Anj Clapham

The Sage

02 Sep 2011

Its hard to believe but my mechanic is a sage. One time I dropped my car off to him he asked me about culture shock. Yes the fuel queues were bothersome, yes riots were freaking me out, yes I found it difficult to get some foodstuffs and medicines but no I was quite pleased to be here and had no sign of culture shock.

He said that at 6 months when it all sinks in and becomes a reality of life that then I would experience culture shock.

His words rang true at 5 months, though I prefer to call it culture frustration, culture annoyance, culture disappointment. This was really brought to the fore when people smashed my gate lights the other night. I am still unsure of their intentions.

Good news is after much processing over lunch with Jacky and pots of marmalade with Helen I have made a few steps through this latest transition.

Today I told my sage (the mechanic) that he was right and that the honeymoon was over. He said that was good as now I can start finding all the good things about Malawi like coffee.

Tomorrow I am going on Safari to Nyala Park. I am so excited and grateful to be given an opportunity to go and view animals. Incidentally I am taking a thermos of good coffee.

There are many good things about being here like sharing about Gods love with orphans and HIV sufferers. I am learning Chichewa and I have learnt a chorus and actions. I have lots of great new friends who are becoming like family.

I am in a beautiful country and I feel truly blessed. Each night I still put on the full armour of God and I do sleep like a log

blessings

Anj