A little glimpse of South African culture…
Accent: Sounds like England + Africa = AWESOME.
Language: So, South Africa has 11 different languages. Thankfully, pretty much every person speaks English, so that makes it easier for us. Afrikaans is another big language in this area as well as a tribal language (I believe from the Zulu tribe). Basically, children can speak 2-3 languages, which totally kicks America’s butt.
Roads: Just like England, they drive on the left side of the road. I also rode in America’s “driver seat,” which is the passenger seat here.
Food: Nothing too crazy with the food. This upcoming Monday is [BRI] day, which is what they call real barbeque.
Church: (Only based on one service so far.) Dancing, dancing, dancing. Let’s just say Africa has no fear in dancing for the Lord. So fun.
People: Everyone here is extremely hospitable and genuine. I love the people at our ministry site, who are such a blessing. Even if you have a conversation with people selling fruit on the street, they are very welcoming. Whenever someone hears we are from America, they immediately want to come back with us. Remember you are so blessed to be living there because the majority of the world wishes they could.
Babies: The women carry their babies on their back with a wraparound that looks like a blanket. Such a great idea.
School: At the preschool we work with, the children are extremely well disciplined. All of them (most younger than 5) clean up after themselves after meals. They put up their cup and plate, go to the bathroom themselves, and fight over wiping their tables. Yes, they are children that still fight, but they behave better than most kids I see at home. They also don’t complain about food. We mix all of their food together and they eat all of it. No complaining about the food. If they don’t like it, they don’t eat.
The kids here have melted my heart.
This is Bafana. He is a sweetheart. Somewhat quiet but he has some feistiness in him.
These kids crack me up.
