Quote 7
The way I see Africa, you don't have to like it but you sure have to admit it's out there. (6.1.20)
Here's Rachel, once again demonstrating her legendary acceptance and tolerance/snark. You can replace "Africa" with "nature" here and get a similar result. It's out there, and whether you like it or not, you'll be a stronger person if you can learn to live with it.
Quote 8
In our village, believe you me, people die for the slightest provocation so there are not that many old people still hanging around. (4.2.7)
This attitude toward old age could also be seen as a contrast between American and Congolese attitudes. In America old age is a bad thing—just one more step closer to wrinkliness and death. In the Congo, it's an achievement. Woohoo! You survived childhood!