I'm thankful for all that was done to make our arrival and transition smooth.
Glad that we can have this designated time to fully concentrate on learning language. Just counted up our new vocabulary and it was over 140 words this week.
We were talking with our language teacher about the Middle ages belief about sneezing and what one says. He explained that when a Tanzanian sneezes you say ‘afya’ meaning good health. When they are sick, like with malaria, and sneeze, it means they are getting better.
Days of the week are based on the Islamic method of Friday being the first day of the week. Totally confusing as Sunday becomes Jumapili, meaning day two. Add to that the fact that time is based on a system that has 6AM as the beginning of the day, such that 10AM is referred to as 4. We had experienced that in Uganda but all the signs were still in the way we were used to. Yesterday we went to the Bible book store and the sign said that the hours were 2-10:30 meaning 8AM to 4:30PM. At least we figured it out as our teacher had done that lesson the day before.
Glad that our supervisor loaned me his mountain bike. Got it put back together and rode a bit into town and around. Made me miss my mountain biking buddies in Lesotho…I don’t think I can meet you at the car wash at 0500 tomorrow.
That every time I hear the call to prayer I am reminded of lostness.
That bargaining in the market is not about the price, as people pretty much have determined what the ‘fair’ price is. The bargaining comes in how many ‘bonus’ items they give you after buying from them. Like we bought 3 kg of potatoes, and then after the guy threw in about 3 more as the ‘bonus.’ There is some price bargaining on big items in other shops which is good as I love doing the haggling over the price.
That E. Africans in general are very friendly people and it certainly applies in Iringa. Everyone wants to talk and are very helpful in correcting or helping our Kiswahili.
That pineapples are huge and are as sweet as candy. Had a wonderful pineapple, mango, banana and passion fruit salad.
That we are blessed to be in Iringa with the Eardensons and that they love to play games – haven’t laughed so hard in a long time (played Scattegories).
That UMEME (power company) provides us with power most of the time.
That Skype has allowed us to talk to our kids and family!
That God is so gracious to us. That His desire is for His Name to be known among ALL the nations and peoples.
For His glory and His great Name!
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