Patty in the Peace Corps

Patty in the Peace Corps

Habari gani? What's the news is the typical Kenya greeting. The typical response is nzuri (good- the news is good) – if you respond “jema” (okay) it is polite to find out why.

I am living with a wonderful host family. Baba Keolongi and Mama Waua are very kind to me and their neighbors. By our standards they have little, but they have generous hearts. They share food with several neighbor children and keep a watchful eye on them as well.

I am taking an in-depth, learning by using, language class for Kiswahili and will be required to pass at the intermediate level a proficiency test. Scary for me since I have been working at learning Spanish for several years and still talk like a 3 year old.

Mama Waua helped me kill and dress and cook a chicken. It was a tasty stew. The activities of daily living here are very different – not better nor worse – just different. Bathing must occur two times a day. Morning and evening- from our buckets. And, the “choo” is a hole in the ground in an out building. While there is no seat or other amenities, it is kept clean and as insect free as possible (if they see one it is not only killed, but removed.) The choo is also the disposal for any unwanted trash. Anything close to edible is given to the very effective garbage disposal sysetm – the kukos (chickens), paca (cat) and the goats. Waste not want not is a way of life.

Thank you to my work team for the radio and torch (flashlight) that operates without batteries. Mama and the children thank you as well. They have been a focus of attention and entertainment.

My wish list includes small bottles of sanitizer, lotioned kleenex, USA stamps (I get these duty free for the first 3 months), tupperware (large for clothes), and lots of prayers. I have been taking my “chill pill” and am managing to adjust.

Kwahari and Salama.
Goodbye and peace to you!

Patty