure to cook my favorite foods, and she is SO excited for me to teach her how to hand sew. For her birthday, I gave Mama Davis a sewing kit and she was so grateful because I was supporting her in something she loves. I only wish I could do more. Mama Davis writes out the songs we sing in choir for me, she makes sure to face me, making sure that I can read her lips if I don’t have the words yet, and she is quick to badger someone to translate. She takes care of me and shows me unending support every day. |
Mama Barn is the best host mom a girl could hope for. She is quick to laugh, and she loves with her whole being. She is curious, strong, and thoughtful. One time, I came home frustrated from work and she sent our house girl out to get me a Coke Zero because she knows it’s my favorite. Another time, after only two months of living here, I was having a meal with my host cousin who asked where the beans were, and our house girl said she hadn’t made any because I don’t like beans. I never told Mama Barn that I didn’t like beans, but she knew anyway. She is always eager to improve her English and she makes some ROCKING sauce. Although I haven’t been sick with anything worse than a small cold, when fellow Rwanderer, Khadijah, visited, Mama barn was constantly checking on her and asking how she was. A nurse and caregiver to her core. |
I love these four women so much. They have changed and shaped me and taught me by example. I will carry a little part of them everywhere I go and will miss each one terribly.
Three cheers for all the mothers in the world. You da best.
Three cheers for all the mothers in the world. You da best.