Lisa’s Identity Crisis: No Function
I have a problem. Every time I cross an international border, check into a hotel, or sign in with security in a guarded compound, they just have to ask: Who are you with? (Me!) What is your function? (Uh oh.)
It’s weird enough in the US, answering endless questions about how I support myself as a volunteer, explaining my role in the movement, the “independent” nature of my work… but over here, I’m met with blank stares and pure confusion at best. Total blow off at worst. It’s exacerbated by the simple fact I’m not sure I know, even secretly, what exactly my “function” is.
Identity crisis time!
Koko now shares my pain. As we fill out these entry forms that seem to mock us, she always looks at me, puzzled, “Who are we with? What is my function?”
We’ve tried humanitarian… Women for Women… volunteer… visiting family… writer… activist…. None of it seems to fit! Especially since touting credentials here can cause big problems [wrote a book = rich (haha!) = give me money].
None of our pat answers work here. Women for Women doesn’t operate anywhere close to Dungu. With only about 5 NGO’s in town, “humanitarian” is too generic. I have no simple answer. As we crash NGO meetings, and everyone does their rounds of introductions, Koko is flat out stressed, whispering nervously to me as the intros approach us, “What do we say?”
Our new favorite answer, sending us into endless rounds of laughter: No function!
Don’t even get me started on the angst induced when I have to fill out a field marked “Home Address”.
Marital status is a fun one, too. I have to check the only box that applies. Celibataire
Hi,
My family and I are living in Bukavu and we (some of my friends here) are interested in joining the women who will run on Feb. 28th, or help in some way. We are excited about what we are learning about what you are doing.
Holly
Just say, “I’m with Oprah” ;-)
Happy Belated Birthday, Lisa. A nice massage and vegan dinner party (hosted by the one and only Jake) are here in Portland, waiting on your return. No forms needed!
Hugs and love to you and our Congolese friends!
Sid