I've been in Africa for a month.
Perhaps a list of things I've learned this month is in order?
(1) It really is about the journey, not the time it takes to get to a destination. Case and point? Our 7 hour bus ride turned in 15 hours of giggly, "is this really happening?" bliss
(2) You really can make a meal out of purely white carbs. We are served mashed potatoes, mashed bananas, ugali, rice, fried potatoes, pasta, and friend sweet potatoes – at almost every meal.
(3) "It's near, not far" translates into: It's right around that corner, up that mountain, and just a couple miles. Aka, hope you brought your walking shoes.
(4) No matter how many times children see you, they get overly excited and just want a hug. Then, they step back, look at you and move onto the next muzungoo.
(5) It's best not to take offense when a toddler runs down a mountain towards you, sees that you're white, starts crying and runs away.
(6) Marriage proposals are quite common. I have been asked for my hand in marriage twice already. The first proposal was my favorite. He says hello and proceeds to tell me that he's looking for a wife and he likes me. In which I respond, but you don't even know me. It still makes me laugh when I think about it.
(7) When you hear about the WPT (white people tax), it's not a joke. I won't buy food from the market if it's not already stamped with a price.
(8) Contrary to popular belief (and Bethany's dreams), the US Embassy does not constantly play "Proud to be an American" and pass out free slices of apple pie all day. But it was nice to be surrounded by English speakers for a few hours.
(9) When you purchase minutes, you might end up with just a handful of them, no matter how many you thought you bought.
(10) Even if you have an internet stick, there's no guarantee it will actually connect.
(11) Milky water coming from the faucet equals silky, shiny, and perfectly clean hair. It's like a free milk-conditioning treatment, for your hair!
(12) Safety pinning a curtain in front of a window DOES work like a mosquito net.
(13) It's possible to balance practically ANYTHING on your head. For example, logs, sticks, baskets, water jugs, etc …
(14) Tying your baby to your back is an efficient way to carry them and go about your business for the day.
(15) The bus comes every ___ minutes which translates into: The bus comes whenever it feels like it.
(16) Babies really are for sale on the street. Even if you aren't looking for one. A father tried to sell me their child the other day at the bus stop. It broke my heart.
(17) Kids in the village don't usually wear underwear so there's no need to be surprised if one uses your pant leg as toliet paper. (True story: happened to my teammate, Evan.)
…
That's just a few things at the moment that I've learned while on this continent. It's been quite the culture shock but pretty amazing in and of itself. 🙂
We are about to head into Uganda for the month! I'll be working with Jesus Celebration Ministries in Seeta, Mukono! I'm pretty excited about it especially since it's "Manistry" month which means that the men will be going off on their own into South Sudan to do ministry. The women are being split into new teams for the month and I've been given the opportunity of being a Team Leader for the month! I'm so excited to love on and pour into the girls that will be on my team! Please be praying for our men, our squad, and my team as we walk into the next month on this continent. We are walking in expecting REALLY BIG THINGS!
<3tasha
