This Is What I Think...

I have learned a lot of things about myself these past two weeks. Some of these things surprised myself, and I am sure they will surprise some of you. At the orientation for all interns in early May, Ambassador Quinn said we should record everything that is different that we see in the first two weeks. Living in Nairobi, not everything is super different, but here are some things that are, and some things I have learned about myself while here.

I have learned that even though I never read the newspaper or watch all of the news, I really miss being up to date in what is going on in the United States. I feel much more checked out from the U.S. than I thought. For example, I didn’t even know about the abortion bill going on it Texas, or what DOMA is. It isn’t until I get on Facebook and people are saying we are making history. I looked at the screen and said “We are? What happened?”.

I will forever be grateful for sidewalks. Many of the sidewalks around icipe are dirt. It’s bright red looking dirt that you can see on everything. Black shoes, skirts, sandals… In addition, there is litter lining the ditches.

I have learned everybody has some stereotypes. We seem to have the stereotype that almost everybody in Africa is barefoot and hungry. As you know, I am staying in the Guest Centre. I have met many people in the last few weeks: people from Africa’s South coast, West coast, Asia, Europe, and the United States. When people learn I am from Nebraska, they ask if it is all prairie, then ask if I am a cowgirl. A lady overheard somebody ask this and informed her that no, those were in Texas. All of this is meant in good heart, but just remember things are not always how media makes it.

I appreciate English television. Some channels are only in Swahili here. Other channels may be in English, but they are voice overs of another language. When a lady says “you killed my husband” with a face filled with rage, the voice over seem slightly bored of the whole thing. It really ruins the effect of an already struggling soap opera. Right now, I really enjoy watching Dr. Phil and Joel Osteen. They are the only shows I have found so far that I recognize from home.

I have learned that some songs will remind me of home instantly. A few nights ago, the song “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” was on tv being played by the Diane Bish on the organ. The first chords were barely played and my mind instantly went to my home church. And Davey and Goliath. Church songs remind me of home the most. The song “What A Friend We Have in Jesus” sounds beautiful in English and Swahili by the way.

I have also learned that back home… we are kind of lazy… For example, when was the last time you walked to the store, grabbed your groceries, and walked home? Or walked to church in the morning? We drive everywhere. I even have my own car! And adults here don’t. And if they do, they will still opt to walk or take a bus if it isn’t too far.

I have learned that I can wake up early! Every day since I arrived, I have been waking up at 5:30 without pushing snooze. (My alarm doesn’t even go off until 6) This is a very big deal for me. I am very difficult to wake up and my mom will testify to that. The alarm clock I own back home claims to be the loudest alarm clock, it sounds like a rescue siren, and is on the other side of the room so I have to get up to put it on snooze. And here, I wake up, and I clean! I make my bed, tie up my mosquito nets, and read. I really don’t understand what changed….

Appreciate the ability to have whatever kind of food you want at your disposal. Today was one of the most exciting meals I have had since leaving the states! (the only other being a pizza while shopping) Tonight, I had pasta, quite a lot of green beans, and Ugali. Ugali is a traditional Kenyan food that supposedly goes well with everything. It is a mix of corn and and some other ingredients. It tastes like a really really bland tortilla, before the tortilla shape. As if it was pre-tortilla dough. At first it looks like mashed potatoes, but do not be deceived. It is nothing like mashed potatoes. 

So while here, I have learned to be thankful for things I have always taken for granted. A roof over my head, medical insurance, family and friends who love me, and a strong faith in God.  I have seen more homeless people in the last two weeks than I have seen my whole life. And most of these people don’t even have the means to take care of themselves. I saw one boy, maybe only a little older than me, begging for money. Neither of his legs were fully formed and he had pull himself to move. Another man was sitting at the top of a high over (a walk bridge that goes over the highway) with a foot that was twice the size of the other. And too think that I haven’t even seen the worst… I’ve been told I need to go to the slums, it is there that I will truly understand poverty.

So am I homesick? No, not really. I actually enjoy the new independence I have. I have never been so welcomed by a group of complete strangers and I have here. I was prepared with all of the tools and things to help me get through a summer. But don’t get me wrong. I can assure you, the first thing I plan to do as I leave the airport terminals will be to hug my parents. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them, and being away from them for 8 weeks will be quite the feat. I’m grateful I am going back to high school after this… I don’t think I could go to college days after a get back from an internship abroad. I’ve got too many plans to do that!

Momma – You can expect some intense shopping trips when I get back J Love you!