“Pizza and embarrassment” – a missionary moment

South Africans, when they invite someone for a meal out, expect to pay for the meal, and vice versa. We had some South Americans in our crosscultural team. They invited me once to go out for pizza, and urged me to order for everyone. However, at the end of the meal they expected me to pay for my share. I was so embarrassed because I hadn’t brought enough money since I thought It was their treat!

From the Malagasy side, once when I was going to a government office to fix my paperwork, some Malagasy asked if they could come along in the taxi. I agreed, and when it was time to pay, everyone was looking at me, expecting me to cover their fares. I asked if I was expected to pay all, and they said yes, since they were coming along to help me with my business, then I must pay for everyone!!!

-South African missionary to Madagascar

Published by AfriGO on 2 April, 2024