Culture Shocks

It's hard to believe that we are at the half way mark.  It feels like we've been here for at least a month, yet on the other hand, we just got here!

I haven't really experienced culture shock, mainly because I knew what to expect.  I'm more curious to see how much culture shock will happen once back in the U.S.  I guess one thing that has surprised me the most is the abundance of Coke advertising.  It's not on billboards, but many buildings and roofs are the logos and names of popular sodas: Sprite, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, etc.   I've heard that Coca-Cola receives the most water from the government and is really popular here -- roughly .35 cents USD.  I haven't tried any yet, but here they make their soda without HFCS.  I'm looking forward to having a Sprite near the end of the trip.

Another surprise is the contrast between living conditions.  Some houses are like mud huts, others old vehicles (like an army truck), cement block buildings with open air windows, or gated places with cement walls, glass windows, tile floors, and plumbing.  A lot of the richest places we have seen -- some not all -- would be considered very worn down in America.  This has been a real eye opener to the saying that the poorest people in America live a rich life compared to third world countries.

The number one shock I've experienced is the amount of how many people have bright, colorful, well kept clothes.  How can this be when so many houses are rundown and food for many is hard to come by?  Assed, the  director here, told me that it is in the culture here to place clothes -- just like Americans place the latest technology over a lot of needs -- over other food and building upkeep.  Like America, a lot of people are blind to true needs.  But this isn't the main reason for the failing economy, poverty, and dire situations here.  There are many reasons -- one is that a lot of people were not taught how to properly farm or take care of the land.  And house repair is difficult due to the lack of supplies and knowledge.  There is a lot of dust a pollution here due to the burning of garbage (there is no dump).

Though things are changing and Africa has a long way to go, we could learn a lot from them.  For example, it is firm that you eat what you are given.  In addition, a lot of the schools are teaching how to take care of the land and such.  I love that people here are open, community based, and do not take what they have for granted.  Music and prayer is an overwhelming sight!  And, they are joyful despite the lives they must endure.

Oh, we have a group blog up.  You should check it out: http://coahtanzania.wordpress.com/