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milestogo

(23,293 posts)

30. We lived with misssionaries who were fluent in the tribal language

Reply to peppertree (Reply #29)

Fri Jun 12, 2026, 07:23 PM

16 hrs ago

as well as the trade language and French. They had great relationships with the local powers. This is what keeps you safe in that kind of situation. People know you and know they can trust you even if they don't understand you.

I remember being told during the first week "If someone asks for your camera, hand it to them. Do not resist or argue." That never happened. But I immediately realized that the most dangerous people were the ones in power, even at a low level.

Bokassa was not as well known around the world but he was a really bad guy who slaughtered schoolchildren.

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