3 months into this adventure, my sense of normal has shifted
quite a bit… here are some examples
Communication:
- I use my blog to send the equivalent of an email
to everyone I love… and whoever else happens upon it online… - I spend 2 hours to check a few emails, only to
not be able to reply to them because the internet decides to not work - I look forward to blog comments like surprise
visits from friends and family
I spend almost 1/3 the amount I used to pay for
a month of cell phone use for 40 precious minutes of phone time on Christmas
(totally totally worth it)
I hope people show up when they say they will
because if they don’t I have no way to contact them otherwise
Still find out about engagements and other news from my favorite thing ever…
Facebook:)
Food
-
I eat when I’m still full from the previous meal -
Food is not something to be enjoyed or
anticipated, but a cultural necessity that is dreaded a bit (mostly because I
am still overly full from the last meal served just a few short hours ago) -
There are 5 dishes that are served: ugali (white
corn flour play-dough stuff), chapati (sort of like a thick fried flour
tortilla), rice, cabbage, and potatoes. Notice my dear friend starch showing
up in each of these delightful treats -
I horde candy like it is a precious commodity
that there is a very limited supply of… only give in when I really need
a piece- like on Christmas:) -
“When its hot, we drink it hot”- Pastor Alex on
drinking scalding tea at most meals when it is over 90 degrees outside. -
I wait for the annoying cat to meow at my feet
to throw it the food I can’t bring myself to put in my mouth and then drop the
food on the floor.
Travel
-
“Sit on her lap, this is Kenya!”- cab driver in
Webuye. -
Our reply, “we know” (as there are already 2 other
girls on laps) -
The idea of driving on the right side of the
road is literally non-existent, there is no rhyme or reason for where cars are
found on the road; right, left, shoulder… wherever works, or wherever there
are the fewest potholes. -
15 km (9 miles) takes over an hour to travel -
Only 2 people sit in the front seat of a matatu
(public transport, imagine a Volkswagen bus with an extra row of seats), but as
many as possible in every other seat/open space in the vehicle 15-20 okay. -
I hit my head on the ceiling of the matatu or
car every time I ride in one
Shopping
-
the bill they give out at the ATM is too large
for any establishment to accept… generally worth around $10USD -
more than a dollar for anything is something to
carefully consider -
DVD’s come on one disc with 12+ films… at
around $3.50 -
Candy again something to be carefully
considered… if I’m gonna horde it, it needs to be good -
I pay the “White-Man Tax,” which inflates prices
about 400%- don’t worry I’m a good bargainer:)
Living
-
Electricity is a HUGE blessing, HUGE -
running water… even better! -
Place to use the bathroom in the same building I
sleep in another thing to thank God for. -
Sleep until the birds, sun, or screaming
children deem it time to wake up. -
Wear the same clothes at LEAST 3 days in a row -
Take Doxy every morning to prevent Malaria -
Whenever I leave anywhere children show up
everywhere to shout 2 things: “Wazungu”
(white people), and “How are you? How are you? How are you?” -
Go to bed at 9ish… although I’m writing this
at 1:15 a.m…. electricity is something that must be taken advantage of! -
Bucket showers are cold and just how you get
clean…. about as often as I change my outfit -
I never have to worry about being late, that
doesn’t exist here:)
