What's New?

February 01, 2017

I have often been casually asked, "What's new with you?"  Many times I respond, "not much", indicating no or minimal changes in my life. This is not my response now. As a matter of fact, someone asked me that question last week and my response was "Everything!" Okay, so that is a little exaggeration.  Maybe I should say "Oh, there's lots new".

In reflecting on this recently, I decided to make a quick list of what has been new for Morris and I in the last four weeks. Here is my list - which is not exhaustive.

Boiling water to brush our teeth and buying all our drinking water. 

Being greeted by guards at the super market for a quick scan before shopping.  

Hanging all my clothes to dry - I am very fortunate to be among the very few here who have a machine for washing. 

Wearing my hat with my uniform. 

Wearing skirt and panti-hose every day. 

Seeing lots of cows and goats along the road wherever we drive. And seeing baboons occasionally.
Waking to the sound of crowing roosters.

Seeing motor cycles and bicycles lining the streets as taxis. And watching them carry all kinds of cargo - including mattresses, coffins, and live stock. 

Women carrying huge loads on their heads - including piles of wood. 

Learning Swahili words and phrases.
Preaching through a translator.

Having someone carry our bags (brief case and purse) - they insist. 

Me being called 'mama' by everyone. It is a term of endearment and respect.

Watching children go to school at 6:00 am. And seeing them go to school on Saturdays and Sundays.

Using Kenyan shillings and getting used to the large denominations. 

30+ degrees temperatures in January.

Sleeping under a mosquito net.
Smiling up at small lizards that come in and out of our house but only presence themselves at the very top of our walls - well, one did get in the bathtub one day! :) They are completely harmless and mind their own business. 

So... what's new with you?