So here they are. A few of my observations, experiences and discoveries from my first month on the continent:
- There is no tv in the bush but for a few short days there were white people. Yes ladies and gentlemen two bonafide white ladies trembling in fear and confusion in our very own village. Come one, come all. So there we sat on our designated bench that we could not escape and people would gather round to sit and stare. Even when we sat motionless on the bench they still giggled, made comments, and laughed together like we were the season finale of their favorite show. When they tired of that they would invent everyday tasks for us to try and fail miserably at. They held their sides in stitches of uproarious laughter as they watched us try to separate grain from the chaff or beat the mud floors with a stick. I've never felt so entertaining.
Holy cow, if you've never had papaya with lime then you've never had papaya. I've tried this fruit before and was never really impressed, but I decided to try it again when they served it for the 3rd day in a row at our hotel. After all, how can a food be so visually appealing and not be delightful? My instincts were correct. The combination was as tasty as it was beautiful. Everyone should try it.
- I have discovered a new fragrance that is just to die for. I think there is something about West Africa that has refined my tastes. Once again you are all missing out. What is it you want to know? Alright listen close, it's called 'bug spray' and it's surprisingly affordable!
- God has given me joy in a new area of my life, and has open my eyes to the wide range of things which can be lifted up to Him in prayer. Never before did I stop to appreciate the blessing of a well functioning digestive system. Really, I never knew how good I had it until this trip.
- You know you've been in West Africa for a while when you see a white person on the road and are tempted to stop and stare, and then you think "we should be friends!"
- Something I've grown to enjoy is food or drink from a sack. I mean why not? One of my happiest moments came when I found myself sucking/slurping ice cream from a plastic bag. Why did America stop at gogurt? Africans have taken the idea and ran with it. So from now on I will always choose if possible the sack of water over the bottle. Why? Partly because it saves the planet, partly because it's economical, but mostly because my mother would hate it :)
- You know you've been in west Africa too long when the hole that drains from you hut is a treat.
- I now have a new sympathy for those missionaries who have, shall we say, 'gone bush.' There is a certain peace corps/missionary look that involves long skirts, ankle socks, tennis shoes, and a complete lack of cosmetics. I always wondered why, and when I got my job I silently vowed not to fall prey to this look some call 'missionary drab.' Men you guys have the same problem only it comes in the form of zip away pants, floppy wide brim hats, and hawaiian shirts. But let me just say that after this month I completely understand. Putting on make-up only to add a layer of sunscreen and bug spray is not particularly effective. Then to walk 5 miles down a dusty road filled with sewage in 100+ degree heat pretty much ruins any hope of feminine appeal. So for all those missionary women who have ended up in a church bulletin looking like a cave woman, I just want you to know, I understand.
- And finally. I learned that nothing makes you question your education more than having to have a lesson on how to bathe or use the restroom.
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