Cross Cultural Exchange

WARNING: graphic content

But no, not really, just very different from anything the states has to offer. What I thought would be a very uneventful Wednesday turned into a mind trip.

I spent a few minutes in the morning freaked out that Marco (farm manager) was lying mangled in a hospital because Ntate Phoole (principal) told me he was attacked by 3 dogs in Ficksburg. Marco showed up to work though but was a little worse for wear. He had indeed been chased by dogs but he sustained his wounds while jumping over a concrete wall covered in barbed spikes. He has multiple puncture wounds and one finger is split all the way down the side, but he is OK.

Later that morning was the part that had me wondering where I was. I walked around a corner and saw the principal with a pair of scissors, grabbing my little sisters arm, her flailing while he went at her head with the opened pair of scissors. As soon as I said "Marosa?" the principal stopped and walked away. I went up to her, she was shaking, and said she was OK even though she had to go immediately into her form E Sesotho test. I was totally shaken because I didn't understand what was going on. I later found out that if a student has hair longer than buzzed the principal cuts a chunk out of their hair, all I saw though was what I interpreted as my sister being attacked. Culturally I get it but it's not something I think I will ever get used too.

In Maseru for the weekend to re-check and work with diversity committee, of which I am the secretary now.