Friends, learning to live life in another culture is awkward (fun and exciting, but awkward, nonetheless). And let’s be honest, I’m a little awkward to begin with. It doesn’t seem to matter how prepared you are (or think you are) for the changes and adjustments you’ll make, it doesn’t come without its challenges. A friend once compared cross-cultural living to a baby learning to walk, talk, etc. for the very first time. You’re not always sure where to step, what to say, how to act.
You have to learn where to buy your food, how to find a car or place to live and then figure out where to buy furniture and other household items. We’re so used to “one-stop” shopping with concrete prices in the West. Language and communication are different. Words that mean one thing in your culture are not the same in others (ex: traffic lights are called “robots” in Malawi…). Not to mention the whole “driving on the opposite side of the road/car” thing (whew, my passengers and fellow drivers have been so patient!). It’s amazing, and still surprising, how simple tasks that would be considered a quick errand where I come from, can take days here. Guys, Africa moves to the beat of its own drum. When someone says 12:00, it really means 1:30-2:00 ish. Tomorrow could mean next week and “I’m coming,” is merely theoretical. It’s a beautiful thing, really, because relationships are a higher priority than schedules or tasks (It also means I’m never late, here!). But I am still learning not to dare plan more than one thing in a day and to lower my expectations of accomplishing something within a certain timeframe.
I have been here for about 6 or so weeks now, and so much of my time has just consisted of figuring things out. Ha. My fast pace personality enjoys this for a couple of weeks before I start to get a little antsy. In retrospect, I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity (and accountability) to feel my way around this new home of mine. Although some days and encounters may feel a bit awkward and even frustrating, this past week has been full of bizarre events and exciting victories. I finished orientation, the visa needed for me to work legally in Malawi was finally approved (!!!), my roommate and I moved into our home, and I’ve been graced with some beautiful and inspiring conversations about Africa’s history and the transformation of Christ! To many more days like these :)