1. I used to dislike drinking anything warm. Now I love it. Just had my third cup of chai for the day.
2. Using a toilet seems strange.
3. Having the power and water working at the same time makes me feel spoiled.
4. I actually like ugali. And am now marriable because I can cook it.
5. Being in a vehicle made for 14 people with 20+ people now seems normal.
6. Family members drop by unannounced. “Oh yeah Katherine just got on the overnight bus to come see you tomorrow”. And it’s not considered rude to come into someone’s room before 6:30 to introduce yourself.
7. Leaving at 12:30 instead of 10 as I was told doesn’t bother me much. Hakuna harika Africa (No hurry in Africa).
8. I refer to white people as muzungus and am just as surprised as the Kenyans when I see them. I was walking with students today and another muzungu walked by and I realized I didn’t know him… yet. We have a way of finding each other.
9. Having a mouse crawling up the satellite wire doesn’t make me blink an eye. In fact, it’s become a highlight of my day.
10. You can go to anyone with an MD. We went to a pediatrician when Immaculate suspected she had malaria.
11. It is a Sunday, the one day school is not in session. Students asked me if I could help them with 3 math problems. No, not their homework, just the ones they couldn’t get from 50 extra questions they were doing for practice.
12. I am strolling along today and walk past a little boy using his training potty outside his front door. Adorable! Monica and Regina (3ish) at Divine Providence are naked as often as they are clothed outside of school hours.
13. Sleeping without a bed net would seem odd.
14. It’s a treat to use Pampers when changing diapers.
15. I can now listen to babies cry for extended periods of time without it really getting to me. Not sure if this is a good thing or not.
16. You can throw any food scraps out the window. The dogs, cows, or chickens will eat it.
17. If I am walking carrying anything, multiple people offer to help me. When I went to the supermarket after church today, some of the students literally walked with me to help me find everything I needed.
18. I can’t wait to get home and do laundry and the dishes. It will take a fourth of the time. And bring on the fabric softener!
19. The minute the previous mass is ending, there is a crowd of people waiting to enter for the next one. Let the polite stampede begin. It almost reminds me of getting on a C1.
20. Presentation of the gifts at mass, literally involves presentation of gifts and various food stuffs.
21. I have been told by multiple men that they love me. One said he was going to kill himself because he couldn’t have me five minutes after meeting me. Good thing I normally wear a ring on my middle finger (the finger they put their engagement rings on).
22. People are shocked when I can’t speak Swahili well after I say “Habari”.
23. Doing nothing remotely humorous (like getting into a matatu) often gets laughs from everyone around.
24. I never thought I’d ride motorcycles. Now piki piki rides are my favorite form of transportation and a convenient substitute for a blow dryer.
25. I watch a horrible dubbed soap opera called Curse by the Sea (really Mar de Amor). I still can’t figure out how the two different parts fit together after 3 weeks. I can’t help but laugh at how bad it is sometimes, but missing it is not an option. Will Victor Manuel ever get back with Estrellita?
26. Staying up to midnight is a big deal. Actually, make that 11.
27. Being anywhere but home after dark is a big deal.
28. I have, for the most part,spent less than a dollar a day. The fact that I have spent about $10 this weekend is concerning, though that’s trip to Bread Co. at home.
29. I wear skirts everyday without even thinking that I haven’t shaved my legs since I’ve gotten here.
Dear Kelly!
ReplyDeleteI certainly enjoyed reading your insightful pages. You look really good with a fro! Not! I am thrilled that you are adjusting so well and are counting your blessings. This is a life-changing trip for you, and I am very thankful you are able to take it!
If you want to set up secondary school scholarships you will need to get someone in the country who can administer it. They will pay the tuition three times a year and check that they students are making academic progress. We have over 80 students with secondary school scholarships. It started small and became almost impossible for us to sustain in just a short time. Basically, we need $150 for day students and $500 for boarding students. It is certainly worth the effort. Otherwise these kids end up as maids and shepherds, and many of them are very bright.
I am so happy for you!!! I love you!
Johnetta