My squad and I have been on the continent of Africa now for 2 months bouncing back and forth from Swaziland, South Africa, Botswana, and back to South Africa. I have been struck by the differences in these cultures compared to American culture. But I have also been surprised at some of the similarities. Here are some of my thoughts….
***Relationships over task
One of the most unique and powerful aspects of the cultures here has been the way they value the person more than the task. It’s rude to just jump right into the question or purpose of your visit without first greeting and spending time in conversation with the person. When you meet someone you take time to greet them and then eventually get around to the purpose for the visit/interaction. This shows respect and acknowledgment of them as a person not just someone to be used. I have had to make a conscious effort in this regard with our grounds crew at the school or the staff and teachers I meet. I am very aware of making sure I acknowledge them and take time to chat with them before administering a question or making a request. This also shows respect for elders as children and students practice this behavior too. As one of the Motswanan men said, ‘We care more about the relationship than the task here’ and that is really evident! I love it and need to focus more on that….because I’m pretty sure Jesus did that too!!
Our friends at Love Botswana who we served with this month
G & I –
… these friends taught us about the power of putting people first!
***Freedom in worship
At my first church service in Swaziland, I was blown away by the freedom there was in the praise and worship time….there were no instruments, just voices, and clapping and moving. Audience members also started songs from their seats as they felt led to do so….our time lasted as long as the pastor felt was needed and even allowed for some to break out in the middle of his sermon. How beautiful to have the freedom to sing and praise God without a time limit or restriction of a song set that needed to be played. Wow.
I was personally touched by the singing when I went up front sharing my testimony in front of the church. When I went to speak I started crying and was unable to say what I wanted….the translator started the congregation singing a beautiful song I didn’t understand, but the words overwhelmed me with peace and tranquility. I was able to calm down and share. What an amazing time of feeling The Lord’s presence so fully.
***Kindness
Yes I know there are kind people all over the world….but the kindness and friendliness of these southern Africans has touched me and moved me to consider how much MORE I need extend the same to those in my life wherever I am.
Whether it was someone telling us which bus stop to get off at or hailing a taxi for us because the road is too dangerous to walk down because of the wild animals, I have been witness to the impact that kindness can have on another person, especially someone who is a foreigner! Not only have I seen Africans helping me, but also each other. They look after each other whether it’s giving a seat up for a woman on a bus or helping with parking or reversing your car. People are watching and willing to help each other out. I think this too goes back to the first point of relationships over task….Africans here are looking and watching, they aren’t just busy doing their own thing. I like that acknowledgment of their fellow African.
***Bilingualness
I think it’s SO cool that so many Africans here speak English AND their native tongue. They interweave both languages in everyday conversations. And it’s especially helpful to converse with them as I do my fellow Americans. How cool to know 2 languages…. It makes me wish I took my Spanish classes more seriously in school and stuck with it!!
***Don’t think ‘Oh poor Africa’
The truth is there are poor people who live in these countries, but my experiences in these places have been similar, in many ways, to the states. We have had running water, toilets, showers, tasty food, restaurants, very stylishly dressed women and men, cars, internet, etc. Unfortunately, there is a mindset about Africa as a whole that everyone is poor and struggling. While many do live on very little and some are poor/homeless, there is growth and wealth in these countries too. Each of the countries we stayed in have economic stability along with growth and lots of working people. I enjoyed many of the same comforts here that I do in the states and we were not living in hotels!
On Sunday in church here in Botswana the speaker was sharing on just that….encouraging her fellow Africans to break out of the programed mindset that everyone here is poor, that this message is given by the world and is not true of Botswana! It struck me and was neat for me to see the natives respond with cheers to it! Amen!
Beautiful African Sunrise
I have met so many wonderful people who are serving The Lord so faithfully in these countries. May we continue to pray for them as they seek to reach more and more people right where they are for Christ!
My squad and I head to Europe now. My team will be serving in Montenegro with Shiloh Ministries (http://shilohmin.weebly.com/kotor.html). I look forward to seeing what God is doing in that part of the world!!!
Much Love!
Lauren
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John 13:34-35
P.S. I have a new team (since the start of month 9)
The Adventurers!!
Kayla, Taylor White, Kelsey, Me, Jenna
