Time for In-field

Wow. I haven’t had internet for a month. So much has happened since then. I have really experienced life in Africa!
We have taught in the children schools only a few times – sick teampartner/no car/bad communication possibilities etc. There was always something in the way…

Some weeks we’ve had to put up with the frustration of not having ANY ways to communicate with the rest of the world. Not only once have we experienced that what we planned never happened. We have had to realize that what you don’t plan – that’s what you’re suddenly thrown into! In short – Malagasy culture is very different to the Norwegian one, in many ways… It’s interesting and fun to experience, but sometimes it gets a bit tiring.

So when the time for In-field came, I was ready for a break.

This is our messy kitchen and us getting ready to leave Fandriana

To be able to have a conversation in my mother tongue without having to concentrate to understand every sentence was like a dream. We rented a car with a great driver. He took us all the way to Toamasina on the East Coast. We had some relaxing days there by the beach. Slept in a bungalow. Swam in the pool. Snorkled on the coral reef. Had Bible study. Counselling. Evaluation on our personal growth so far. Enjoying the company of Agnar, our teacher from Hald.

buying fruit on the wayWe stopped in Andasibe for lunch and a walk in the rainforest on the way to Tamatave
Bible study in the shade

Decmber relaxation

But working with the Malagasy culture hasn’t been the only challenge. The past two weeks, I have been a crippled vazaha limping or jumping around on my right foot. The reason: a bad left knee caused by more exercise than my poor knees are used to. Not making matters any better, there is no milk in Fandriana, so perhaps my calcium level is a bit low. Our trustworthy driver managed to make me a crutch out of metal, so I’ve been walking around like an old lady, becoming the laughing stock for all Malagasy people. Great. But apart from this, I’ve still not been ill, so I’m happy! Mbola faly aho!

My walking stick

Now comes the time for Christmas holiday and celebrations, which will be interesting as it is my first Christmas away from my family. Two Norwegian friends, Maria and Ellisiv, will visit me for two weeks and a half, coming on the 26th of December. I am looking so much forward to that! Can hardly wait!