There are a couple things that I didn't know to expect before moving here. For instance, when plugging something into an outlet you actually have to insert something (I use a key) into the top hole in order for the plug to go in. So, I have a slight fear of electrocution when I go to charge my phone every other day.
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| Scaredy Squirrel would not be ok will this |
Something else that may seem a little out of sorts for yall back home is that we have to bleach our vegetables. Basically you fill the sink or tub with water and then pour in a cap full of the liquid. You let your fruits and veggies soak for about 15-20 minutes, then rinse them and dry. We also did that to our veggies in Guatemala. The plus is that produce here is much cheaper than back in the states. Another interesting tidbit is that the vegetables or fruit may not appear as "pretty" as back home. Not everything is the same size or exact color. The taste is great, though! Similarly, foods don't have as many preservatives, so my bread starts to mold sooner than it would in the States. I've learned to keep it in the fridge.
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| bleaching produce |
Let's see, as far as school goes, fourth graders are fourth graders all over the world. Rosslyn is an international Christian school, so we do teach Bible. My students come from all over the globe and have visited much of the world so they have different experiences and background knowledge than my students back home. School supplies are a little different (two hole punch binders instead of three), but we get the job done! I'm still very much enjoying teaching fourth grade and getting to know my students. This Friday we played world landmark bingo and it was amazing hearing that students had visited many of the places and knew all about them!
Just last week our Kenyan studies class had a Maasai family visit to tell our students about the culture. They danced, jumped, showed us a game played with sticks thrown like spears, and helped our students make a beaded bracelet. It was great!
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| students making bracelets |
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| Maasai teens showing us a game |
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| imitating what it would be like to take down a lion |
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| Maasai beadwork |
Driving in Kenya is a whole another beast. Not only must you drive defensively, but it's a very offensive game too! Cars pass (or overtake) even on curves and merge at will. At intersections people will try to sell you newspapers, flowers, clothes, toys, bunnies or puppies. There are lots of round-a-bouts and speed bumps, speed limits don't seem to be posted, and only occasionally will there be a red light. Also, the roads have lots of potholes and patches.
You'll encounter many bicycles and pedestrians on the road, along with matatus. A matatu is a common form of transportation. It's basically a 15 passenger van/bus that is typically "tricked out" with shiny stickers, flashing lights, and interesting names. For yall who have been to Guatemala, it's like a mini-chicken bus. Just this afternoon my roommate and I took a matatu from Village Market (the nearby mall) down the road. The matatu we hopped on was called Black Out, and the name was lit up inside the vehicle along with speakers blaring some music and one of those hologram pictures of birds where they move when you bob your head. I sat on Lindsey's lap and made faces with the little girl a few seats up. Two minutes later we jumped out near our destination. We felt very Kenyan after our matatu adventure!
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| took this pic of matatus from the web |
It's been great settling in, but no doubt a transition. Please continue to lift me up along with my students. Pray that I will fulfill our mission "to inspire and equip each student to develop their God-given gifts for Christ-like service in the world community."
