My personal ambitions for this project were initially geared towards merely making sure that we learned as much as we could about their culture, and could show the best qualities of ours. I assumed the learning site would be in a larger building like a community center or a local church, in case domestic issues were currently difficult. I knew that the population the Mbuyis came from was significantly large, so I expected them to be relatively friendly and open to discussion. I intended initially to focus on expanding cultural knowledge on both ends so as to increase both our learning.
I found many of these expectations debunked that afternoon, as we pulled up to their suburban neighborhood in the Rock Island area. The house was on a nice street corner, and there were two entrances from the front and back (we had initial trouble deciphering which one was which). We elected for the one on the left, and found ourselves greeted by a young African American boy in a blue jacket.
I immediately started to take my shoes off, not wanting to muddy their fresh carpet. To my surprise, the family insisted I keep them on if I wanted. I decided for simply putting them in a corner where no one could trip over them.
The Mbuyi's house had very nice accommodations. A floral painting resided in the back corner of the living room, which was garnered with a Barbie playlet, where their daughter Carmel played with her toys, and a television which currently they can't watch properly, on account of them needing to switch to digital. I found it fascinating, as we discussed further, how many accommodations had been made for the family not only in getting over to the United States, but also in their domestic settlings.
The Mbuyi's struggle in securing certification as they detailed it to us, is one I find a familiar situation in all forms of immigration. The fact that the father, Seraphin, is currently transitioning from his job as a driver back home to becoming an educated man, while his pregnant wife is also trying to help secure an educational future for her oldest son, Landry, gave me a clearer perspective on how the family is living. It makes me wonder how long the Mbuyis shall have to live on welfare before finding a lifestyle of sustainability for themselves.
At the conclusion of our visit, and drawing a picture for Carmel, who is still transitioning to English language, I left the house with not only uplifted spirits, but also a clearer mission for what I want to do: I wish to keep introducing myself and the Mbuyis to new culture, but now I also want to fulfill some sort of personal need in their lives. I want them to be able to feel loved by their neighbors, and protected by their faith.
I believe the next time we visit, I'd love to be prepared to participate in a pastime the family is fond of to spend more time together. We can also look around for potential scholarships for Seraphin/Landry's educational needs. I'll also be aware of the shoe policy they've kindly implemented.
