Welcome to Africa: Settling In

Well, after 3 weeks and 2500 miles, travelling through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, back to Botswana and finally back up to Mansa Zambia….I have arrived at my new home. The TLC team (with my son Jonathan) was with me for 2 weeks have now gone back to the US. Both my dear friends, Johan and Christo, that have accompanied me for the last 3 ½ weeks are now back home in Pretoria. That leaves me by myself to get on with things. 

It’s been an interesting and challenging time so far…new culture, new customs, new food, new everything! So, for an example, on Sunday I went to church with my friend Bishop Andrew. A wonderful and spirit inspiring service. Afterwards, I went to the church meeting for lunch and an open discussion on marriage issues. The buffet featured fish (the heads), roasted catapillar, cow hooves, and of course the ever present nshema (corn meal). For desert, roasted Kasaba root with ground nuts (pretty much like eating a chalky stick). OK…all in all, not too bad. Next came the discussion of marriage and relational issues with the married couples. As the guest from the USA, I was on the panel of Pastors and Bishops to give my unique “U.S. perspective”. The first few anonymous questions were relatively tame and easy…”Why don’t men help out around the house more?”, “Why can’t my husband be more romantic?” (same in the US). But the question that left me struggling had something to do with a very African custom of ritualistic shaving of all body hair (and yes, I mean there too) by the other spouse. OK…I was at a loss for words and it showed! I don’t remember what I said but I’m sure it will be the talk of the church for months to come. Welcome to Africa!

 On Monday I boarded a bus to Mansa….a long bus ride of about 11 hours. The bus departed at 3:00pm but they insisted I board the bus 2 hours early. This is because they allow hundreds of vendors to board the bus to sell their wares while you sit captive, baking in the heat, sweat dripping down your back listening to their sales pitch. You can buy anything from ladies underwear to oranges, spark plugs, and soccer balls. I passed. The bus finally departed and it was a nice but noisy ride up to Mansa (they show African Sitcoms on the TV in the bus…all in Bemba). I just laughed when everyone else laughed and blended in.

I have been getting settled in my flat which is connected to the Orphan Center. Some culture adjustments are necessary such as:  Privacy is unheard of in African culture. This is a connected society and they check in on you...all the time.  I woke up this morning and heard some noises outside my window.  I opened the curtain to see 4 sets of eyes peeking in....just the kids seeing if "Papa Rob" is up.  5 or 6 times a day, village folk will knock on the door just to say "Are you ok?"