Some lessons of Mozambique (and human nature)

Beira city-centre skyline

The following are tips we have learnt whilst living in Mozambique:

1. Men must always wear shoes (not flip flops) to church.

2. Always give and receive with your right hand.

3. Always reply to a request with the answer ‘yes’ even if you have no intention of doing it.

4. Offer any food you have if there are other people around.

5. Smiling goes a long, long way.

6. Make sure your thighs don’t show.

7. Beeping your car horn is a polite way of letting others know you are around. 

8. You're considered 'a youth' until you are 35 years old (a bit strange when life expectancy is 48...)

9.  Despite being a Portuguese colony, you drive on the left... ish.

10. Forget queuing! When waiting in line, stand as close as possible to the person in front and push in front if you get an opportunity.

Whilst at times it seems there are endless cultural things we are yet to learn, occasionally events cut across cultures. Here are two not so serious examples: 

Not that long ago, we were waiting for a driver to reverse out of a car parking space. The driver was taking ages and doing a very bad job of it. Nearby was a car park guard and we gestured a shrugged enquiry as to why the driver was having so much trouble with a simple manoeuvre. Through a hand gesture that was universally recognisable (but slightly awkward to describe in writing), he explained that the only problem with the vehicle was that it had a woman driver! Maybe a Mozambican Number One Ladies Driving School would go down well here...

Isaac helping clear a machamba (field) at a friends house

So, having insulted women drivers everywhere, it's probably only fair to give another story relating to perceived failings of Mozambican men. On another occasion, we were chatting to Dona Louisa, desperately trying to explain the importance of Isaac helping around the house in order that he understands that household jobs are not just for women. She heartily agreed, but quietly turned to Christine when Geoff wasn’t listening to point out that although this was a good theory, everyone knew that all men were worse than totally useless when it came to things like this.

We're aware these stories are a bit tongue in cheek, but finding common ground in the little things of life helps to remind us just how much of human life can cut across culture. Pray that we continue to find common ground with others as we get to know our neighbours living in very different circumstances here on the Mozambican coast.

The important things in life

I expected after being in Mozambique for three months and having acquired an overview of Mozambican life, I would be writing lots of deep and meaningful things on this blog: wonderfully insightful cultural, ethical and moral tales and the like. So, I’ve decided that this week’s post should be a reflection on the big events that have happened in our lives this week. There have been a few, after all:

Big Event number 1:

Geoff’s news (and I think this is the most significant) is that last week he reached the ripe old age of 30 and has finally stopped saying that he’s in his 20’s whilst I’m in my 30’s.  (It has been noted that there has been no sign of any maturing in his character since this particular landmark has been reached.)  Although his birthday in itself was a low key event, the following Saturday – armed with bucket and spade and accompanied by our friend, Heather – we went to the tropical paradise that is Rio Savanne, some 30km down a dirt track outside Beira.  The secluded beach requires a boat trip to get to and it was a wonderful day out.  Isaac especially enjoyed it as he learned to eat ‘fish in shells’ (otherwise known as clams).  The day was finished off by driving home under a beautiful African sunset.

Big Event number 2:

Isaac’s news is that after several failed attempts since we have been here (and lots of clearing up) he has decided to potty-train himself at last! Now, he knows when to go, how to wash his hands afterwards and the importance of showing his parents his offering in order to get a coloured star sticker.  The only down fall we’ve had is that one night, in his eager ness to show us his offering, he picked up the full potty and, running with it to show us, tripped over, pouring the whole lot down his front!  Well learning is a process, I suppose…

Big Event number 3:

It’s been a huge week in Naomi’s life as she’s quickly turning from a baby into a toddler.  Her first four teeth have appeared all at once and now she’s enjoying food much more and testing out which items are good to bite and which aren’t.  She has also learnt to walk, not in slow steady steps as most toddlers, but after months of making us walk beside her holding her hand, she’s off! And not slowly either; almost running before she can walk!

Big Event number 4:

Portuguese test number two has been taken and we are awaiting results.

Well, okay! This might not exactly be an insightful, thought provoking look into the complexities of life here or some astute response to the challenges of Mozambican culture, but it is a reflection on the events that have affected our lives last week… it’ll have to do until I become more wise!