Our Cultures Collide!

We messed up huge today. I was needing to go visit Mama Jackson, and Kendra was needing to meet Mama Jackson, so we went, however, we had a time crunch. There are many things that needed to be accomplished outside of Unga this week, as part of getting Kendra settled, and also catching up on stuff that didn't get done over the last few months with the REACH interns.

So we had a time limit. We went straight to Mama Jacksons home, and I introduced her to Kendra. We were only planning on visiting her, and I just wanted to check in. Not only did we have a time crunch, but we stopped by unannounced, which in African culture, usually isn't a problem. Mama Jackson welcomed us warmly, and then gave me a stern talking to, "Pam, you should have told me you were coming, I haven't any chai (tea) or bites (snacks) to offer our guest!" Oops! I told her it was ok, Kendra wasn't expecting any chai or bites, but that she was just wanting to meet Mama Jackson.

On our way out, after being scolded for being in such a hurry, we saw several other Mama's who have become friends who also scolded us for not stopping for chai and said we must come back later in the week to share chai and bites so they can really get to know Kendra. We committed to come back on Thursday.

Something interesting that happened while visiting Mama Jackson, is that we got into a converstation about Spiritual Warfare. She mentioned that things have been bothering her in the night, (remember my nights last week, fighting) and she quickly said, "But we know that if anything comes to bother us sent by Satan, it has no power, so I just wake up and Pray and Jesus takes care of them. There seems to be an increase in this, which leads me to believe that the spiritual realm is beginning to get a little disturbed with God's unfolding plan. I mention this, as I know our battle is not against flesh and blood and our weapons are not the typical weapons of war, (2 Corinthians 10:1-8, Ephesians 6:10-20)and I encourage you guys to be praying earnestly for the battle that we are up against, that you would be praying the truth of Christ for this community and that people would find freedom in Him, and Life, abundant life.