No doubt you heard of the shysters during the Alaska gold-rush days – those who purchased the gold. Before them, on the counter, was a felt or flannel cloth which caught and retained any gold dust spilt. And, of course, … Continue reading
Some time ago, while in Nairobi on business, I stopped in a jewelry store to look for a watch. I was (of course), warmly welcomed because it was thought a big sale was expected. The jeweler took me over to … Continue reading
Yes. That is what this is all about. The price of a dog! Tensions were running high in the country. The British Colonial Government was under pressure from groups seeking freedom from overseas control. Non-nationals, though they were in the … Continue reading
No, I do not intend to malign our “Blue Light Special” officers – not that I have had any experience with them!!! – but I refer to what tries to control, to some extent, traffic. (Please, my friend Matt, don’t … Continue reading
A wedding on the mission field is always a great event. Especially if it is between missionaries. I know! Carol and I were married in Tanzania in November, 1958. (I hope I got that right! I better. She reads these … Continue reading
It was to be a men and boy’s hunting trip. I don’t know what we were in town from out bush station for – supplies, no doubt – but we spent a few days with Jim and Gloria and their … Continue reading
African culture, mostly in rural areas, involved a lot of animistic activities – talismans for protection, witchcraft and sorcery for identifying disease and unfortunate experiences, potions for perceived ills. Almost every village had a “spirit hut” where, when misfortune was … Continue reading
When the rainy season comes, it can really rain. It is always a relief from the dry season, when the sun and the heat and the dust cause their own difficulties. Case in point? We decided to go to town … Continue reading
The quiet of the African night was upended by an incessant roaring. Yes, we were now living in town, where one would expect continual noise, but things were usually hushed at that time of night. What could be that noise? … Continue reading
One of major things folks express concern about (besides language learning) is, “All those bugs in Africa. How can you stand it”? “And the snakes”! I think these fears are greater than, “Do you eat that African food”? The answer to … Continue reading