A Few Thoughts

Things that I have learned about Mauritania in the past month:

· The concept of “lines” and waiting one's turn is unknown
· Formality, protocol and ritual and highly respected
· Schools are required to teach certain subjects in Arabic and other subjects in French; however, the majority of children attending do not speak either language in the home and are thus unable to understand the basic material
· Motivation is not a common trait to find in individuals or communities
· Big discrepancy in wealth (no middle class)
· If truly motivated, the government is able to make important changes, but it takes a lot of effort that often they are not willing to exhort (example- Government eradicated a breakout of cholera by forcing every passenger to wash hands in bleach water at every checkpoint – usually every 10 km)
· Acceptance of fate; universal belief in fatalism – use of the phrase “it is written” to describe that things are the way they are because Allah has made them that way.
· Communal living, pride in community and helping others even if this means sacrificing individual needs and providing everything you have to help an extended family member or neighbor
· No concept of or opportunity to change one’s social status – One’s social status is based on their birth, position seniority and longevity
· Living in the moment - hand-to-mouth, day by day – buying items in small amounts although more expensive ( often families are also unable to provide immediate cash for “bulk”)
· Focus on stability, continuity and tradition
· No meeting agendas; interruptions are allowed and expected OFTEN - cell phones are picked up whenever (teachers and students in the middle of class, anyone during conversation, etc.) and tea breaks and greetings which last several minutes interrupt everything
· Greetings are a ritual that takes a minute to 40 minutes and you are expected to greet everyone and anyone.
· Lax and imprecise attitude about time
· Different ideas of beauty – larger the better, lips and gums that are permanently dyed blue, beaded jewelry (at least bracelets, necklaces, and waist beads at all times for women and some men), multiple ear piercings (filled with fishing line, scrap metal, foam pieces or thorns)
· Brighter the fabric, the better!
· The beating of children is accepted, and encouraged by all!
· It is polite to decline a cup of mint tea, but if you accept one you are expected to drink at least 2 others (if not more) and tea is served at least 3 times a day if not 4
· Sugar is a vital part of life (and teeth brushing is very rare)
· Napping is a national pastime between the hours of noon and 4, but woken for lunch and each cup of tea

Integration to me currently means:

· Calmly watching my family’s goats, sheep, cows and chickens nose through the food bowl before I take a bite
· I sit on my matella watching the roosters try to mount the only duck in the compound and still find it entertaining
· Unexpected crunchiness in the food no longer alarms me
· Kool-aid and crystal light are considered a mixed drinks
· Poop is a normal topic of conversation
· I have begun to see the advantages of using my left hand
· Anything can be cleaned by sprinkling a little water on it
· I fill a bucket for a bath and when I am finished I still have ½ a bucket of water left
· Napping throughout the day (day after day of relentless nothingness is almost enjoyable)
· Feeling inadequate and vulnerable on a daily basis


“Expect to feel embarrassed, foolish and sometimes inadequate. It’s all part of the experience. These trying times are what we eloquently call 'adjustment.' They’re difficult, natural and useful” – PCV Kenya