I got a chance to laugh at myself yesterday. I do so quite often I must admit, but yesterday was a good one. I found a little book store in a shopping center of sorts. I was trying to find a way to kill sometime so I went in to look. In the states I would frequent places like Barnes and Noble just to see what was new and to admire the covers. Here I am bored. Bookstores are tough here. If there is some order to them I have never figured it out. At home I can buy a book telling me how to use Microsoft Word...1997. So there isn't much new.
After rummaging around for a while I bought a book I've wanted to read for a while. Since being here I have read one in entirety and finished half of another. I bought the first Harry Potter. I've heard they were good so thought maybe I should join the club and see if I like them.
So on the way out I was still noticing the books in the window. I saw some videos and then what I thought was a box set of the Karate Kid movies on DVD. I leaned closer to see and whack!
Depth perception is an interesting thing. If you are focusing on something in the distance you might not even notice something up close. I looked like a bird or a fly trying to get back through a window. I rammed my head right into the glass.
As any American (maybe any person) would do I quickly did the looking around to see who was watching. The two Kenyans on the other side of the window were cracking up, as was the Kenyan man standing behind me. We all four had a good laugh as I rubbed my head. Come to find out it was just another video tape. So all of that embarrassment for nothing.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Friday, April 22, 2005
First Day in Kenya...
So far, not a fan of Kenya. The city here seems to be a city that decided to try modernity in the 70's. They failed and haven't updated much of anything since then. I started the day by going to a mall where I could get a computer serviced for a friend. I found the place and looked around some of it was interesting. I couldn't remember what I was supposed to do I in a place like that.
The number of white people here and amount of English spoken amazes me. This morning I was missing home pretty badly (and I mean my home in Africa). I kept catching myself speaking Amharic to people.
The part of the day I did enjoy started just after leaving that mall. I was warned not to be very careful if I chose to ride what I ride most often at home. It is like a small van. These seat 14 people and run specific routes. They are a very cheap form of transportation. This made me feel like I was back home with the people I love.
I rode for a while on 46, the one I was told to find. Then a man asked where I was going and I told him. He told me I passed it. Come to find out I got on 46 going the wrong way. I rode out into a small village like area of the city. It had dirt roads and little shops. It was my favorite part of the day. It looked like Africa!
I came back to my guesthouse to drop off some things and then went to a closer mall. I braved the vans again. This time I got on the right ones and got where I wanted. I was again disappointed though. The mall was rundown and didnt have anything very interesting. Man I miss Best Buy.
The funniest part of the day was the security guards in these malls. One helped me use an ATM...forgot my PIN. I had noticed his outfit just before starting. He wore black pants and shoes (normal), with a black nightstick (normal). His shirt was purple or blue (kind of weird, but almost normal) and he wore a black tie. Then came the shocker, on his head was a helmet. It was a baseball-batting helmet. No joke it was dead on a batting helmet...complete with the ear holes. I laughed a bit and finished my withdrawal. Later in the day I saw another. I was thankful for his ability to bring a smile to my face.
The number of white people here and amount of English spoken amazes me. This morning I was missing home pretty badly (and I mean my home in Africa). I kept catching myself speaking Amharic to people.
The part of the day I did enjoy started just after leaving that mall. I was warned not to be very careful if I chose to ride what I ride most often at home. It is like a small van. These seat 14 people and run specific routes. They are a very cheap form of transportation. This made me feel like I was back home with the people I love.
I rode for a while on 46, the one I was told to find. Then a man asked where I was going and I told him. He told me I passed it. Come to find out I got on 46 going the wrong way. I rode out into a small village like area of the city. It had dirt roads and little shops. It was my favorite part of the day. It looked like Africa!
I came back to my guesthouse to drop off some things and then went to a closer mall. I braved the vans again. This time I got on the right ones and got where I wanted. I was again disappointed though. The mall was rundown and didnt have anything very interesting. Man I miss Best Buy.
The funniest part of the day was the security guards in these malls. One helped me use an ATM...forgot my PIN. I had noticed his outfit just before starting. He wore black pants and shoes (normal), with a black nightstick (normal). His shirt was purple or blue (kind of weird, but almost normal) and he wore a black tie. Then came the shocker, on his head was a helmet. It was a baseball-batting helmet. No joke it was dead on a batting helmet...complete with the ear holes. I laughed a bit and finished my withdrawal. Later in the day I saw another. I was thankful for his ability to bring a smile to my face.
A New Country...
I am in a new country. I should be excited about it...I'm not. My visa will expire soon. I have to get a new one. I am now in the process. I am sitting in a room that will be mine for a while in Kenya. This should be like a vacation I don't have to pay for, but I don't feel that way.
I want to be home at work. I think part of the issue is that I am here alone. I'm not driving the road from Waco to home and I've just stopped for the night alone (which I enjoy) I am in a country I have never stepped foot into and I am here all alone. It is a bit uncomfortable. I'm not sure what to do or where to go to do it.
I don't want to sit in my room all week or two (we arent sure how long I'll be here). I want to enjoy the sites and the city and a new country. I want to meet people and see what life looks like here.
Although I may be home before these things post I will write as though you are reading as Im doing. My passport was DHLed today. They said it should reach the US by Thursday. At which point the visa service will go about acquiring a new visa. Then they mail it to a coworker in the states who will mail it here as fast as possible. The whole thing could take one week, could take two, could be longer.
So until I get my passport back I sit and wait.
James, the man who drove me from the airport to where I am staying was pretty cool. We had a great time talking about life here and how it compared to the states and where I live. It was good. It was a good sign that this could be a great trip.
The truth is I am excited for it to end. When it ends I return home. I move and shortly after my parents and two others from Paducah show up. Then a few days later my sister comes. I am so excited for my family to see this place I have fallenin love with and chosen to spend this part of my life in. It will be great. A highlight I expect.
I want to be home at work. I think part of the issue is that I am here alone. I'm not driving the road from Waco to home and I've just stopped for the night alone (which I enjoy) I am in a country I have never stepped foot into and I am here all alone. It is a bit uncomfortable. I'm not sure what to do or where to go to do it.
I don't want to sit in my room all week or two (we arent sure how long I'll be here). I want to enjoy the sites and the city and a new country. I want to meet people and see what life looks like here.
Although I may be home before these things post I will write as though you are reading as Im doing. My passport was DHLed today. They said it should reach the US by Thursday. At which point the visa service will go about acquiring a new visa. Then they mail it to a coworker in the states who will mail it here as fast as possible. The whole thing could take one week, could take two, could be longer.
So until I get my passport back I sit and wait.
James, the man who drove me from the airport to where I am staying was pretty cool. We had a great time talking about life here and how it compared to the states and where I live. It was good. It was a good sign that this could be a great trip.
The truth is I am excited for it to end. When it ends I return home. I move and shortly after my parents and two others from Paducah show up. Then a few days later my sister comes. I am so excited for my family to see this place I have fallenin love with and chosen to spend this part of my life in. It will be great. A highlight I expect.
Computer Man...
I have grown intimidated to write. I received compliments on some writing only because I was paying attention and watching for stories. Now that I don't see interesting stories, I write nothing rather than less.
So let me attempt to just write no matter the material so that you may know more of what is happening.
The end of last week was quite busy. I spent three full days trying to rehab computers at the ERC. I think I have told you it was a new job I adopted once arriving. I am the guy that gets called to fix others computers. In the last month I have helped Jonn's, Mary Lou's, Jerri's, Jacob's, James', and the ERC computers. Wish I got paid for this at the rate people do in the states...I'd be doing quite well.
The computers exhausted me. The beginning of the week was spent helping my supervisors move into their house. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were spent on the computers. They are running quite well now, which is good for us and the students that use them. I hope we can keep them in good shape.
So let me attempt to just write no matter the material so that you may know more of what is happening.
The end of last week was quite busy. I spent three full days trying to rehab computers at the ERC. I think I have told you it was a new job I adopted once arriving. I am the guy that gets called to fix others computers. In the last month I have helped Jonn's, Mary Lou's, Jerri's, Jacob's, James', and the ERC computers. Wish I got paid for this at the rate people do in the states...I'd be doing quite well.
The computers exhausted me. The beginning of the week was spent helping my supervisors move into their house. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were spent on the computers. They are running quite well now, which is good for us and the students that use them. I hope we can keep them in good shape.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
New Feature...
Partnering with you guys is a very important aspect of what I do here. I have spent a lot of time today adding a new feature to the journal here. I thought you might enjoy seeing some pictures. So, to the right you will see a few thumbnails. If you click on them they will take you to a slideshow. From there you can go see the pictures and or others I have posted. You can even download them to keep a copy if you would like to do so.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
The Retreat...
Thank you for remembering us over the weekend. Special thanks to those of you who chose to join us in fasting and talking to Father on Saturday. We had a great time of refreshing and unifying together in preparation for all that lies ahead. The next few months will be busy ones. We started moving my supervisors in yesterday. Ends up I'll be moving in the next couple weeks. I also have to make a short visit to Kenya. Lots of things are in the works. I will try to do better at sharing with you more often.
In our time together as a team I was thinking about you. I was thinking about how 150+ of my team lives on the other side of the world. It has been great for us to be back together here, but you guys will likely only ever be together in spirit. I would like to offer you the opportunity to have a glimpse of some of those you are partnered with as you lift us up. Many of you check in here frequently but many others don't. If you are willing add a comment to this blog.
Let this info be your comment so that others know a bit about you. 1. First Name 2. City and/or State and/or Country of Residence 3. Where you met me (i.e. Falmouth, Georgetown, Baylor, Waco, Paducah, High School, Family, etc.) 4. How long we have known one another.
Don't feel pressure to do this. It is only to give you an idea of who is joined with you, and to give me an idea of who is reading this journal. Be "safe" with responses.
Thank you for your commitment!!
In our time together as a team I was thinking about you. I was thinking about how 150+ of my team lives on the other side of the world. It has been great for us to be back together here, but you guys will likely only ever be together in spirit. I would like to offer you the opportunity to have a glimpse of some of those you are partnered with as you lift us up. Many of you check in here frequently but many others don't. If you are willing add a comment to this blog.
Let this info be your comment so that others know a bit about you. 1. First Name 2. City and/or State and/or Country of Residence 3. Where you met me (i.e. Falmouth, Georgetown, Baylor, Waco, Paducah, High School, Family, etc.) 4. How long we have known one another.
Don't feel pressure to do this. It is only to give you an idea of who is joined with you, and to give me an idea of who is reading this journal. Be "safe" with responses.
Thank you for your commitment!!
Friday, April 08, 2005
Language Favorites...
So, I have been a huge slacker when it comes to journaling. I apologize for disappearing. One day I will either stop disappearing or just stop apologizing for it. You should have recently received a newsletter. If you didn't a few things might be the cause: 1. Somehow I have not put you on the list. 2. Email glitch. 3. The newsletter is getting put in your junk or bulk mailbox.
If you didn't receive the update and would like to please send me an email and I will try to get it out to you. Also, if you had trouble reading the information let me know. You may be receiving it in a format that your email program can't handle.
A couple updates. My supervisors have found a house and will be moving in next week we hope. Ryan had surgery on Wednesday morning in Louisville. I have not yet received an update to know how it went. I almost called my family this morning, and then I realized it was 1:30am their time and that likely wouldn't have made Dad real happy. We begin our retreat at 2 this afternoon. That is your 6am your time, if you are in central time.
For sometime I have been intending to share with you some information about language but haven't yet done it. As you probably are aware I have stopped full time language study. Even though I don't spend multiple hours a day focusing on learning language I am still learning language. I am doing my best to have short conversations with everyone that I can. I still only have a very small understanding of the language. I do have a few favorite sayings though. I have gotten miles out of the shock and often laughter these bring from listeners.
They are amazed that a foreigner is learning their language so they usually compliment me with the word "gobez." (Please excuse the gross transliterations, as there is no way to truly transition the language from their writing to English print.) "Gobez" means clever. I quickly respond that I am not that clever and I don't know much of their language by saying, "Gobez idelum. Amarinia bedemb, menager alchelem." It is a bit of an oxymoronic sentence in that it is a very formal way to say I don't speak Amharic very well. It would be like an English learner saying, "Thank you for your compliment, but I dont deserve it because I still dont speak English very well, but I am learning." The more likely response would of course be, "English, no speak good."
They usually disagree and tell me I speak very well and blah, blah, blah. Then I like to say, "Cus bu cus..." It means little by little and comes from one of their proverbs. Together we finish the proverb with, "...enculal bigrew yihadal." They laugh with me and again compliment me as together we have said, "Little by little the egg walks by legs." They get a kick out of me caring about what they say and how they say it. I enjoy their enjoyment and enjoy getting a bit better with language everyday.
Now that I am out of fulltime study it is less like an assignment and more of a game. I hate to study but I love to play, so I think this time might help my language even more than the studying did.
Thank you for your continued faithfulness. Know it was a huge blessing to send out an email this past week to the 150+ that are joined with me in this journey of reaching the 60 to 70 million people of this nation for the truth. Pray hard!
If you didn't receive the update and would like to please send me an email and I will try to get it out to you. Also, if you had trouble reading the information let me know. You may be receiving it in a format that your email program can't handle.
A couple updates. My supervisors have found a house and will be moving in next week we hope. Ryan had surgery on Wednesday morning in Louisville. I have not yet received an update to know how it went. I almost called my family this morning, and then I realized it was 1:30am their time and that likely wouldn't have made Dad real happy. We begin our retreat at 2 this afternoon. That is your 6am your time, if you are in central time.
For sometime I have been intending to share with you some information about language but haven't yet done it. As you probably are aware I have stopped full time language study. Even though I don't spend multiple hours a day focusing on learning language I am still learning language. I am doing my best to have short conversations with everyone that I can. I still only have a very small understanding of the language. I do have a few favorite sayings though. I have gotten miles out of the shock and often laughter these bring from listeners.
They are amazed that a foreigner is learning their language so they usually compliment me with the word "gobez." (Please excuse the gross transliterations, as there is no way to truly transition the language from their writing to English print.) "Gobez" means clever. I quickly respond that I am not that clever and I don't know much of their language by saying, "Gobez idelum. Amarinia bedemb, menager alchelem." It is a bit of an oxymoronic sentence in that it is a very formal way to say I don't speak Amharic very well. It would be like an English learner saying, "Thank you for your compliment, but I dont deserve it because I still dont speak English very well, but I am learning." The more likely response would of course be, "English, no speak good."
They usually disagree and tell me I speak very well and blah, blah, blah. Then I like to say, "Cus bu cus..." It means little by little and comes from one of their proverbs. Together we finish the proverb with, "...enculal bigrew yihadal." They laugh with me and again compliment me as together we have said, "Little by little the egg walks by legs." They get a kick out of me caring about what they say and how they say it. I enjoy their enjoyment and enjoy getting a bit better with language everyday.
Now that I am out of fulltime study it is less like an assignment and more of a game. I hate to study but I love to play, so I think this time might help my language even more than the studying did.
Thank you for your continued faithfulness. Know it was a huge blessing to send out an email this past week to the 150+ that are joined with me in this journey of reaching the 60 to 70 million people of this nation for the truth. Pray hard!
