Today I went to the post office to pick up my package or large envelope I didn't know what it was. The lady working said my name is Carol, too. I said really? Then she said both Carols are "gorda", fat. Of course for Americans this is not a pleasant term but I knew she was coming from the African standpoint. I just laughed when she said that. I thought what do I say? I've explained to some of the guys who want to go to America to use their English, that the term fat is not a good term to use in America especially with women. I said that can get you in trouble. I remember the first time one of the nationals referred to me as fat, I had only been in the country for a few weeks but I recognized the word gorda from spanish. I thought I know he didn't just call me fat. It was still a while before i learned how that is a compliment in the African mindset.
When I was out with another missionary the other week visiting the nationals in Malawi. One of the nationals asked her if I was her daughter. That just showed us that they can't tell our ages anymore than we can tell their ages. The other missionary is actually about eight years younger than me.
Also when I was in Malawi I was carrying a small duffel bag on my back. The ladies asked the other missionary if I had my baby in it. They were afraid my baby was in there and it was hid.
The guy came to the house the other day to collect the info for the census. One of the questions was how many animals do you have in your house/yard? Of course I was expecting to answer 2 dogs. Well dogs wasn't one of the choices. The choices for animals were goats, cows, chickens, pigs, and ducks....
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