With our time in Madagascar coming to a close, I’d like to share my monthly random thoughts from this country. First, let me just say, this place is one of a kind. I’m pretty sure I say this about every country, but it’s true. The people here are one of a kind, the scenery is unmatched, and the ministry experience has been completely unique. I am so thankful for the time I have been able to have in this wonderful little corner of the world. Here are some things I thought might be interesting enough to share.
— Here, March is right in the middle of their autumn season. School is starting and the weather is WONDERFUL. Unlike our fall, their leaves don’t appear to be changing color, though.
— The people of Madagascar speak Malagasy and French is taught in schools. Many private schools also teach English to their students. They also refer to themselves as Malagasies.
— Malagasy people don’t consider their country to be part of Africa. Africans don’t often refer to Madagascar being part of Africa either.
— In this country, the majority of people would call themselves Christian, but do not often have a relationship with Jesus or understand who or what the Holy Spirit is.
— The mosquitoes are ridiculous! There are so many and they are so rude! Luckily, in Antananarivo, where we stayed, and in many parts of the country that aren’t near the coast, malaria is not common at all (Thank God! I am the WORST at remembering to take my pills).
— Traffic laws are pretty much non-existent. They drive on the right side of the road here (which is a first), but they seem to be able to kind of do whatever they want. Just saying… If I get injured on the race… it will be because of my inability to understand traffic in foreign countries.
— Wifi is still few and far between. We had to pay to get good wifi, but the quality is better here than it had been in any of the previous places.
— I am pretty sure half the world’s ant population lives on this island. They are out of control!
— The people look like no other people I have ever seen. They are darker skinned, they don’t look African, but they don’t look entirely any other nationality either. They are beautiful and an island people all their own!
— There are bakeries alllll over the place. The pastries are cheap and to die for!
— There are also butchers and fish shops on every corner. There’s always fresh meat… but on the other hand, it always smells like rotting carcass.
— The food is fantastic! They grow most of it right here on the island and the way they cook it is amazing. The only thing I have found since being here that I’m not a fan of is Casava leaves… They looked like ground spinach and tasted even worse.
— Lemurs truely are the coolest animals I have seen up close. They are way quicker than you would think, love honey and bananas and I even got a kiss on the cheek from one. Pictures up soon!
–College students here welcome random english conversation. Hello opportunity to share the gospel and make a whole bunch of new friends!
— In Madagascar, as with the other countries we’ve been to so far, it’s not unheard of for people not to be wearing shoes. The kids play barefoot, the adults work bearfoot, people walk down the street barefoot. I have fully embraced this… especially this month. Don’t be surprised when I come off the plane in the states with no shoes… just saying.
— Public transport here is insane. They sit 5 across in a bus build to sit like 4… They add a seat that takes up the aisle. These busses are definitely not built for American hips, either. Yikes. You also load the bus from the back. It is not uncommon to see someone running and jumping onto a moving bus.
— Children in school here have an incredibly long attention span. Also, I have discovered that children of all ages and in places all over the world LOVE the wax statue game.
— From my experience; when there is a traffic accident, everyone gets out, checks on everyone else, argues a bit and then leaves… I was very confused by the entire interaction, but it was the quickest I had left from the scene of an accident ever.
My time here has been amazing. The food has been great! I have loved getting to spend time with different churches, children and our translators have been some of the best people I have ever met. I am so thankful for what they do and their friendship as this adventure continues. I am excited to see what God has waiting for us in the next countries on this adventure but Madagascar will always have special place in my heart and I definitely hope to return someday.
