Monday, July 21, 2008

What Does a Muzungo do on a Sunday Afternoon?

Yesterday afternoon, I attended my second weekly Muzungos in Kigali Sunday Afternoon Frisbee Game.  I actually loathe frisbee but I wanted to make some attempt, no matter how weak, at exercise, and I liked meeting the other expats the previous week, and I was proud of myself for overcoming my significant anxiety when it came to approaching this support.  My previous visit to the frisbee field was accompanied by much anxiety and I assigned myself largely to the sidelines.  I suppose this stems from bad memories from youth of angry suburban soccer dads (my own excluded) yelling at me from the sidelines when I missed passes, goals, ect.  Anyways, I returned to the field, feeling proud that I had faced a fear.  I played a little more this time around but managed to procure a substitute for myself so as to not completely sabotage my team's chances of winning at least one game.  From the sidelines I watched the frisbee move back and forth across the field and felt sad that I didn't have the confidence or skill to happily participate.  I didn't feel left out exactly but I saw how effective sports are in building relationships, developing communication skills, establishing cooperation, and building trust and I wanted in.  Here were a bunch of complete strangers, of all ages and backgrounds and beliefs and even languages, working together for a common goal.  In doing so, they provided affirmation and support for their fellow teammates, congratulating each other on various plays when points were scored, and telling others "no worries" when someone (mostly me) messed up.   Of course, later on that night, the new housemate put on a DVD of some Rugby matches... let's say the scenes I saw weren't exactly quintessential displays of peace through sports in action.  Maybe I'm not missing out on so much.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

i dont know how they do it over there, but in the states rugby can get pretty rough. its kinda violent, actually. i like watching it sometimes, but not playing.

Anonymous said...

I like Frisbee but unfortunately i have never found anyone to play with in Rwanda. I wonder whether it is ok for a non-muzungu to join your Sunday afternoon fun. Where in Kigali is your Frisbee playing field located ? Please let me know. I would like to participate or at least even watch.

jdm227 said...

Everyone is welcome to come and play! The more the merrier and the more people who can serve as substitutes for me. Frisbee is every Sunday at 4:00pm at Circe Le Sportif (Maybe I spelled that wrong...darned French)

Anonymous said...

thanks for the info. I will be there this Sunday. Yes you spelled it wrong but at least i got the message. it is Circle Sportif.