Witticisms of Africa

Just as the scriptures contain funny accounts or veiled humor, there is plenty to make us smile here in our Rwanda Mission.

First, many of the locals and missionaries from other countries have trouble pronouncing or exchange the 'L's and 'R's. So yesterday, in the fifth session of Sacrament meeting, (yes, all but one of our buildings are still shut down so that all nine branches (each the size of ward) meet in the same building,) the choir gave a nice rendition of "Lock of Ages, creft for me." When we ask people their favorite food, (in English Class) a few will always answer "Lice!"

Here's someone who gave the kid a stencil and can of spray paint and told him to "sound it out!"

I had to wait for the thick, black exhaust to clear enough to take the picture.

Don't get me wrong, English is a second (or third or fourth) language for everyone here. It's not that they're unintelligent. Not by a long shot. But their native Kinyarwanda is phonetic, so they expect to be safe spelling things as they sound. Add to that, the L's and R's are often CORRECTLY pronounced opposite the way we would. But switching l's and 'r's in English draws chuckles from us in the most inopportune times, and twists up their meanings in hilarious ways.

Another smile-invoking condition is the lack of interest in the import of what is printed on a tee shirt. Last week, coming home from doing some leadership training, we saw a tall, handsome young black man wearing a bright green tee-shirt blazoned with "Kiss Me, I'm Irish!" We see business men carrying Barbie backpacks or wearing a hoodie styling "hello Kitty"

Here's another funny incident. I've been working on music teaching kits for the branch primaries for months. (I'm getting close). I'm lucky to have both a sewing machine and a desk for my piano keyboard, but I do have to switch them back and forth. The other day, I moved these two (pretty, handmade) baskets off my desk and stuffed a piece of Kitenge (heavy,wax-dyed cotton) fabric into the top basket. The next day when I turned on the desk lamp to start sewing (my machine doesn't have a light) I happened to notice this completely accidental shadow!

But the funny coda on that story is that a man from whom I have bought some handcrafts, saw the post on Facebook and thought I was looking for the pretty baskets. He sent me a link to show what they have for sale. (These cost less than $5. here) If he knows how to make monster-haunted baskets, I'm up for that. What a perfect gift for your least favorite relative! (They really are quite lovely and very strong. They're not necessarily made for tourists, but everyday use.)

Last but not least, as I sit in Sunday meetings when there is no translator, (often) I allow myself to watch the adorable little people that like to flirt with the muzungus. They want to touch my skin, my jewelry and if they can reach it, pet my hair. I also have to be sure my purse is zipped.

This little fellow is a fine example of their over-abundance of cuteness.

You note that the "floor" is grass. Because of the crowded conditions, the Church has ordered big tents to be set up each Saturday night. There's a grassy area beside the Church structure that functions as a playing field for missionaries, YSA, or neighbors during the week.

One thing we see every day here. . .Happiness has no relationship to what you own.