I moved from the concrete jungle of NYC to the bushland of Southwest Ethiopia. I guess that\'s a bit drastic for the shock of living in a small town... Anyway, this was such an odd topic that I felt compelled to write something. It probably has little to do with small town Americana.
My list would include:
1) learn the language by using it. My first phrases were \"My name is \'Waanis\' (that was the way they said \"Yohannes\") I don\'t know anything. I want to speak Banna. Tell me something.\"
2) get out as much as possible to find out what the locals are like. Sometimes they\'re very xenophobic and suspicious of newcomers.
3) be prepared to be the last person to hear of what you\'re doing wrong - and try to laugh about it.
4) be shrewd - sometimes the first person on your doorstep is actually \"fringe\" to the community.
5) make certain you visit the elders of the community and not just hang out with the Christianized ghetto folks.
6) make certain the local government knows your work permit is up to date and that you have submitted your quarterly reports to the appropriate offices.
7) graciously and humbly accept all gifts but don\'t feel bad if you need to toss them out when nobody\'s looking.
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