It’s easy for me to write about the similarities between Kenya and the United States, but when it comes to the differences and everyday adventures, I struggle to blog. I have to admit that I am envious of skillful artists and writers. What they possess, that I don’t, is the ability to recapture images and describe experiences respecting their deserved value. I feel practically mute with my inexpressive record keeping. I hope to work towards a voice that accurately conveys what I’ve seen and expresses what I’ve felt.
I’d like to share some stories and images from Nairobi, which seem impossible to describe to someone who has never been here. (“We” refers to Monica and I, as we shared many of these experiences) Here is my attempt…
1) I touched an elephant foot that a man had in his home. It was hairy.
2) The street boy begged with glowing eyes, torn clothes, and dirty hands. I gave him a mango.
3) Two Saturdays ago, we spent the day at a children’s home. I was very impressed with the arrangements: two house mothers and a social workers for fourteen children under the age of fifteen. It seems that this home, sponsored by a church, was sufficiently providing for the children. They were well behaved, friendly, and happy. One nine-year-old boy, Lawrence, organized a time of prayer for all the children. He asked them to sit down with their legs crossed and hands folded. Each child genuinely prayed and thanked God for the individuals in the home.
4) We couldn’t understand the words of the man in the street who was high on glue.
5) Just a mile from the largest slum in Africa, I enjoyed a cup of almond flavored steamed milk in a coffee shop/cafe that was equivalent to a Starbucks in America. During that hour, I forgot I was even in Kenya. Sick reality of unequal distribution of wealth.
6) We met Wiclif, a former street-boy, who is developing a nonprofit organization that helps rehabilitated street boys start businesses. Internship for Monica and I.
7) I frequently enjoy a huge and very delicious fruit salad with mango, papaya, watermelon, pineapple, avocado, and banana for just one dollar.
8) The absolutely pathetic library in Nairobi contained very few books, most of which from the 60’s.
9) Three times in one day, we were called “brown skin,” by men in town… and I’m not even noticeably tan.
10) We found a small art museum, which displayed portrait photography from Nairobi through the decades. How interesting.
11) We saw a restaurant called "Wimpy Burger." Appetizing. Notice, I only SAW the restaurant.
12) I always look the wrong way when crossing the street... they drive on the left side of the road. Fortunetly for me I have been lucky to not get run over by one of the thousands of public buses that drive like maniacs.
Stay tuned for more.
Pictured above: Half-time photo from our game in Nairobi on Saturday, Goodness and I, and Kibera slums outside of Nairobi
