Biting flowers and laughing chickens.

Waiting is a big part of my life here in Namibia. Waiting for a hike, waiting for a taxi, waiting for the atm. I’ll admit, it’s been difficult to adjust to the seeming complete lack of efficiency that surrounds most processes. But, it’s just one of those things you have to get used to, and learn to make the best of. Would you rather scowl, tap your foot, and think despairingly of all the other ways you could be using your time? Or just smile, use the time thinking productive thoughts, and/or strike up a conversation with the person next to you?

That being said, even my growing Namibian style patience was tested yesterday. I’ve become slightly accustomed to waiting 30 minutes for the ATM, hour long lines at the post office, battling massive crowds and intense lines at the grocery store… but nothing prepared me for the phone store. It’s official, American or Namibian, phone stores are one of my least favorite places to be. I waited for a record 2 ½ hours to get a replacement sim card! Oy vey!

But, things are starting to feel more and more comfortable here. I’m no longer daily conquering new tasks, but settling into a routine. My learners seem to be adjusting to me; they’re becoming more open and responsive every day. The other day, as I was carrying water back to my homestead (on my head) a few learners passing me asked (through their giggles) if they could help me… I politely declined and told them I needed the practice! I have to imagine I look pretty funny to them, since they’ve been carrying water with ease for years. But, I’m getting better! I can make it about ten paces with only one hand! Haha…

My use of Rukwangali sometimes inspires its own laughter… today, during a lesson with Maxima, I accidentally said that a flower (mbya) bit my sister, instead of a dog (mbwa)… :) oops! Those tricky words that are one letter apart… Not that English is any easier in that respect! One of my learners did a writing assignment for me about how to prepare and cook a chicken… Step 1 was to “laughter”(slaughter) the chicken… I just about did die of laughter! :) That’s my favorite spelling mistake so far!