Episode 6: Candice Rowe - "This is Home for Them."
When we first met Jamaican Candy Rowe, she and her family a few years into their life living in rural Japan. In our initial interview on The Black Expat, they chronicled their experiences leaving their home country and moving across the world for a professional opportunity that Candy got. If you had a chance to read the story, you’ll remember this was a massive move for both of them, especially for her husband who had never flown on a plane until he moved to Japan.
Now, Amanda Bates checks in with Candy to find out how much has changed since their last conversation. Candy discusses how her family has built a life out “in the sticks” as she calls it, how they stayed anchored to their Jamaican identity and what her children have gained growing up in such a unique space.
Here are some excerpts from Amanda’s conversation with Candy. You can listen to the full episode on Spotify, Anchor or wherever you get your podcasts. You can can also visit The Black Expat YouTube Channel to listen in.
For Candy & Marvin’s original article, visit The First Timers.
Excerpt: Creating Community
They don't speak like us. Because when you talk about community, you would think that the Nigerian guy is part of our community. You could say, yes, but we just don't see him. So when you talk about community, it is the people around you. Like my neighbor right here next to me. That's my community. My daughter's friends’ parents, they are also a part of my community. My community, they don't look like me. They don't speak like me. Their culture is different, and that's okay.
Excerpt: Sharing Your Culture
When I came here, I was so shocked that people here actually know stuff about Jamaica that I didn't know or I didn't care to know. They would ask me something, maybe say about coffee to drink, and I would be like, Blue Mountain Coffee, and they would start talking. And I wouldn't know what they're talking about, because that is not something that I was interested in as a Jamaican. But they [the Japanese] have been outside of the country and being so interested in it, it made me want to learn more about my own culture. It sounds bad, but it's so true.
Excerpt: Where's Home?
For my kids, this is home for them. This is yard for them. When my husband and I talk, we talk about yard and we talk about home. For us, Japan is home, and Jamaica is yard. But for my kids, this [Japan] is yard.”
To hear the full episode, click below or listen wherever you get your podcasts.