Sijui
Sijui-
This is the negative conjugated verb of "to know" as to say-"I don't know."
I don't know where to begin with this entry as over the last week I have moved from the very nice, "hotel" as it is called, of the YWCA to my home across the city in the village of Mtopanga with my host family. I live in a house that is part mud hut, part concrete with an open area in the middle to catch rain water for washing clothes, dishes, and one's own self.
I live with number of people. This number is constantly in flux as some are out working or going to other homes within the village. To give a rough estimate, I have one mama who is in her late 50s, four brothers (one who is the father figure as being the eldest male in the family) two sisters and two sisters-in-law one uncle and two to three nephews. I have the exact layout on paper in front of me but to give an exact description would take more time than I have at the moment.
Life at home is continually an adjustment process. As a man there are certain roles which I do not traditionally take on (washing dishes, cleaning parts of the house or even bringing food in for meals or clearing it after dinner). I'm taking the process slowly and gradually introducing myself in to different aspects of life and becoming more than an honored guest and also trying to break some of the masculine roles that are understood in the culture.
My family is wonderful. My main contact in my family is my brother Omarr or as we call him Socrates (Soki for short after a great football mid-fielder of the 1980s). He's in his early 30s and has lived in the village his whole life. He He has shown me around the village, taken me out to the beaches of the Indian Ocean and will be teaching me how to cook this weekend. Today we got up at 6:30AM to run as part of my training for the marathon I am running in October. We went down the main road of Mtopanga through the neighboring village of Bamburi. We dodged morning matatu drivers, men pushing massive carts of goods and goats. Children heading to school were laughing to see an Mzungu and black man running so early. I'm very fortunate to have someone who has such good relations with people in the community as my comrade.
I will be updating again on Friday with more details of my work and home life.
Asante sana
Comments
Ben,
I am grateful to read that you've connected with a wonderful Kenyan family. I'm sure Omarr (Soki) provides a valuable relationship to you in undertsanding your scenario. I hope you are able to absorb all you can in understanding what the human condition means from a very different perspective.
Please extend my gratitude to your new "family" in Mtopanga for opening up their home and hearts to you.
Be safe,
Love,
Dad
Posted by: Bob Marcy | June 5, 2007 05:51 PM
Hope you are enjoying your time thete and learning a lot! We miss you a lot! It will be good to see you when you get home.
luv always,
Aunt Dawn & Uncle Tom
Posted by: Aunt Dawn | June 6, 2007 04:14 AM
Hi, Ben! You'll be happy to know that the incoming president of EIU is asking how we are doing with SL and volunteerism. With alums like you serving as role models, I hope we will be able to build a program that you will be proud of.
Savor every experience,
Bonnie Irwin
Posted by: Bonnie Irwin | June 7, 2007 05:42 PM
DearBen:
We were beginning to be concerned about you, but we knew you were busy getting acquainted and accustomed to your "new family". Your family in Springfield continues to think of you and are so glad to hear from you and about your experiences. We will celebrate your Dad's birthday at Sunday Family Dinner. Graham will be home on Saturday for the month of June. Eloise is doing welll, keeping busy, and that helps her begin a different life without Ralph. LOVE YOU ALWAYS. Grandma&Grandpa
Posted by: Grandpa & Grandma | June 7, 2007 06:20 PM
Ben, what a treat to read that you are well and have good people around you. We were thrilled to hear your voice this morning!! Thank you for the call! You are loved and missed. Be safe.
Love,
Mom
Posted by: Mom | June 9, 2007 04:20 PM
Your experience is making me wish I had forgone the cost(s) and was there with you. I can't wait to talk to you about all of the experiences when you get back from Kenya. I'll be back at the beginning of September. Until then, stay safe and good luck.
Posted by: Bryan Thornotn | June 11, 2007 01:35 AM
Your life in Kenya sounds very interesting! Looking forward to hearing about it more when you return.
We love you! You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Aunt Dawn and Uncle Tom
Posted by: Aunt Dawn | June 13, 2007 05:12 AM