I’m learning about Kenyan culture as I roam about in Nairobi, and the sociologist in me wants to know more, so I ask. Today we went to a market within the community we are staying at where the Owino’s live. The four white girls wondered around the market with Lorna looking for samosas, which are little triangular pockets filled with something like taco meet and seasonings. I got my third marriage proposal (in the last 24 hours) at the market, as well as a samosa and a Coke. It was the second Coke I have had in Kenya, though it was not in glass this time. It was still pretty good, though I have many good memories of Coke in glass bottles, and not all of them are in Liberia. If coke tasted this good in America, I would drink it, and they would not have a need to change, such as they did in creating Cherry Coke, because the original is so tasty. The sugar in it makes it taste less strong, and it also is not quite as carbonated, so the bubbles do not overwhelm the taste.
As we travel around the country I have notice that few women have babies with them as opposed to Liberia, where many women carry babies on their backs. The women here who do have babies ether carry them on their back or front with a piece of cloth called a lasso that goes over one shoulder and under the other to create a sling. They also use this cloth to wrap their heads and to wear around their waist. It is the traditional way. I have seen woman carrying babies in front packs and baby carriers as well. Kenyans have access to birth control and just like in the rest of the western world; educated people tend to have fewer children.
Kenya is in many ways, is trying to be a part of the western world. There is such a push for modernity, and it shows in the way people dress. In town many people dress in business casual attire. Women walk around with high heels and large earrings. Many woman wear tailored dress pants and men often wear business suits, or polo shirts and sweaters. The people are quite smartly dressed. You see skirts on women as much as you see tailored pants, or snug jeans.
The Bishop’s children, 10 year old Esther, and 17 year old Ian are also teaching me about Kenyan culture. Their older sister Greta (19) has been missing for over a month now, and the family hardly speaks of her. The authorities have been notified, since she failed to come home one evening after being in the city for college. Esther says that they don’t talk about much because it makes them all very sad. I pray for a miracle for Greta to return to her family.
Last night during devotions, the Bishop spoke of God granting us the desires of our heart. It was a bit hard for me to hear him speak about it with so much faith and passion, a man who has a missing child. I’m sure the deep desire of his heart is for her to come home. Life is a peculiar thing. I’m learning much and loving it at the moment.
The Bishop wants me and Lacey to stay a month longer. I would if changing tickets wouldn’t be such a hassle. I do like this country and her people, but I am not sure I will ever return, as opposed to Liberia, which still has some of my heart, though I do still have about 2 more weeks to fall in love. But I am really trying to enjoy every moment. It’s not every day I get to write from Africa. =)
Being here really makes me miss Liberia. I want to go back and work there and adopt some babies! It's all in God's hands!
Blessings from Kenya!
Laura
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