I want to thank you all so much for all the support I’ve received! I did hit my goal of $7,000 but am definitely still taking in support through Black Mountain Presbyterian Church. I failed to estimate for some things. The plane ticket and the vaccinations were more than the $$ I budgeted, I’m staying overnight in Jo’burg, South Africa on my way to Malawi, and I completely forgot about health insurance while traveling. I know it is all going to work and I’m so excited and thankful.
Speaking of vaccinations, I’m finished getting stuck!! I’ve had three pre-rabies shots, hepatitis A, tetnus, and yellow fever vaccinations. I took the typhoid pills and have gotten 6 months worth of anti-malaria drugs…strange dreams here I come! (side effect of meflaquine). My right arm is still sore (my last shot was yesterday) but nothing as bad as when I got 4 shots on one day…
I’m now reading African Friends and Money Matters by David Morenz to get a feel for some of the different cultural aspects especially those that deal with money. There are so many differences and he also goes into a possible explanation as to why different customs come about. The biggest theme is that African communities are very communal. If one person has something and it isn’t being used then it is seen as being free for the asking or the sharing. Money is used immediately or a friend or family member will ask to use it for some immediate need. The give and take in African society are integral in personal relationships.
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