Random cultural nuances

Oh, how I love certain things about Malawi that always challenge me and cause me to have internal conversations with myself. For instance, today I went to get my eyebrows threaded and was told very blunty and almost accusingly “you are very hairy.” What is the proper response? It pretty much stops the conversation with “Yes, yes, I am.” Or the other thought that I had was to ask the woman how her mother is doing b/c last time I was in there (2 months ago) she was sick. However, this isn’t an easy or simple question to pose because the woman’s mother may be even sicker or possibly passed away and then will I be faced with a question about donating money for her medicine, seeing a doctor, or funeral services b/c I asked and basically am now somewhat responsible to help. That’s basically how things work.

Monday, I was coming home and walked through the gates greeting the guards with the usual Mwaswera bwanji, tdwasera bwino, zikomo evening greeting routine, when one of them stops me to give me an envelope. In my head, I’m thinking damn, please don’t be a love note. No better, it’s a request for money for his brother’s funeral with an opening sentence implying that I should be flattered by the note (WHAT?!). These situations constantly put me in an uncomfortable position in which I would like to help but also need to be weary of the situation and cautious as to the effect it will cause.

Issues around money here are a constant challenge and often an annoyance. And being taken advantage b/c of my skin color is just a fact. Some days I handle it better than others.

The issues about being called hairy or fat are simply issues of culture that may be compliments or not depending on the person who says it and the situation :)

Gotta love all learning experiences and growth opportunities :)