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Date: 18th September 2007
SHould not be shocked
Beth, There are always lots of things to expect, learn and adjust to in Malawi especially if you are from Europe or US. Take those issues as new lessons and use them to adjust yourself. For instance for a moment ask why meetings always start at General Malawian Time (GMT) and not the azungu time! How do Malawians value time? Or what is time to an average Malawian? Time is not money in Malawi. Knowing why will help you prepare what to do in those times. I have lived in Europe for sometime now and I found equally depressing and some shocking things but I am learning to adjust because I ask why that happens that way. It is easy to close off and just develop a bad attitude which eventually won't even help. I am a Malawian and imagine your situation. Enjoy those moments and lessons.
From Blog: Fat guys named Mary Beth in Kazomba
SHould not be shocked
Beth, There are always lots of things to expect, learn and adjust to in Malawi especially if you are from Europe or US. Take those issues as new lessons and use them to adjust yourself. For instance for a moment ask why meetings always start at General Malawian Time (GMT) and not the azungu time! How do Malawians value time? Or what is time to an average Malawian? Time is not money in Malawi. Knowing why will help you prepare what to do in those times. I have lived in Europe for sometime now and I found equally depressing and some shocking things but I am learning to adjust because I ask why that happens that way. It is easy to close off and just develop a bad attitude which eventually won't even help. I am a Malawian and imagine your situation. Enjoy those moments and lessons.
From Blog: Fat guys named Mary Beth in Kazomba
Date: 12th September 2007
Love it!
Your stories are awsome! I'm your #1 fan!! Jen
From Blog: Africa here we come!!
Love it!
Your stories are awsome! I'm your #1 fan!! Jen
From Blog: Africa here we come!!
Bethie
Mary Beth Alison
I completely agree
Traveling most anywhere can cause culture shock, and you need to have an open mind and heart in order to fully experience your time there. Since I've returned home, Malawian Time makes so much more sense than Western Time. Time shouldn't be money - it should be about community and caring and doing what's right with the time instead of what's expected. During my 2 1/2 months in Malawi, it definitely took a little getting used to the constant long visits and late appointments, but once you experience them you realize how overrated schedules and privacy are. Interaction with other people makes us who we are and it shouldn't be scheduled around a strict time limit. Being back in America, (and you being in Europe) we certainly know it's important to follow the cultures rules in order to function, but in many ways I think that Malawi has got it right.
From Blog: Fat guys named Mary Beth in Kazomba