Adjustments Jan. 16.17

January 16.17

The hardest part of this transition is definitely the distance from family. Our video connections (mostly through What’s App has been our life line to home. To be able to see the faces and hear the voices of those we love dearly (especially our girls, son-in-law, and precious granddaughter, Anna-Lynne) has both encouraged us and left us in tears. This will likely always be our biggest struggle. Prayers for us and them are welcomed. 

Connecting with our siblings has also been very important, especially over the past 10 days, so we are grateful that while internet service is different here, at least we still have it. (We have to get used to buying air time and then converting that into internet bundles.)

The differences in food & beverages has been intriguing. Each special event meal is a buffet that usually includes a few natiave dishes (ungali, chapati, fried cabbage, arrowroot, mandazi, etc.) as well as rice, potatoes, vegetables, and always fresh fruit.  There is a good variety at the buffet.   The food products which are similar to our Canadian ones taste just a little different – the jam, the ketchup, the fruit, the yogurt, etc. But it’s all good. Interestingly both Morris and I seem to have less of an appetite here. I think that is affected by the hot weather. So maybe we can shed a few of those extra pounds we’ve wanted to get rid of! J

The heat is both a blessing and a curse.  It’s nice to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and wear light clothing and receive lots of vitamin D from the sun. (Winter boots and heavy coats will no longer be part of our wardrobe.)  The only challenge for us thus far is trying to sleep during the hot nights and sometimes getting sweaty when we have to be outdoors for several hours (eg. the Sunday worship services).  The greater challenge is for the people whose daily lives are adversely affected by the drought. On a minor note, the roads are very dusty and keeping clean is an extra chore – like protecting white uniforms. But I see also that the dust from the gravel roads cause some breathing issues for some who are walking – and most people walk. Even more than that, however, is the places where these months of ‘no rain’ translate into ‘no water’ for drinking and washing. We visited a Salvation Army Girls’ school in the western part of the Territory this week, Kolanya, (near the Uganda border). The girls and teachers are often tasked to be out in the community trying to find water. The administration was happy last week when a sponsoring project arranged for a small drill near the school which will hopefully reap some flowing water.

Time takes on a whole new meaning in Kenya. No one rushes. Processes are much slower.  People are not ‘driven’ like the western world. It takes a little getting used to. It isn’t disrespectful to be late. You just need to be patient. You really have no choice but to slow down and enjoy the African life style.

I learned a new Swahili phrase today when I was about to leave the office, so I will leave it with you: ‘tuo nane kesho’ – see you tomorrow!