Things I notice in the States after being in Mozambique for over a year (and things I forgot about):

- Decorations on walls in people’s houses
- How tight houses are (The average house in Moz has holes where you can see through and wind comes through and windows are not tight) I really feel like I’m inside.
- How easy it is to drive—no potholes, not many pedestrians, definitely no goats, chickens or toddlers beside the road
- How rapidly technology is changing – cell phones looking like Windows operating system, how the internet is present in people’s lives, digital cameras everywhere
- How big the houses are and how nice the kitchens are (the stoves and refrigerators are really big!)
- People match and even worry if their sneakers are the correct color to go with their outfit
- The landline phone rings
- Voice mail
- People are on-time
- Strangers say “thank you” to each other
- Laughter (that I can understand)
- Disposable income
- How quiet it is (so lovely!)
- Wearing socks in the house without worrying about getting them dirty (even the soles of my shoes are cleaner from walking outside and in public places than if I wear them in Moz)
- Exhaust fans in bathrooms
- Strollers for babies (and not a lot of babies)
- Women wearing make-up, doing their nails, wearing jewelry
- Men and women talking together
- Planned, thought-out worship services

written February 20, 2008