One
of the frustrations of life in Africa is the frequently changing 'rules', interpretation
or random application of them and the constantly moving goalposts. One of the
things I like about this system however, is when you seem to be on the wrong
side of the rule, you can usually negotiate a reasonable outcome . . . at least
until next time!
Some
of the disappointments we experienced in our first few days back in the Zambezi
delta were a bit like this. We sat with the various groups (failed agricultural projects,
lack of self-motivation with education and struggling churches), heard their perspective
on their problems and where the goalposts had moved to and 'negotiated' some
understanding with those involved which turned into some good outcomes.
Joel coming to pick us up at Nhamacara – our first clinics in the delta for 11 months.
Boys trying to be men. No option to wince in front of everyone else!
Chaderaque carefully cuts away the dead skin from Chiraz’s infected hand.
Conflict resolution at Luawe. Everyone had the opportunity to say their bit. The women accused the men (justifiably) of not working hard enough. Unfortunately in this culture, position of responsibility seems to bring with it a sense of entitlement . . . Mario – the leader, had 'borrowed' the money that they had all worked to generate. In the end, he handed it all back, they all had a bit of a laugh and agreed to work together again and make the ag project succeed.
We then had an official hand-over of the repaired irrigation pump and the extra length of hose they had purchased with some of the money they had generated. They agreed they need to divide their group and start a second ag project. So, a good outcome eventually.
While Joel gets to do most of the flying, I get to catch up with maintenance around our Marromeu base (Quite a deal!). We found most of the screws holding our roof on had rusted through! A very corrosive environment here.
Thank you
Dean & Kaylene
for the Mercy Air team
