“CLICK HERE for a GUARANTEED 2 year USA work visa” these neon words are flashing on my screen, and on the sidebar... “Do you want a lifetime American green card?!” No thanks google, turns out I won’t be needing either of those. Even the pop-ups on my computer are a constant reminder of how different of a world we are living in, and how far we are from home... Although ads like that are common, and some people do believe they will have a better life if they make it over to America, most people are totally content with their lifestyle. If they are not, moving to America isn’t their solution. We come from America where so many people think so many other countries of the world want to be like us or hold us on some sort of pedestal, and while I am so thankful that I live in such a free country, I feel so blessed to have travelled and seen the reality of America’s idolatry. To some cultures we are freedom and control crazed, to others we are cheeseburger eating fatties, and to many we are just that place where that one friend went to that one school. Here in Kenya, their standard of living is much lower then the average Americans, but there isn’t a feeling that something is lacking. There is something strong and appealing about living a more minimalist and simplistic lifestyle. The amount of ‘stuff’ you own really does have the power to dictate over the rest of your life if you let it.
Kira and I sat together cross legged under our mosquito net the second night we were here and realized how a huge theme of this trip is letting go of all control and expectations. That is the only way to remain sane, and survive in such different surroundings; it is the only way to fully appreciate it here. There is so much value in becoming fully immersed in an entirely new culture. It’s overwhelming in all the best ways, and simultaneously the loneliest you will ever feel. There are moments when all you can do is sit, frozen, it feels like your chest is ripping open and everyone you’ve ever known can see every single flaw and vulnerability you have. It feels like home is lightyears away and ten weeks is a century. These moments happen, no matter how strong you are, how much you believe in the work you are doing, everything is foreign. Isolation and fear is part of the experience, It’s important to breathe into these moments, let yourself freak out. These moments always pass. And the more you are able to let go, the more you are able to fully embrace the beauty in the poverty and appreciate even the strangest and most foreign experiences. It’s funny how you find comfort in the strangest things. Neither Kira or I are huge fans of soda, but for some reason having Orange Fanta with dinner the other night was the most incredible experience. It was the best damn Orange Fanta I have ever had.
Dorothy, the eldest daughter has been showing us around town for the past couple days. She is such a sweetheart, so honest and kind. Her smile alone makes you feel comfortable. She tells us about the town, teaching us how to get around and if we get lost to: “never tell anyone you are lost”. She is gentle but quick to tell us what to do. She likes having us here because she loves being able to tell someone what to do, and my goodness we appreciate having someone help us out. She isn’t bossy in the slightest, just an excellent guide. And she still likes us even after we practically forced her to go home the most difficult way possible, up a steep hillside, just because we wanted to see the view. Dorothy kept telling us how much they love white people here in Ogembo. When she told us that we thought maybe we were just an unusual sight. But once every single pair of eyes in the town was looking at us, and every child was giggling or running up to say hello... then we believed her. It’s funny, being treated like you’re famous when you feel like the most average joe there ever was. But it’s beautiful meeting them all, having your hand grabbed by an old lady who is forcing you to tell her your name is strangely endearing.
Remember when you were a kid and you would visit somewhere else and start to notice differences? The light-switch at your cousins house is different, or the trees on vacation have no branches to climb like the ones at home. That is how it feels here, the differences are so captivating and yet I know soon it will feel normal. You only eat rice, potatoes, and noodles. You brush your teeth with water from a water bottle. You go grocery shopping by walking through the streets and buying what you need off different peoples’ blankets. The town is so alive. People are lining the streets, selling, shopping, or just visiting. An occasional car or motorbike kicks up the red earth, driving down over the muddy river towards Kisii town. Everything is so green. Dorothy told us that this region grows a lot of food for the country and this was evident as we walked through many different fields. The earth smells so full, it’s richer and warmer to the nose then American farms. All the buildings are rickety and broken down, but they do not make the town feel unsafe. The buildings are just not there to impress, you don’t judge the quality of the company or store based on its cleanliness or appearance. It’s all about the people and what they are offering. To find a SIM card for Kira’s phone we didn’t just walk into a store and pick out one that looked good, or find the best price. It’s by word of mouth. Dorothy would walk around and ask where was the best place to find the SIM card we needed. Someone would tell her one place, she would go there and be told somewhere else. Everything is more organic, there is an ebb and flow to the market place.
These past few days have been wonderful. Samson is forcing us to take it easy, he is so glad we have lots of time to finish our work so we can fully adapt to the climate and the time zone. Having the time to rest and get settled has been exactly what we needed, and yet we can not wait to meet the kids at the orphanage. Every day we get more and more excited to finally get to the orphanage and get started on the work we came here to do.
K. Fanta - ahh. proud. proud.
now off to the orphanage
can't wait to hear about the kids
work hard - your heart will follow
Reply
Penny Rhodes
8/7/2014 01:18:15 am
I love reading your blogs. Since we can't be there in person, this is the next best thing. Keep these coming when you have time -- and love to you both. Penny
Reply
Angela Heldon
8/8/2014 09:40:12 am
It is wonderful to read your blogs, I volunteered when the orphanage was in Riounde and everything you are writing about brings such vivid memories. Especially the part about moments where your chest feels like it's breaking open, I felt like this was my heart opening to Life! Blessings to you two beautiful souls xox