Some Random Musings

Friday, June 11
First Week’s Lessons:
• So apparently Africa CAN get cold. I wonder why I never really thought of that when I was packing?
• Fleas like to bite. End of story.
• Avocado can go really well in mango-papaya smoothie. All it needs is a touch of fresh lime and a dab of red sticky sweetener.
• Coffee beans. They’re everywhere.
• Red mud does come out of clothes if you scrub hard enough.
• Staple food: a soggy, fermented, ultra-sour dough pancake: Injera – and we all love it! Just not every day.
• Bathroom rule #1: DO NOT throw your toilet paper in the toilet. It gets placed nicely in the bin next to the toilet.
• To greet: simple! Just shake hands and bump shoulders while saying 25 greeting phrases back and forth in rapid succession to make sure that the other person is really doing “fine”.
• Your water heater breaking down makes you reaaaally appreciate the hot water you once had.
• One little ball can eliminate all distinctions: once you’re playing futbol, no one is white or black, male or female, tall or short – everyone’s just having a good time.
• Ethiopians love to please people. Relationships are more important to them than anything else.
• Although hanging out with your fellow missionary buddies is great, becoming friends with the locals is awesome.
• When it comes to internet access and public transportation, just don’t get your hopes up.
• Apparently Africans don’t like to open the car windows when traveling because they are afraid they’ll catch a cold. Never mind the smell and stuffy air inside. Better keep warm. All the time.