Top Things NOT To Do During Culture Shock


We have made some new friends. that are ministering amonst the Yao people in Mozambique, just south of Tanzania. Here are some of their reflections on things NOT to do when entering a new culture:


Speed up when chickens are in the road (it may seem right, but you will feel guilty afterwards)

Get a speeding ticket from an officer who jumps from behind a tree to pull you over—but doesn’t have a speed gun. (He says you just seemed to be going too fast)

Go to South Africa & spend six hours a day in the mall because it is air conditioned, has ice cream, & a huge grocery store.

Pay $10 for a can of Pringles & a jar of peanut butter. (you will be broke in two weeks)

Ask for directions from a Mozambican. The directions are always the same—“It’s just there” (as they wave their hand in one direction).

Complain to the woman who hand washes your laundry that your underwear is now transparent & four sizes larger (you’ll have to prove it!!).

Get kicked out of your home (complete with all your belongings) by the government.
Say any of the following to your wife: “Beans and rice again?”, “When was the last time you showered?”, “Instead of 10, how bout 20 years on the field?”