Cross Culturally Sick

People across the world get sick.   However, the way we treat people who are feeling sick varies across cultures.  Today I experienced being sick in Tanzania for the second time (the first time was in homestay during training).   This morning I woke up feeling terrible with basic flu-like symptoms so I contacted my Second Master and told him I would not be at school today.  I was looking forward to a day of just resting alone in my house with my nice bed and lap top to keep me company.  Little did I know, Tanzanian culture clearly states that the sick should not be left alone.   Every two hours I heard a knock at my door and was visited by teachers, my Second Master, and students.  One of the perks of living at a boarding school is that my house is easy access.  I appreciate all of the love and support but imagine feeling sick, looking disgusting, and having your boss show up at your house.   The men I could just greet at the door but the women all wanted to come in and ask me questions about how I’m feeling and tell me I have malaria, need to eat, rest, etc.  A simple phone call would have sufficed, but I was touched by the kindness of people I have only known for two weeks.  When Americans are sick, they generally like to be left alone.  Tanzanian culture is something I am still trying to adjust to, but hopefully we can do some cross culture exchange when it comes to visiting me when I’m sick.  By the end of the two years, I will either need to cut the visits down to only 2 times a day (as opposed to the 6 groups of visitors I entertained today) or learn to love the company.