Have a laugh, it's free!

Being in a new culture there are moments when I just have to laugh; sometimes to myself as not to embarrass others. Life can get real stressful wherever we are, I have to sometimes take a moment to thank God and remember that joy is a gift that can experienced on earth.
I mentioned my friend was sick in the hospital from unwashed beans, today (Oct. 5) he went to get the prescription at the hospital to finish up his recovery, praise the Lord. When I visited him on Sabbath afternoon, I brought him a copy of the Gospel of John that has lots of nature scenes in it, for him to read. We had a prayer together. As I exited the hospital just a door or two down from his room, a young man greeted me by saying “Bonsoir, Mon Père.”, translation “Good afternoon, my father.” This guy was black so obviously he didn’t mistake for his biological dad, but was referring to me as a Catholic father. I didn’t know what to think at first, and then decided just to laugh.

I have been looking for rooms (moving into one finally today) and found a couple young men who agreed to show me some rooms near their house, one of which I have chosen to rent. The other house was up the side of the valley, so we had to do a bit of a hike to get there. As we walked one of the guys asked “Do they inclines like these in Canada?” I said a quiet yes trying to hold back laughter.

Yesterday when I finally went to settle the rental situation, I talked with a renter who explained to me the details of the place I was looking into. I asked about the advance, he asked me “Can you pay for two years?” My shocked face must have been evident, he laughed and said, “No just three months?” I was relieved and chuckled, I mean I have heard of white people getting ripped off but that would have been unreal and it was, thank goodness!

I was walking down a street, why? I can’t remember, but I was headed to the major road in town and a young man came out of house. He had big buck teeth and his top teeth had much space between them, reminded me of that Big Foot guy from a Goofy Movie that dances. But certainly his kind demeanor was not barbaric, and I certainly did not mention his looks. He knew my name, as I stay longer people I don’t even know, know my name, good or bad? I don’t know. He said we had taken some pictures together. Possibly. Well on Sabbath walking back from the hospital visit I saw him and a friend walking, and passed them and kept on my way, but couldn’t help overhearing their discussions on who I was. Finally the new guy said my name and I stopped. He said we had taken pictures with me and my little sister at the Hotel Tata Somba while I was at the pool. I have swam at the pool, but certainly my little sister has never been with me. It kinda tripped me out, like maybe I had lost the memory of this even they were explaining to me. But no after some mind searching it was impossible, and very possible that some other white guy name Eric was swimming at the hotel with his little sister, weird but possible. I had to laugh inside, even Uli and Suzy have gotten mixed up before! If you see them you’d laugh too, they are so unalike in appearance, that it seems very impossible!