FISHY LESSON

I just witnessed a cross cultural lesson. Shema Man (Mark Taylor) has gained a good amount of rapport with the construction guys at Mapepe. They respect him and enjoy his company. Today he was able to use that influence to teach a lesson.

Some of the guys complained about their portion of the gifts they were given when "the container" came over the other day. The container is a large box shipped from the States. It contains things the French's cannot fly over, things people donate to the French's and to the medical mission. The French's joyfully give packages of clothes, towels, etc. to people they know from the school and this includes the construction workers. One of the things furiously complained about was the length of a towel. It was a verbal attack so strong against someone who they felt got more than them the woman was sick from crying. When Mark and I learned that this was some of the guys we have grown to be fond of we were quite disappointed.

It should be noted that jealousy is a strong part of the Zambian culture. These people are born and raised in survival mode. They do not find it fair if someone gets even the smallest amount more than them.

Today Mark was able to use his influence and teaching ability to encourage them to act better. He bought them fish for the third time. This helps not only the workers by feeding them, but also helping the woman who is selling the fish. After dividing out the fish he gathered them all around. He explained to them, "This is a gift. I am sharing this gift with you. Some people around you are not getting this gift at all. They could be jealous because they are not getting the fish." He explained, "When you receive a gift you are to accept it for what it is. You are not to become jealous when someone gives you a gift, because they could choose not to give it to you."

Mark used a teaching tool to cross cultures in teaching about jealousy. Although we may not fully understand the roots of jealousy in their culture, it is important to teach against the principle, which Mark did well.