Hello from sunny Athi River,
As I was heading to Nairobi yesterday with the soccer team, I was thinking about what I should write in my next blog. Looking out the window, I noticed that the river I've always looked for in Athi River had finally appeared! This area is incredibly dry and dusty, but recently we've had some rain, which has proved to be such a blessing. People really suffer without water out here, and a lot of our water is actually brought in with a truck that reads "clean water." But, since it's rained a little, people are able to at least get some water and the area even has a tint of green from the sprouting grass. Our soccer field, which has been completely dirt, is now half-covered with grass. It seems like such a basic concept, but rain can mean life or death.
Another thing I have been thinking about lately is how my concept of "my belongings" and "my belonging" has been transformed. I guess this kind of gets at the idea of living simply and sharing, since we are all valuable members of the community. What I have, I use. What I am blessed to have, such as a guitar and computer, I share on a daily basis. I don't feel so driven to have my own things, my own space or home, and my own little bubble. In fact, I feel at home (away from home), but I just can't identify a physical space where that home exists. I know it's there, it's probably just wherever my friends are or where I feel at peace. I especially enjoy spending time outside playing guitar, soccer, walking, ect... so I assume my home is somewhere outside with the monkeys and zebras, but far from the hyenas.
Speaking of soccer, I have been playing more lately. The pain is still there, but not so unbearably present. I recently recieved in-sole supports from my mom, which I am trying out.
Take care and stay in touch.
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i get what you are saying.....thanks.....
ReplyDeletelove mom
One of my students said the other day in class..."we would all be happier if we just stopped wanting new stuff". We watched a video called "I'll be happy when..." and it is kind of along the same line of just being happier where we are and what we are doing. Glad to hear you are doing well. We miss you.
ReplyDeletethat's neat. "my belongings" and "my belonging"...do you think that the less things that "belong" to you, the more you feel that sense of "belonging"? does that make sense? ...well that's what I thought of. Cuz when you have less stuff you have to rely on others more....thus feeling higher sense of belonging to others rather than an empty sense of belonging from the things you have. eh?
ReplyDeleteI've been talking to a lot to my family in Oaxaca. :) And i think i get you on the home thing. Growing up in the same house, town, community my whole life I had a very good physical sense of where my home was. I would still consider it my home, as it is where my family is. BUT, now that I have family in Oaxaca, I consider there my home also. I also consider my friends at Hope my family so my home is there when I'm there too. yeah? and because you're my familiy too, part of my home and my heart is in Kenya. :) It's good to share places of your heart for your familiy in all places! hehehehe