"I have kept time." ~Okema Robert

Everywhere I go time is viewed differently. We are frequently told by other muzungus to meet at 6pm "Africa time", meaning around six, but don't count on it. It's something I've gotten used to when traveling, but it's been a source of frustration for other teachers in our group. Especially since our schools lecture students about being punctual, but aren't necessarily modeling it themselves.

However, my partnering teacher, Robert, is very proud of how well he "keeps time." He's made it to every meeting and event on time and always greets me by saying, "I have kept time."

One of the student teachers at Gulu High and I were talking the other day about how he thinks Americans are successful because they keep time. I'm not sure if that's it and I tried to explain that there are some flaws to how we view time; that as Americans we are sometimes too rigid with our time because we are always in a hurry and because we are so busy. He wasn't convinced though.

I would hate for Africans to lose their relaxed and easy-going spirit becuase it is actually kind of refreshing not to rush around all the time.

There has to be a balance. I'll keep you posted if I find it :) In the meantime, I'm still getting used to military time!