This is a picture of me and my family. Living among the Warao, on usually relate to people who stay with them for a longer period through kinship ties. In this picture we see my brother, Juan, with one of his children on his arm. Next to him is Anusiata and Mateo, who kidly have adopted me, taken care of me, and made sure I have not gotten myself into to much trouble. Anusiata and Mateo was refered to by the other in my village as "your mother and father" Hirani, Hirima. They called my their child, Hiauka. I usually called them by their names, but somethimes we would use these close kinship ties. When third parities was involved I often used "My mother" or "My father" Marani, Marima, while they said Mauka.

Being integrated like this into a family was more than a little strange, but it was also very comforting and supportive. Being in a complete different part of the world, far away from friends and family in Norway, being part of something made it all a lot easier.

I have been in the same Warao village for to longer periods: Once in 2001 from May till October, and from the summer of 2006 till summer of 2007. The family constellation in my household has changed substantially from the first untill the second fieldwork. During the first fieldwork we where 16 in the household, while in the second fieldwork we where just four.

I must admit, it was a little better when we where just four people.

The other three that was in out household was ofcourse Anusiata and Mateo. The third Junio, who was their grandchild. It is very ordinary for the Warao to adopt childre, escpecially their childrens children.