You know that you are building relationships with people when they start to joke around with you. Understanding humor in another language and culture has proven to be tricky, and often times we miss the punch line. But God is good and we are learning the ways of Ethiopian humor :)
Here are a few of the more humorous jokes/comments of late:
Bryan was talking with one of the kitchen workers, when she stated that it was time for him to take an Oromo wife. Mulling over his options, Bryan asked how many cows he could get for the "sale" of his current wife (ME!). To which the woman replied "tico" or "a little bit". Instantaneously a fit of laughter came over her and we couldn't help but laugh along side her.
Nearly every day the ladies working in the kitchen tell me how my husband is a great worker and how I am "betam rabosh" (very disruptive). After claiming their statement is true, they break out into the giggles.
The other day I walked into the kitchen to greet the ladies. At one point during the course of the greeting, I asked "Are your kids present?" To which the head cook responded, "They are not here. Praise the Lord!" Haha.
It may seem like a small thing, but being able to laugh along side our neighbors brings great joy to
