Culture Viewpoints

A lady came to my house and cooked in my kitchen (with all my ingredients) for me and for some other people. She of course, looked through my cupboards to get the items she needed. Then asks for things she has noticed and wants to bring back to her house. Interesting.

I have noted others come to my house and expect extras. One lady came in and went immediately to do my dishes and "help". Then as she strolled around she put the extra rubber bands on her wrist and picked up banana muffins and extra water. None of which I object - except she doesn't ask. Why?

It is funny as I am thinking how generous I am being with my things and home and they both act like its a normal expectation.

In fact, it seems the more generous I feel I am, even with items I buy especially for them, my time, and the yeses for extra things , the higher an expectation. Huhmmm..........

I've been trying to figure out one, why do I feel walked on a bit when I want to be generous in the first place and two, why does the "need" seem to get bigger when I give. 

In reflection, I am wondering if it is just a difference of cultural views. 

I do know that those who have more are expected to give to family members. An aunt or uncle will give little monies to help the nieces and nephews get to and stay in school. When that child goes to the city with a job, they are expected to send monies back to the aunt, uncles, and grandparents. I have watched it work in the Philippines when someone gets a loan, then everyone wants a little bit. Or the kid holding chips and his friends all come up and get some from his bag. This is a cultural viewpoint. Those who have more are expected to give more.

My cultural growing up was to amass a year's storage. Put the beans, and rice in 5 gallon buckets, Stack up the can goods, and buy two when anything you use a lot goes on sale. Then be very careful to rotate and use the old stuff first. 

So I think what is happening is I'm buying extra to get a storage and my friends are looking at the "storehouse" of things that are extra. Since I have an abundance, the expectation is that I will share more. I am thinking I'm  generous but they feel its what is normal and expected, not anything above normal. Ahhhh.........

Ok, so maybe.......some of my items have moved............to the bedroom shelves........and out of sight.....

To See the Ocean

 On our way back from Baaba's new home, we stopped at a view looking over the ocean. The Braunbergers wanted to see the ocean. 

I told Eugene we needed a place up high so they could see the beauty without noting the garbage drifting up first. He and Baaba agreed on a place that was just right. Up high, nice view, people playing in the ocean and walking the beach - right in front of a resort. They groom the sand every morning. Perfect.

It's finally moving day!

 Baaba has been looking for a new home for a long time. I became aware in October of her disappointments and concerns about her current apartment. 

Having the ceiling fall down is awful and unacceptable.

Closer view of the damaged ceiling.

Baaba got the keys to her new apartment. She has running water but no electricity has been turned on yet. That is a concern she will have to wait until Wednesday to take care of because the office is not open due to the holiday.

The Braunbergers and Martin came to help out. Eugene and I came a little later when I asked if she needed help. The first car was loaded up pretty fast and it didn't take all that much time for the second. Eugene had already been so he knew the way to her new place. He lead the way and Brother Braunberger stuck to his back the whole way. Unloading up three flights of stairs made us all tired. I think the Braunberger's who are in their 70's were exhausted. 

So exciting for Baaba. A beautiful view and lovely breezes on the third floor. 

The black SUV is getting filled with Baaba's belongings

Both cars filled to the brim 

Green apartment house with construction still going on...

She will live on the third floor 

This is the moving crew for today:

Sister Braunberger and Baaba in front
I, Brother Braunberger, Eugene, and Martin

Ramadan is over

 The Muslim month of fasting (one of the most sacred times for them) is over today. Eid-al-Fitr has begun, it marks the end of Ramadan. I noted the women were in beautiful outfits and were coming down the street from a big Mosque. We seem to be in a parade with lots and lots of people on motorbikes who would zoom past us to get ahead of the line. Eugene says they go to the Mosque before starting the rest of their celebrations and is part of the festival. 

We tried to stay out of the streets so we wouldn't add to the mass of people.

Still water

 It is so lovely to go out and exercise in the pool just steps away from the condo. Today is Monday and the temple is closed every Monday, so Doe Kaku often joins me. Today she came to exercise with me. We had a lovely discussion about how she joined the church and how she met her husband. 

Life can be sweet at times. 

No bubbling water shooting out of the end of the pool.......why?

Almost gone in the freezer

 Comfort's meals are disappearing quickly. I buy individual meals that are frozen to give to people who visit or helping me out who need a meal. Everybody loves Comfort's cooking. So far the Waakye is going out the door the fastest, with Jollof rice a close second, and the banku and okra stew coming in third. 

It is a way to give Comfor a livelihood, it takes care of people who haven't eaten for the day, and it makes some people happy or feel appreciated. Win all around.

Cooling off and putting in individual servings

Adding chicken before it's put in the freezer

Beautiful Erica

 Erica dropped by for a little bit to see if her samples matched my hair. I can't wait to see if what she comes up with is fun and exciting!