Going into Mozambique, I was certain that the language barrier would keep me from interacting with everyone there. I was quickly proven wrong the very first day. With the help of translators, I was able to share many laughs with both children and adults alike, and I was graciously welcomed into their homes. I feel comfortable saying that during my three weeks in the country, I did not meet a single mean-spirited person. In addition to their stunning positivity, I was also amazed by their strong work ethic. For many people that I met, their days start at around four in the morning, and they don’t stop until the sun is down. Be it physical labor, problem solving, or simply working diligently to keep their family safe and healthy, the Mozambicans work hard on any task they are given.
Being in Mozambique gave me a new perspective on citizens of a developing country. Even though they have fewer physical possessions than people in the United States, I firmly believe that they have so much more than we do. I gave a lot while in Mozambique, both work and physical items alike, but I think I took even more away.
Jon spent the summer 2018 in Mozambique with our U of A Faculty-Led: Global Community Development in Mozambique program.
For more information about study abroad & internship opportunities within Walton College, visit http://walton.uark.edu/global/index.php
