Jealousy and perspective!

The other day I commented on two of my friends' Facebook statuses that I was jealous. Jealous of what? One went to a movie alone and the other went to Target alone- as in without children. Every once and a while, I get stir crazy. We do not have a car which means I cannot “up and go somewhere” on a whim, not that there is a lot to do around here (especially after 6pm). Really I only get for the occasional trip to the market or to visit patients in the bush- neither of which would I classify as “relaxing.” And the without kids part, oh how I would love to go somewhere fun without a toddler saying “mommy” 5 million times per minute. Jealous. Jealous. Jealous.

Then today I went to visit a patient in the bush only to learn that he had died yesterday. He was really sick and in pain, so it was not unexpected news. A Fulbe friend and I sat with the family, gave our condolences, and prayed with them. On our hour drive home, we discussed what happens when a Fulbe person dies. There is no “funeral” and the body is buried immediately. If it a man that dies, his wife (or wives) must remain at the place where he died for 4 months and 10 days. As in they cannot leave. They cannot go to the market or a friend's house. They are also not allowed to bathe or even change their clothes for 4 months and 10 days.

So while I may not be able to roam the glorious aisles of Target, at least I am not in mourning and stinky. Perspective. Perspective. Perspective.