nose picking, hand holding, and the 19th century

Ahh, where to begin with that title? I’m glad I didn’t come for 2 weeks because I don’t think I could’ve picked up on the culture very well that well. Now, two months in I’ve learned a few things (yes it’s been 2 months already!).

Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start. You all might find it interesting that I actually used that, the Sound of Music, for teaching my children the major scale last week. Some of you may know that I have a certain soft spot for that movie and so I was thrilled to find it here and more thrilled to use it for teaching. Anyways, I digress.

Living in a dry climate brings along a different set of circumstances than that of life lived in humid or not the desert like climates. When I lived in Saskatchewan I had a glimpse of this dry life but not to this extent. With the dry weather we have clothes that are finished on the line quickly, if you spill water you leave it because it will be gone shortly, and you also have noses that dry out. It seems very normal to pick your nose without being a social outcast. In one day I saw at least 4 locals do it and then I saw an expat (foreigner) jump out of his SUV and dig in as well. I’m considering joining them, when with the Romans…

It also seems quite normal for both men and women to hold each other’s hands (those of the same sex) without any sexual connotations. In fact men do it much more often than women. It’s a sign of friendship say the locals. I think it’s nice. You think what you want.

Most of you know about my job at Lower Fort Garry, a historic site, for the last three years. Here I have learned to spin wool and make soap which is always incredibly awe striking to the developed world’s mind. Today we made a trip to the corners of the market that you don’t usually see. We walked by the many men who are essentially blacksmiths using primitive looking anvils and hammers. Some children also explained how to make ink from the Arabic gum tree and old charred baskets to use with the pen made from a piece of straw. This is how children write out their Koranic verses on a piece of wood. They also sell sugar in sugar cones just as we do in our fur trade era sales shop. This list could go on. Mirjam told me a story of her student learning about the “olden days” who had to say what was different about the way the women in those days washed their clothes and the way we do now. The student responded, “My mom doesn’t have the wash board.”

I must be off, this is much too long again. I spent a day in bed this week with some sickness. My burn is healing quickly but my foot is not doing as well although it is starting to get a little better (last week’s blog). Prayer for my health would be wonderful. For the most part I am healthy just a little recuperation left right now.

Next week will be filled with reports on the Christmas musical that we have been practicing hard for this past week and any new observations I have on Abeche life. God bless you all in this Christmas season, may you feel His love and grace.