Yesterday and today were pretty standard. Went to church yesterday morning, and then came home and worked on my talk for a few hours. Then Sarah and I went to dinner at this upscale Chinese restaurant thats down the street from our house. I know, that sounds weird. And it was so weird. It was like we stepped into a different land. And of course, I walked in there looking like a slob, so that was great. We had no idea. But the food was pretty good. Then today, I woke up real early to do some more work, and I had to be at church at 12:30. On the way to church, the taxi driver told me they were going one way, but then ended up taking a different turn, so I am out in the middle of the city in the complete opposite direction of where I need to be. I hd to fork over some serious shillings to the boda driver to get to church. Then when I got to church I told Auntie Rose about it (all elders are called Uncle or Aunt... I love that), and she laughed and said I got ripped off. And in fact, I've gotten ripped off most of the time, she said. And then no one showed up for the meeting until 2.
Africa wins again.
I have a pretty huge walk on my way to catch a taxi, the hill that we live on is pretty large. I don't know if I told you this, but its kind of awesome because its were many of the embassies are. In fact, we live next door to the Irish embassy. And we pass the Chinese on our way and the Russian, etc. And there's lots more. Anyway, there is also this strip mall type thing where I do my grocery shopping, and as I am coming up to that I see this man walking towards me (but I'm across the street). He is pointing to the top of the building (it was about 4 stories) and yelling, "I came all the way down from up there just to talk to you!" And I was like, "Ok. But I don't have anything to say." And I just kept walking. It's a pretty typical interaction, though. This one was extra ridiculous because he was being kind of silly, but we've had all sorts of crazy exchanges. Sarah and I were talking just a bit ago at dinner, and I said that I have never been so aware of my skin color, and unaware at the same time. I am aware because people are constantly reminding me that I am white, yelling at me as they drive past (not in a malicious way), or trying to coax me to buy from their stand. Sometimes people will just walk up to me and say "Muzngu!" (which is the Swahili word for white), like being white is my name and identity. But they mean no harm (mostly). And, like I said, at the same time I am so unaware of my skin color. And I'm not totally sure why that is yet. I do, in many senses feel accepted and comfortable at UCF. It doesn't matter to me that I am white, and it doesn't matter to them either. My abilities are not dependent on my skin color. Either way, in both situations, its a humbling place to be in.
On another note, tomorrow I go in for a staff meeting and then tomorrow night I will give my talk on Jesus saying in John 6:35 "I AM the bread of life." It was a really rich study for me, especially seeing how the Old Testament ties in, so I am excited to be able to share that with the choir.
This is my church,
University Community Fellowship.
We meet in a tent.
And for Shanna... baby goats!
Goats are rampant in this country.
Just wanted you to know.
I think of you every time I see one.
and it has been confirmed:
Sarah and I are going on a Safari next week!!!!!!!!
Nate's not going. He has too much work to do.
Hey Kate ... Grandpa is going to be SO jealous that you are going on a safari! I have to admit, I'm a little jealous too.
ReplyDeleteLOVE YOU!
Aunt Brenda