Sunday, July 6, 2008

A tour...outside Nairobi.

Yes, after a month now in Africa...I have ventured out of the city on my own. Well... I did have some help. Billy, one of the guys I have befriended who works with me in the hangar, invited me out to his house on the outskirts of Nairobi. So yesterday, I hopped on a city bus to meet him downtown. It was really kinda fun to be out and about by myself; yet the constant stares from everyone, looking at this muzungu wandering around the city, was a little different to get used to. I'm not used to being in the extreme minority. [On a side note...several of the Kenyans I passed called me John. "Hey, John!" was an unexpected greeting I received several times. After inquiring to the missionaries, no one really knows why I was called that. Perhaps I look like some famous John they have seen on TV...I just hope he's a cool, good looking guy :) ] Billy met me a few moments after waiting in our designated area of downtown (I was quite proud of myself for finding the place without any problems). We then boarded a matatu to take us to his house in Wangegi.

When we arrived at his house, his mother had prepared a Kenyan feast for me; stew, rice, jepatis, meat, and even boiled water for her American guest. The house they lived in was only one room, barely enough for the few items of furniture and a single bed for Billy, his mother, and his youngest brother, Austin. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with them and looking at some of Billy's pictures from his days in school. Billy is working at AIM Air as a part of his attachment his mechanics school requires him to do. He is making 150 shillings a day (a little over $2), yet it takes him 200 shillings to ride the matatus to and from work everyday. Needless to say, he relies on the meager income from his mother to pay the difference as well as his school bill for each semester which runs upwards of $500 a semester. After the meal and visiting, I said my goodbyes and hopped back on a matatu toward downtown. The adventure back was typical for a matatu ride; driving on the sidewalks and bouncing up and down on the pothole filled road, all the while trying to avoid goats and people. Yet I arrived back at my estate whole and with some things to think on.

I always knew the poverty in Africa was like this, so the stories I heard from Billy and his family did not surprise me much. Yet it was good to be reminded of how good I actually have it. I don't have to worry about when my electricity will be turned on, how to get to and from work, how to feed my family, or even if the cow tied up outside will get loose in my house. I have so much to be thankful for...yet I am so thankful for the opportunity to spend with this Christian family and hopefully encourage them as best as this muzungu...or John, could do.

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