What Did I Learn in Africa?
1. You will be a spectacle, whether you like it or not.
2. Children will cry upon your arrival because you will often be the first white person that they have ever seen.
3. Dresses are better East African style
4. Your white person (mzungu) rhythm (or lack there of) will be exposed during a variety of settings including but not limited to church services, birthday parties, c.d. releases and random street evangelism crusades.
5. Africans will throw you on the spot to preach, paint murals, sing, build churches, lay hands on sick villagers and look all around awkward, but the Lord will pull you through.
6. The term ‘Africa Time’ is more serious than expected. Do not be surprised when you have to pass the free time with interesting forms of amusement.
7. Transportation comes in a range of unsafe and interesting vessels, but the best is definitely a dala dala. This is a 15 passenger van that will often be filled with closer to 25 or 30 people. Be prepared to be bumped by butts, elbows and knocked over by body odor.
8. Once out of any town or city, be prepared to encounter potholes that could potentially swallow an entire car.
9. If you enjoy carbs and grains- Africa is the place for you! If not, be prepared to have incredibly irregular bowel movements for the duration of your stay. If your meals are prepared for you, do not be surprised if you are given potatoes, bread, rice, corn meal and pasta at one sitting- with no other options for fruit or vegetables.
10. You will be at great risk for malaria and typhoid. It is highly possible that you and the majority of your team will be clocked out due to illness during your time in Africa.
11. Don’t forget to say- T.I.A. = This Is Africa!
