five things i love about ethiopia: africa time

Coming in at number four: africa time.

I love Africa time... the laid back approach of "we will get there when we get there," the flexibility of schedules, and the freedom of not having to be somewhere at a certain time.  Can you imagine?  One word comes to mind when I think of such a place - chaos.  But after seeing it in action in Ethiopia, it is not chaos at all.  It just is what it is, and I have come to appreciate this approach to doing life.  

Many of you who know me might be thinking, "Are you kidding me? You like that?  Regina, you like structure and timeliness.  You love starting and ending on time.  You want to be in and out at the times indicated out of respect for the host/hostess.  How can you like the lack of structure and timeliness?"  If you are thinking this, you are absolutely correct. 

I fit right into the cold-climate culture of being task-oriented and timely, unlike my Ethiopian friends who are relationship based in their hot-climate culture.  I am not saying I don't still love some scheduling, I do!  But I have also come to appreciate the love for being more relational thanks to my Ethiopian mentors!

Here is a little more about the differences and where you will find the different types of cultures (and this doesn't have anything to do with the outside temperature).  Information is taken from Sarah A. Lanier's book, Foreign to Familiar.

Cold-Climate Cultures - (Canada, northern states of US, Europe (north of Switzerland), Israel (the jewish population that primarily came from Europe), white populations of New Zealand, Australia, southern Brazil, white population of South Africa, and other countries or parts of countries largely settled by Europeans, such as Argentina.) 

In these cold-climate cultures, we find efficiency and time are high priorities and taking them seriously is a statement of respect for another person. 

Hot-Climate Cultures - (Asia, southern states of US, pacific islands, Africa, South America (except Argentina), middle East, eastern Europe, Mediterranean countries (except Jewish population of Israel) 

In Ethiopia, efficiency and time do not take priority over the person.  

So which is right?  

I am not sure there is a correct answer, and I believe each has its own place.  But ultimately, I am learning this life is about people and relationships and loving like Christ loves.  Sometimes, I need to be a little more relational and a little less task-oriented. 

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 

Jesus replied: “'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”  Matthew 22:36-40