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| Whitney's First Week in Kenya |
| 6-27-2009 |
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download (pdf format)
My first impression of Kenya was that this country is very developed.There is advertisement everywhere and big buildings in the center of the city. There are many, many cars; there are street lights even thought they don't use them all. To my surprise relatively a lot of people are dressed very nice, in suits, or slacks and a nice collared shirt and women in heals and skirts with jewelry (but mostly in the city). There are many people walking along the roadside and bicycling from place to place. Even though there are many cars, trucks, vans,and even buses, there are still many that carry heavy loads on wheel barrels, push bikes with a load, or on their heads.
The weather is great here. Yesterday it was hot, but the rest of the days have just been fine not hot or cold, until night time when it gets a little chilly. But to Kenyan's it is pretty cold now during this time compared to me who is not really cold too often. Also it's very interesting that here, nobody leaves a tip when you sit down at a restaurant; only if it's a really fancy one. I always felt bad but this was their norm. Nairobi itself is not that large; you can get from one end to the other in about 30 mins.
Many trees have amazing exotic flowers on them, even bushes with these red fuzzy hairs. Dogs are very common in Kenya, mosquitoes and so are ants in the houses. Also there is this one kind of bird which I hear every day that makes the strangest sound. There are so many different flowers and beautiful different trees all around; it is nothing like America.
I visited the international school and the University campus. They were both larger and better that I expected. So much of life is lived outside, which I love because growing up I was always outside whether rain, sunshine or snow, that's where I was. In Kenya, life is lived outside; from the schools to the trades and working to some sleeping in the sun. I can't even imagine growing up in Kenya going to this international school; life is so different here. It is very beautiful though, it brings a smile to my face. Most local Kenyan schools are not so good for foreigners, due to racism and ostracizing the foreign children. Some local schools are okay though; there is one Christian local school in which Missionary Lydia takes her two youngest. I was speaking with a man who told me about the school system here. After,what we call "high school" they have to wait at home for two years and then they can go to college. So their age is around 20. I am definitely learning a lot about different cultures. This week was sightseeing week; please pray that this week as I am more deeply engaged with ministry that I may get to know the Kenyan students very well. Pray for Kenya UBF ministry and missionaries. |
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