Shocking Prices

Ok, so I almost fell out of my chair the other day when Mike came home with the receipt for windshield wiper blades. They were R450.00, translated that is $60.00. That got me thinking about what we paid for our oil change and 15,000 Kilometer check up on our car R895.00, translated $119.00. This makes Jiffy Lube prices look really good. Most things here don’t cost as much in the states, but I think we call this highway robbery! I was in a conversation today where a local South African was talking about getting ripped off in the airport and I thought let’s talk about getting ripped off. When I told him what I paid he shook his head and said he buys his wiper blades for R27.00 at the pick and pay (our Wal-Mart if you want to call it that) I’ll be checking that out today!! He also said that kind of price for an oil change is crazy. I happen to agree. Unfortunately this is one of those things that we have to accept as a foreigner and move on. Just another few examples of price gouging at the grocery store: tortillas $8.50(we don’t buy them), laundry soap, $11.99 for ½ gallon, Campbell’s soup $3.99 per can, Kraft Mayonnaise, $3.99. These are just a few of the shocking prices that keep going up. Never do they have buy one get one free!! We truly understand why the staple food for the poor is bread and a type of porridge similar to grits because there is no way they can afford to have anything else. The oppression is so great here and no way for them to get ahead. We like to surprise some of our friends with something that we know they can’t afford and it really makes their day. (Obviously nothing mentioned above) Thanks for your continued prayers and support as we are able to pass on some of your blessings to the poor.