12/22/14
Each day, we are reminded of the similarities and differences between our Kenya and US lives. Last week, we attended an off-site meeting at Lake Naivasha, a conference meeting site about 90 minutes outside of Nairobi. Team building, ice-breakers and PowerPoint presentations felt like déjà vu. Except that….our team building was observed by a flock of enormous Marabou storks (60 inches high, weighing 20 pounds each, with a wing-span of 12 feet) and a group of rhinos! A peacock greeted us as we entered our conference meeting room, and a monkey peeked into the window during the presentation. On our drive home, a zebra crossed in front of the car, just like a deer might do in Virginia. Just another normal day in Kenya!
Each day, we are reminded of the similarities and differences between our Kenya and US lives. Last week, we attended an off-site meeting at Lake Naivasha, a conference meeting site about 90 minutes outside of Nairobi. Team building, ice-breakers and PowerPoint presentations felt like déjà vu. Except that….our team building was observed by a flock of enormous Marabou storks (60 inches high, weighing 20 pounds each, with a wing-span of 12 feet) and a group of rhinos! A peacock greeted us as we entered our conference meeting room, and a monkey peeked into the window during the presentation. On our drive home, a zebra crossed in front of the car, just like a deer might do in Virginia. Just another normal day in Kenya!
Although not unique to Kenya, we are often struck by the
ambition and drive of many of the African people we meet. Talking to many about
their pasts and futures, two stories left a strong impression on us. One co-worker described how he had to bribe
his way out of Eritrea, his homeland.
Apparently, educational opportunities are limited and all citizens are
required to serve in the military for an undetermined period of
time. We've heard that these and other
difficult living conditions in Eritrea have resulted in many people emigrating.
Another Kenyan friend reached out to Don for business
advice. Orphaned at age five, he lived
with his grandmother and proceeded to care for her once he became a
teenager. Unable to afford college, he
purchased one laptop, than another, and subsequently established a small IT business
in his village. Now, while working fulltime in Nairobi, he and his wife are growing
a lunch-delivery business on the side.
She prepares lunches for 32 people at $1/each/5-days a week. They pay two
workers $4 each for 4-hours work. They are hoping to expand to 100 lunches/day,
and move to a larger kitchen. His motivation and determination will ensure he
succeeds.
This week Parliament passed an anti-terrorism law which
was very controversial. While strengthening some laws regarding terrorism, it
also undermines important civil rights and free speech. People feel very strongly
for or against the law, but the divisions here are based on ethnic-tribal
background and loyalty, rather than on ideology. Fist fights broke out in
Parliament and there was a tv blackout while the vote took place.
On Friday, we leave for a Safari in the Masai Mara
Reserve. Stay tuned for some great pictures.
Don and Bobby
