...(essentially) "Hey white girl!" is what I hear on the streets multiple times a day. I've gotten used to this greeting and embrace it, responding with a casual "Mambo!". So far, I've seen very few other mzungus in my area, which has been interesting. :)
There's a funny thing about doing anything for a second time in life... you begin to realize how very much you didn't know the first time! It's quite humbling actually. I've been given much grace this time around, which I'm extremely thankful for. For instance, preparing for this trip (e.g. packing, getting shots, organizing my paperwork, etc.) was much easier than before. There are so many things you don't know about a particular event or situation until you've experienced it yourself for once. The fact that having a bottle of Febreeze handy never occured to me when I came to Kenya 2 years ago. But you better believe I packed that this time!! Some things I've witnessed thus far on my trip have not been AS suprising to me this time, simply because I've seen or experienced this before. Other things, I just can't seem to get past. Let me enlighten you...
1. The smells. Awful smells, all the time everywhere outside (and often inside). Smells like burning piles of rubbish, or just piles and piles of rubbish, body odor, and more.
2. Sitting TOO close for comfort with strangers in a matatu (taxi) ride. Imagine riding to work at 8am after just having breakfast, and being squished in a van full of sweaty people (including me). B.O. everywhere. It's a struggle that early in the morning for me. Just sayin.
3. On the subject of matatus, they are a wild adventure in themselves. The ones that play old school rap music are my fave. They're hilarious. Also, I still can't figure out how they don't wreck or bust their tires every five seconds. It's a wonder. I've managed to almost master the art of matatu riding on my own. I know enough swahili now to not let the conductors take advantage of me or charge me out the wazoo, just because I'm mzungu.
4. People offering you whatever food they have at any time of the day, no matter how much or how very little. Kenyan people are the most hospitable.
5. Worship. I went to church on Sunday with some of my host family here, and loved it. It was heart-breaking, inspriring, convicting, and enlightening all at once. Every time these people make the choice to step in the house of God and worship, they are risking their lives. Christians and churches in Kenya have been targets of terrorism and violence for a while now, and there's a real chance every time these people meet together, that it will be there last. Still, they do it for the glory of God. And here I am living my usual life deciding when I want to attend church or bible study on my terms. And we are FREE to worship, in so many ways. I can't get over it.
... and those are just a few thoughts. So many of the things I see everyday are clear reminders of how blessed we are. The mere fact that I was even born in a country like America, into a family that loves Jesus, is a miracle. TOO many others in this world cannot say the same.
This week I've spent some time meeting with some other professionals (speech-language therapists, and occupational therapists), planning trainings, visiting schools and clinics, and meeting with parents. Tomorrow I am heading back to one of my favorite places here in Mombasa, Tumaini Children's Home and Sirio School. I cannot wait to see these kids' many smiling faces and love on them for the time I've been given.
I've been away from home for only 8 days now, and I'm already home-sick. Praying for strength to get me through the next 20 days...
Tuonane... "See ya!" :)
No comments:
Post a Comment