Today one of the Alabanza missionaries talked to us about the culture of Mozambique, where we will be working this month. The earliest we will leave is Thursday morning, because we are waiting for our Mozambique visas. But, it would not be unusual in this African culture for the visas to take a little longer than expected. In the mean time all of us are enjoying the rest and down time. We cannot get to town on our own so we are almost forced to take it easy.
Mozambique culture is focused on relationships rather than being task oriented like American culture. When asking for directions or upon meeting someone it is polite to first greet the person and ask how they are doing and then go about business. Personal boundaries are practically non-existent. When standing in line they stand touching front to back with no space in between. Men often hold hands while walking together as a sign of friendship. There is not a word for “my” in the Mozambique tribal language. If we leave our shoes outside of our tent it would not be surprising to find a local sporting their find the next day. At the same time they would not be offended to find us wearing one of their shirts. Life in Mozambique is communal rather than individualistic. If a child were to steal from a neighbor it would be the neighbor’s responsibility to spank the child rather than the parents. The word Uncle does not exist rather they use, “My Older Father,” or, “My Younger Father.” If a couple was getting married the grooms brother my give one of his children as a wedding gift. Often babies are passed around a circle of women to be breastfed rather than being fed solely by the mother. Justice is carried out communally. If I were to yell, “Thief,” in a market, the crowd would likely gang up on and beat the thief.
The woman’s role in Mozambique is to keep the home and raise the children. They spend their days hauling water from the well, washing clothes, and making the food. A woman’s identity is found in her children. My Mom would be called, “The Mother of Laura,” because the name of her first born is Laura. Women always wear long skirts, because the thigh is offensive. Long skirts are going to be a challenge for me especially in the tropical heat. Married women wear a wrap on their heads. Once the children are able to walk they are no longer considered dependent upon their parents. At that point they are often responsible for younger siblings, washing their own clothes, and making trips to the store.
Mozambique is somewhere around the 4th poorest nation in the world. It was conquered by Portugal and Portuguese is still taught in the schools. Most people in Mozambique speak a tribal language in the home, but they also speak Portuguese. We are hoping to be able to comprehend a little bit of the language with the help of our last four months of Spanish. A typical meal is rice with beans. For a treat they will also have goat, chicken, or fish. Unfortunately for us the most valuable parts of the animal are the insides, such as the intestines. I will admit I am not looking forward to eating goat intestines. Also unfortunate is the fact that there is no word or way of saying, “No, Thank You.”
This month is bound to be a challenge in many ways other than the culture and food. We have to watch out for the “many” snakes, including the poisonous green mamba. The mosquitos are promised to be unbearable and carry Malaria. The heat is going to be intense both day and night as we sleep in tents. Stomach issues are bound to happen. Plans for our ministry will probably change day to day and minute to minute. A typical day starts at 4:30 or 5:00 am and goes until 7:30 or 8:00 pm. We will not have access to electricity (no i-pod, lap-top, or camera) and entertainment is very limited. Any valuables we take probably will not return with us do to theft.
I find it to be no coincidence that today one of the World Racer’s read the following verse to me. Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” I will admit that I don’t feel strong and courageous as I go off to face snakes, mosquitos, an unfamiliar culture, possible thievery, sickness, and rustic living. However, I do believe that the Lord planned the next month in my life and He has a purpose for every minute. He will be with me to protect, comfort, and guide me.
