Narobi State of Mind

Thank goodness travel to Kenya from Dallas takes a couple days! Without that time to settle into the reality of travel, Nairobi would be even more of a dream. My body and mind have pit jetlag against unending enthusiasm and information gathering. So far: enthusiasm-7, jetlag- a very notable 1 (fell asleep, twitched awake, fell asleep, twitched awake and finally held onto my cheeks during a particularly lengthy prayer. Everyone else had their eyes closed, whew). Beyond the sleepy, there is much about Nairobi life at SIM that is dreamy-especially now that I have a better understanding of village life:

>Life of the Compound Tribe- I have catalogued: 7 single women of varying life-stage, 4 families and 3 couples within its walls. Each from distinct culture, country and performing different assignments through SIM in Nairobi! Clashes on the badminton court, picking avocados, dinner+movie or dinner+game nights, and bleaching vegetables are common afternoon recreation for the missionary species.

The dwellings are packed tightly and tall, but have ample kitchen, common and bathroom space with toilet paper. The beds are draped in a gauzey mosquito netting that gives the recumbent a feeling of a queen!

Those guarding, both canine and homo sapien, are goofy and loquacious with residents, yet bite intruders. Upon arrival, a new resident must warmly greet the guarding pair to gain admittance to the tribe, lest either bite. Gaining acceptance is a whole other matter, riding on badminton.  

>INTERNET! Im downloading sermons (COTI speakers, cough….), music, videos, sporty and agricultural resources so I can pull them up when internet is in short or no supply. Ive already had one skype date!

>English Speakers. Although, backgrounds on the compound vary, everyone speaks some form of English. Nairobi does too. Somewhat of a bummer that I must rely on others to know English instead of conversing in their comfortable German, Swahili, Cantonese, etc. However, I’m relishing the relative ease of conversation now! My 2-3 week language learning course begins next Monday (3.24.2014).

>Now we're Cookin. There is a slim chance I will be able to cook in the village, at least until my host family gets used to my presence. For now, I’m daily visiting the markets, buying bizarre, fresh produce and having fun! I made coconut pancakes on my first morning- tropical and delicious!

>running water, washing machine, electricity. I believe there are light-bulbs and a few outlets, but Kenyans have mentioned there is no “real electricity” in the village. Naturally, I am using the heck out of the stove, blender, shower, lights, dvd players, while I can.

>church. Who says you can’t shake your thang on Sunday morning? Americans maybe…not Kenyans! More than a little side-step, full choreographed numbers, with plenty of room for freestyling, is enjoyed by kids, grandparents and everyone in between. I have been promised the village church mommas practice their moves during the week for Sunday! I will be up there week one (assuming it’s culturally appropriate) shakin with the best of em-or at least trying.

I am so eager to get to the village, BUT for now, Nairobi is sweet! I will be here for nearly a month while I prepare language, body, mind, spirit with all of the SIM programming.

Please skype:ermack19 or email:ermack19@gmail.com if you fancy since I have the luxury!

Prayer:

Soccer skills-im practicing daily, so im not all left feet when I arrive

Language learning!!!-im very aware of how far I need to go
Thanksgiving for my fantastic housemates!
Praise for being in KENYA. I love it here-who could have guessed:)