One of my new favorite pasttimes in Africa has been walking slow slow through the market, talking to the vendors and asking them about their wares and a bit about their lives. Here is what I have learned from these kind people, who devoted their lives to making relationships:
An upturned elephant trunk means that they are happy and signifies good luck.
When visitors come to some tribes, the chief or royal family presents them with a stone of amethyst as gratitude for their visit and a welcome present.
Many vendors in the big cities come from other provinces to tourist markets in town for a few weeks to sell, and then bring the money home for their family. They restock, and return.
The sticky, red “porridge” is not oatmeal- its floor polish!! DO. NOT. EAT. IT.
If you act kindly and considerately, they just might take a few Kwatcha off the price for you…
When you shake hands, place your left hand in the crook of your right elbow to show the person respect (the full historic meaning is showing that you dont have a hidden weapon to strike them with in the other hand)
But the biggest lesson of all has been to adapt my actions to fit the cultures I find myself in. I have found that our ways, practices, and traditions mean nothing here. It’s not that the locals don’t care, they just don’t know the way you interact. It shows them respect and honor if you change, rather than force them to change to understand you.
And the thing is, they will give you respect back. They’ll stop what they are doing and listen to you if you show them that you can honor their culture.
In terms of ministry and teaching people about Jesus, that is huge. Identifing and understanding the culture of the people you are trying to witness to will make for a receptive listener. A person who is honored and respected can hear the message of Salvation clearly, and not be turned away due to the appearance of the “mzungu” messenger. You can meet them where they are- in their culture, on their time, speaking their language; and tell them the Good News that will change their life!
Truly, just go slow- there’s far too much to see and miss if you rush through life.
