Observations since returning to Kenya

My colleagues seem genuinely surprised that I have returned. I know that before we left many of them asked if we would be returning. Even though I assured them that we would be back, they didn’t seem to believe me.

We wanted to see snow while we were in the States so we could take pictures to show our students and fellow teachers. Andrea and Melissa were great and helped us take several. Upon looking at the photos of us dressed warmly and standing in the snow, even John holding a snowball, they asked, “How can people survive there?” Keep in mind, they don’t have any way to heat their homes here. I’m sure they are thinking it must be a cold inside our houses as it is outside.

I was told it wasn’t appropriate to tell someone how many children that you have. Instead you simply say you have many children. How many times I have broken protocol because when I introduce myself I usually tell that I have two daughters!

It is considered indecent to expose your knees and shoulders. One day at school the sleeve of my dress had flipped up so that the top of my arm was exposed. A woman coworker caught my attention and motioned for me to pull down my sleeve so that my upper arm wasn’t exposed.

There is a mama who sells fruit to our girls during lunch time. I understand she had a daughter who attended St. Monica’s. Every day she brings a large basket balanced on her head filled with mangoes or avocados or whatever fruit is in season. Sometimes she hires a bicycle to bring more fruit than she can carry on her head. She is a kind woman and always has a smile and greeting for me. Her English is limited as is my Kiswahili. Even though, we still communicate as well as we can. The other day I asked to buy some avocados from her. She sold me the avocados but then gave me some bananas in addition. She wouldn’t take any more money for them. She exemplifies the generosity of so many Kenyans. They have so little, but are willing to give so much.

I had a Form II student ask to see me earlier this week. I told her she was able to come and see me any time. We scheduled an appointment for the next day during lunch. As we chatted, she revealed that her family wasn’t able to pay school fees for this term. In fact, they haven’t paid all of last year’s fees. When it was time for her to return to school this year, they were only able to scrape together about $3 for her to do her back to school shopping. Of that $3, she had earned almost half of it herself by doing a neighbour’s washing. She had no pocket (spending) money and was out of toilet paper, Vaseline, sanitary pads, and someone had stolen two pair of her socks. She asked if I would help her out and get her those few things. Of course, I did. She was so appreciative.