Americans don't have the greatest reputation for patience. We are used to having what we want, when we want, which doesn't translate well to many other cultures that are much more at home taking their time. I would consider myself a fairly patient person by American standards... and this continent just looks at my "patience" and laughs.
I'll give you a "for instance". My friend and I went to a wedding reception last week and foolishly arrived on time, only to find that the room didn't fill with people for another hour, and the wedding party didn't even arrive for two more hours after that. Then after a couple more hours of pomp & circumstance, the food that we were all so eagerly awaiting was served, and we finally could leave without feeling guilty. The party had just barely started by local standards and it was pushing one in the morning. Welcome to Africa, John. Your concept of time is irrelevant here.
So through all this, the Father is so graciously teaching me patience. I don't know how to go about meeting people. I don't know how to exist here, at least very well. I just know that He brought me here and He has a plan for me, and I can learn the language as best as I can and pray that the rest will become clear with time. I must be patient; I must spend time with Him in silence to know His voice and know where His Spirit leads. As I listen, He will speak. I will wait upon the Lord and my patience will grow and He will draw me nearer still to His heart... thanks be to God.