Guyana, First Impressions of mission

By Maggie Smith
October 2000

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The first three months here in New Amsterdam, Guyana, have been a time of ups and downs. There has been anxiety over not having a definite role; wondering if I will find my ‘niche,’ if I will be useful, if I have the right mission spirit, and so on.

I am gradually finding the heat more manageable. I see for myself how fortunate I am compared to most people—when I am hot I can take a shower or sit in front of a fan. Most Guyanese do not have that option.

Adjusting to the incessant noise is more difficult. There is a new store next door and when the power goes out, which is often, the generator goes on. The house on the other side also uses a generator and between the two the noise is deafening. I feel like I am in a torture chamber. (I know, that is a bit dramatic.) I pray that I will get used to it.

Being separated from family and friends is hard. It takes time to make friends, particularly with people of a different culture, so when I feel lonely I have that what-the-heck-am-I-doing-here feeling. Fortunately it never lasts too long.

I am gradually getting used to the traffic and the rules of the road... there aren’t any. I ask myself how it is that New Amsterdam, without a single traffic light, can be so busy. In Canada, a lack of traffic lights usually denotes a sleepy little town.

I am in awe of the cyclists here. They are so skillful. It is amazing! Dad pedals, mum holds the baby and a large umbrella, little sister or brother holds on behind. Dad navigates through vehicles, animals and potholes as they sail serenely on. It kind of makes me think of Mary Poppins. Any moment I expect to see them take to the air!

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