Tomorrow is my last day in Kenya. It’s unfortunate that my ability to write has been limited to my second day here & now my second to last. This trip was not what I expected. There was very little magic. I had a few of those energizing moments that I normally get when exploring a new city or place: the first ride on a matatu, my LONG walk through Kibera, being taught how to eat with my hands, & the first (and probably only) time I got the price I wanted from a street vendor. Other than that the trip was very normal; very comfortable. I have met some incredible people; I have met some very disappointing people. I was blessed by Kenyan hospitality and disappointed by others dishonesty. I watched the selfishness, corruption, & pride that has prevented this country from thriving. On the other hand, I didn’t walk into a single home where everything wasn’t offered to me. I’m not sure what would be harder – government reform or convincing the public that the government could reform. Yesterday the national government instituted a noise ordinance. Noise ordinance! Of all of the things Kenya needs-desperately needs-I am not sure how that initiative got a priority of funding and attention.
Before I leave tomorrow I will attend the 1010 network meeting. This should be a perfect send off. The members have proven to be some of the most inspirational people I have met. Kenyans serving Kenyans. I hope that they give me a last day that will leave me aching to return…
Monday, November 23, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
26 Hours Later
26 hours later I arrived in Nairobi. A long journey; Denver-Detroit-Amsterdam-Nairobi. Small world though. I ran into familiar Colorado faces during my layover in the Netherlands! In Kenya I was greeted by Fred, 1010's Kenyan Director, & my dear friend Mackenzie.
5 minutes after leaving the airport I spotted a herd of Zebras on the side of the road. We stopped & watched. I breathed in the cool night air & thought to myself, "This is Africa." At Mack's house I was welcomed with a bowl of fresh cut mango, apples, & some tart tree grown tomato I had never heard of before. We sat, listened to the rain on the shingled roof, and caught up over a cup of the most welcoming tea I have ever had. I quickly fell asleep in a nest of pillows and blankets & under a tent of fine yellow mesh.
This morning I was greeted with the smell of wet grass & fresh flowers. My host has a beautiful court yard of overgrown shrubs & trees. With a cup of coffee from the press, I stood outside soaking in the sunrise in my pants & sandals. I walked with Mackenzie to work. She entered the secure JVA compound, & I found a bench at a roadside stand. She claimed that they have the best Chia-indeed they may. I sat and ate a warm donut like treat, sipped the sweet & peppery drink, and thought to myself again, "This is Africa."
I finished my breakfast, payed the mother at the family run stand and began to walk back. After a half mile I caught a matatu (taxi-van). I pretended to know what I was doing. I'm sure they saw through my stoic face... ...somehow I found my way back to the right stop. Walking back towards the house I began to really take in the sights, sounds, & smells. I saw the piles of trash, smog filled air, & children sleeping on the street. Another block & I found a Mall. Converse, Nike, marble floors, & the WiFi I am using now... ..."Is this Africa?"
5 minutes after leaving the airport I spotted a herd of Zebras on the side of the road. We stopped & watched. I breathed in the cool night air & thought to myself, "This is Africa." At Mack's house I was welcomed with a bowl of fresh cut mango, apples, & some tart tree grown tomato I had never heard of before. We sat, listened to the rain on the shingled roof, and caught up over a cup of the most welcoming tea I have ever had. I quickly fell asleep in a nest of pillows and blankets & under a tent of fine yellow mesh.
This morning I was greeted with the smell of wet grass & fresh flowers. My host has a beautiful court yard of overgrown shrubs & trees. With a cup of coffee from the press, I stood outside soaking in the sunrise in my pants & sandals. I walked with Mackenzie to work. She entered the secure JVA compound, & I found a bench at a roadside stand. She claimed that they have the best Chia-indeed they may. I sat and ate a warm donut like treat, sipped the sweet & peppery drink, and thought to myself again, "This is Africa."
I finished my breakfast, payed the mother at the family run stand and began to walk back. After a half mile I caught a matatu (taxi-van). I pretended to know what I was doing. I'm sure they saw through my stoic face... ...somehow I found my way back to the right stop. Walking back towards the house I began to really take in the sights, sounds, & smells. I saw the piles of trash, smog filled air, & children sleeping on the street. Another block & I found a Mall. Converse, Nike, marble floors, & the WiFi I am using now... ..."Is this Africa?"
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