The creativity of people who have nothing amazes me. My grandfather tells a story of when he was a child. He says that his family was so poor they had to come up with homemade toys. If you know Dub you probably know he tells the story a bit differently but I'm not sure it is appropriate for all readers. But if you can't sleep without knowing ask him about his pants' pockets. It reminds me of an old Chuck Berry song my mom introduced me to.
Today I was walking down the street with a national friend of mine. I noticed a young boy who was clearly a beggar. But at this moment he wasn't begging; he wasn't paying attention to passersby; he was playing.
Beggars are a bit noticeable. They tend to be dressed in brown or green. It is usually faded a shade or 10 shades but it is still the noticeable brown or green. Often their faces are dirty and their haircuts are a bit unordinary. Usually the little boys have a shaved head with a little tuft at the hairline. They tell me that this has two purposes. The shaving is to prevent lice or other things that come from lack of cleanliness.
The tuft is about a continuing superstition. They believe evil spirits attack things that are nice and pretty. Because of this in some places they spit on babies - to make them less appealing. The tuft of hair is so that the angels can rescue them when they get attacked. They believe the angel swoops down and grabs them by their hair to remove them from danger.
So back to today's little boy. He was having a blast. He was sitting on his butt with his legs spread out in front of him. All of his focus was on his toy. It wasn't a toy I would have been satisfied with as a child. I have to admit I was a bit spoiled.
The little boy who captured my attention had his attention on a Coke cap. We drink from glass bottles here. The tops are sometimes thrown in trash cans and sometimes on the street. Apparently this one had made it to the street. And what you and I would consider trash was a treasure to this boy. Over and over again he would toss it about a foot in the air and catch it again. He threw it and caught it and threw it and caught it as long as I could see him.
I was impressed by his ingenuity. I was blessed by his joy in spite of poverty. I was touched by the smile on his face as he played with a piece of metal which to him meant as much as a gold coin would have. What a wonderful world!
Monday, September 05, 2005
Guard Duty...
I had to do something Thursday. It is one of the hardest things I've done since living in this country. I had to release a guard. The way houses are set up here is that everything is inside its own compound. It makes no difference whether you are in the city or the countryside each house or sometimes a families' grouping of houses is inside its own gate.
My gate is green. Around the top of the fence is razor wire. In the states we would assume someone really rich lives in my house, or else it is a small prison. Each house always has a person standing guard. We have three. They switch off so that one of them is always here.
Very little major crime happens in this country. However there is some theft. In the local logic, if you have something that you don't protect you must not care if someone takes it. At our learning center the phone had no lock on it. One month someone made repeated calls to Austria. We must not have minded if they made calls or we would have locked the dial pad...it is now locked. The same logic applies to a car or my house. If I don't have a guard I must not care if someone breaks in. But I do care so I have guards.
Thursday I had to release one. He had only been here a couple months. He was a great guy, but he couldn't make the cut. For a while I thought he was lazy or a bit dumb. Over time I began to think maybe he couldn't hear. We would knock on the gate and he would never come answer. One day I came out the front door and he wasnt more than fifteen feet away. As I drew within five I said hello; he didn't respond. Finally when I slammed the car door I got his attention.
The problems continued and were compounded by a lie he told the guards and his inability to help our house worker. Eventually we decidedwe would have to let him go. I have limited language so I started the conversation and then had an advisor finish it. I thought the guy was gonna cry; I thought I was gonna cry.
It is tough to live in a place of such poverty. Standing before me was a young guy who wanted a job. He was a good guy, but he couldn't protect the house. I released him from his work and gave him a gift as new years is approaching. I asked him to call me sometime and we would get tea or coffee. I'm not sure I'll ever hear from him. I think I crushed him. I crushed me. I'm still not sure what the right thing to do was.
My gate is green. Around the top of the fence is razor wire. In the states we would assume someone really rich lives in my house, or else it is a small prison. Each house always has a person standing guard. We have three. They switch off so that one of them is always here.
Very little major crime happens in this country. However there is some theft. In the local logic, if you have something that you don't protect you must not care if someone takes it. At our learning center the phone had no lock on it. One month someone made repeated calls to Austria. We must not have minded if they made calls or we would have locked the dial pad...it is now locked. The same logic applies to a car or my house. If I don't have a guard I must not care if someone breaks in. But I do care so I have guards.
Thursday I had to release one. He had only been here a couple months. He was a great guy, but he couldn't make the cut. For a while I thought he was lazy or a bit dumb. Over time I began to think maybe he couldn't hear. We would knock on the gate and he would never come answer. One day I came out the front door and he wasnt more than fifteen feet away. As I drew within five I said hello; he didn't respond. Finally when I slammed the car door I got his attention.
The problems continued and were compounded by a lie he told the guards and his inability to help our house worker. Eventually we decidedwe would have to let him go. I have limited language so I started the conversation and then had an advisor finish it. I thought the guy was gonna cry; I thought I was gonna cry.
It is tough to live in a place of such poverty. Standing before me was a young guy who wanted a job. He was a good guy, but he couldn't protect the house. I released him from his work and gave him a gift as new years is approaching. I asked him to call me sometime and we would get tea or coffee. I'm not sure I'll ever hear from him. I think I crushed him. I crushed me. I'm still not sure what the right thing to do was.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Rooney...
Much of the summer I drove a car. Life is typically much easier here in a personal car. But something is missing. Months ago I wrote about the modes of transport here and shared the pros and cons of driving or riding or walking. I won't bore you with that again. But I do want to share a reality of driving.
I become more likely to miss the beauty and joy of the society when I drive. Even today I was walking through the streets people would call out to me. "Rooney" they would yell. I always know they are speaking to me. It isn't my name and it isn't a new nickname I've developed; well I guess it sort of is.
The people here tend to think I look like this guy. His name is Wayne Rooney and he is a football (soccer) player for Manchester United. Typically one thing can always be known here. If a national likes Manchester he/she doesn't like Arsenal and vice versa. Therefore I often ask who they like and pick the opposite. It is a fun way to play with them.
It used to drive me crazy to hear them yell this name as I walked by. But I've grown to love it. I've learned that the people here have strange ways of saying hello. They yell "you" or "foreigner" or to me "Rooney." The first two are always in their language. It can be frustrating and even seem rude. The truth is they just want your attention. They want to see your face and your smile. Some want to see your pocket book, but most are satisfied with the smile or a handshake.
I swear these are the most beautiful people on the face of the earth. I'm glad to be walking the streets more.
I become more likely to miss the beauty and joy of the society when I drive. Even today I was walking through the streets people would call out to me. "Rooney" they would yell. I always know they are speaking to me. It isn't my name and it isn't a new nickname I've developed; well I guess it sort of is.
The people here tend to think I look like this guy. His name is Wayne Rooney and he is a football (soccer) player for Manchester United. Typically one thing can always be known here. If a national likes Manchester he/she doesn't like Arsenal and vice versa. Therefore I often ask who they like and pick the opposite. It is a fun way to play with them.
It used to drive me crazy to hear them yell this name as I walked by. But I've grown to love it. I've learned that the people here have strange ways of saying hello. They yell "you" or "foreigner" or to me "Rooney." The first two are always in their language. It can be frustrating and even seem rude. The truth is they just want your attention. They want to see your face and your smile. Some want to see your pocket book, but most are satisfied with the smile or a handshake.
I swear these are the most beautiful people on the face of the earth. I'm glad to be walking the streets more.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Material...
I don't consider myself much of a writer. I remember writing papers in school and having my little sister proofread them for me because she was so much better at it. I remember writing a paper in grad school that a friend read and said I wrote like I talked (never figured out if that was good or bad).
In spite of this reality, I am in the midst of trying to write something. For some time in the States there has been a problem in churches. We have functioned as if a decision to follow the master is the finish line. We allow people to come to that point and then we ask them to barefoot the rest of faith. This runs a very dangerous risk of becoming a fire insurance style, stay out of hell, salvation.
It seems to me that the book talks of more of an on going relationship. Walking in faith is a journey with the God. A decision to join the journey should be the starting line, not the finish line. We need to work harder at raising up those who are joining our walk.
With this in mind we are trying to prepare a resource to help raise up healthy believers here. I am taking the lead on compiling/writing this material. Tons of stuff currently exists. However the majority of those things are written for western minds. And while the call is the same for followers all over the world the means of getting there differs depending on culture.
As we try to prepare material several issues arise. Join us in asking for wisdom as we work through these things. Also realize these are beginning thoughts. I am still learning what the culture looks like. I am constantly asking for wisdom as we try and reach these people.
Well this is getting long and I am at the end of my current thoughts on the issue. Please join me in asking for wisdom as we move through this process.
In spite of this reality, I am in the midst of trying to write something. For some time in the States there has been a problem in churches. We have functioned as if a decision to follow the master is the finish line. We allow people to come to that point and then we ask them to barefoot the rest of faith. This runs a very dangerous risk of becoming a fire insurance style, stay out of hell, salvation.
It seems to me that the book talks of more of an on going relationship. Walking in faith is a journey with the God. A decision to join the journey should be the starting line, not the finish line. We need to work harder at raising up those who are joining our walk.
With this in mind we are trying to prepare a resource to help raise up healthy believers here. I am taking the lead on compiling/writing this material. Tons of stuff currently exists. However the majority of those things are written for western minds. And while the call is the same for followers all over the world the means of getting there differs depending on culture.
As we try to prepare material several issues arise. Join us in asking for wisdom as we work through these things. Also realize these are beginning thoughts. I am still learning what the culture looks like. I am constantly asking for wisdom as we try and reach these people.
- Orality v. Literately - The illiteracy rate in this country is as high as 70%. That is a lot of people that can't read or write their own language much less English (which the majority of material is written in). Even if we write something in English and then translate it, we would have to teach many of the people here to read before they could begin growing in faith. Even those that can read learn in an oral manner. They don't learn through reading and writing as well as through hearing and speaking. Therefore teaching methods here need to involve stories and sharing aloud truths. They will then repeat and memorize as they learn. A desire of mine as we write material is that we write it for us the American literate mind. As we reproduce it with others we will do so orally. They will never have the printed work in hand.
- Indigenous v. Imported - For something to be indigenous it means that it is of the culture. Many of the bodies here don't carry that trait. They look more like my culture than theirs. We do believe that we have some thoughts, and goals, and principles that are valuable to the believers here. However we want them leading their own people because they understand the culture more than I ever can. This is another reason to dodge printed material. This way we can give them nuggets and they get to take those and do with them as they have been led, not so much by us as the Spirit.
- Black v. White - This is less of a color issue than a cultural issue. The foreigners have great respect here. Last week I sat in a meeting with the heads of a college that wants to partner with our ERC. This week they called and invited us to come to their first graduation as the special guests. They want to put a robe on us and have us sit up front. We have no partnership yet; they don't even know us; however we are white. The desire is that those being raised in the faith will be raised up by national believers. Several issues come into play here. First, we don't have enough national believing partners to lead those making decisions. Second, is in line with the issue mentioned above. Many of the believers here have been taught a way that goes against culture. Now I won't deny that our faith is countercultural. It goes against the norm; it bucks the system. At the same time, it is culture sensitive. Shepherd stories were told because J. was teaching shepherds. Those challenged to be "fishers of men" weren't the tax collectors, they were fisherman. The goal was to communicate the truth in a way that fit with their current worldview, but at the same time stretched their world to new places. Third, people tend to place great respect in those that walked the journey with them. We want that to be a black face, not a white one. The day will come we will leave. We aren't here forever, we are here to accomplish the task and then let it run wild, fired only by the passion of nationals and the wisdom of the Spirit. We also don't want to see a repeat of the issues in the body at Corinth. It seems Paul was dealing with the believers fighting over who had more worth because of who led them on the way. Paul says who cares, what is important isn't the person but God.
- Lifestyle v. Program - As we read of the master leading his followers we don't see a weekly meeting to digest ideas. We don't see occasional teaching sessions and the rest of the time it is do as you will. He walked beside his followers. He journeyed with them. He laughed with them, cried with them, and grew with them. That is the goal of discipleship. It is the idea of one farther down the path walking with one who just began the journey. A major issue is how to turn printed material to oral material that is about living life together not teaching. The lack of partners adds to this, because relationships currently will have to be manipulated rather than natural.
Well this is getting long and I am at the end of my current thoughts on the issue. Please join me in asking for wisdom as we move through this process.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Computer...
Well it is back in working order. I'm not pleased yet as I still have programs left to add but I am getting there. Gonna try and put a few new posts on in the next few days. Those checking in have dropped in my absence. Thanks for those of you that stick around.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Great When They Are Working...
It is sad but true. I live a life reliant on my laptop. It is my primary means of communication and I do the large majority of my work on it. I don't remember the last time I hand wrote a letter...I don't really type many of those either.
This weekend my hard drive crashed. Therefore my responses to your emails may be limited for a time and I will likely not be posting much here. I have access to computers to get must do work done, but not like I usually do.
Hope to be back up and running in a couple weeks.
This weekend my hard drive crashed. Therefore my responses to your emails may be limited for a time and I will likely not be posting much here. I have access to computers to get must do work done, but not like I usually do.
Hope to be back up and running in a couple weeks.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
"Sun" and Mary...
Yesterday I met a woman whose name means sun. She wore a blue dress the same material that scrubs in the state are made of. Her right eye had been blinded somehow. It was obvious by the discoloration.
When I walked into the room she was standing near a counter scooping out powdered milk. She was adding water and putting it inside bottles. As I watched her she brought several small children to a padded table and began to change diapers.
I walked up on her as she changed one. The diaper was a piece of cloth. After wrapping the cloth she took a piece of plastic and wrapped it around the kids legs and waist so as to tie it around the cloth. It held the diaper on. On top of the diaper was a wooly pair of pants to keep the child warm. After watching "Sun" and my friends hold and play and care for the babies one was offered to me.
I took hold of Mary. "Sun" told me her name and said she was about a month old. She was beautiful and tiny. The small pink hat on her head was way too big and continuously rotated down over her eyes. We watched one another for some time. Finally her eyes began to appear heavy. She drifted off to sleep. I held her for a few more minutes before placing her back in her crib.
The orphanage we were at is surrounded by kids cursed by AIDS. Some of the children, from infants to 17, have the disease or its precursor themselves. Others had lost parents because of AIDS. I've heard that as many as 12 to 13 million people here are HIV positive. The children were beautiful.
We left the infants and headed for a room with many children who were probably 4 to 6. They loved us. They would surround us and tug at our hands and/or clothes. A few were fascinated with my bit of facial growth. The would rub their soft tiny hands on my cheeks and chin and lips. They seemed to enjoy the feel of our warm skin. More than one placed my hands on their own neck. They were desperate for touch; desperate for love.
They were so beautiful, I'd love to adopt a few and bring them home with me.
I met an Irish woman named Bernie while I was there. Bernie talked about how she worked hard to remove herself from the fact that they had the disease. She didn't want to become too associated with them or the real affects of their illness. It made me think about the movie Patch Adams. Robin Williams' character seemed to think that associating with the disease was therapeutic to the patient.
I just wanted to find the best way to love them. How do you love children you know are dying? Is it possible to love them the same as other children? We are promised that they are just as loved by their creator. It is hard for me to belive that some people would write off these children as sin because they are cursed with such a terrible illness. I'd like to take them to this place. I'd like them to meet Mary and the others. I'd like them too look at their beautiful smiles, and bright eyes, and little green teeth. I'd like them to smile and laugh and cry with beautiful children. Then I would like to see them leave with the realization that no matter the illness, the future of this child, or the past that has cursed them they are loved.
When I walked into the room she was standing near a counter scooping out powdered milk. She was adding water and putting it inside bottles. As I watched her she brought several small children to a padded table and began to change diapers.
I walked up on her as she changed one. The diaper was a piece of cloth. After wrapping the cloth she took a piece of plastic and wrapped it around the kids legs and waist so as to tie it around the cloth. It held the diaper on. On top of the diaper was a wooly pair of pants to keep the child warm. After watching "Sun" and my friends hold and play and care for the babies one was offered to me.
I took hold of Mary. "Sun" told me her name and said she was about a month old. She was beautiful and tiny. The small pink hat on her head was way too big and continuously rotated down over her eyes. We watched one another for some time. Finally her eyes began to appear heavy. She drifted off to sleep. I held her for a few more minutes before placing her back in her crib.
The orphanage we were at is surrounded by kids cursed by AIDS. Some of the children, from infants to 17, have the disease or its precursor themselves. Others had lost parents because of AIDS. I've heard that as many as 12 to 13 million people here are HIV positive. The children were beautiful.
We left the infants and headed for a room with many children who were probably 4 to 6. They loved us. They would surround us and tug at our hands and/or clothes. A few were fascinated with my bit of facial growth. The would rub their soft tiny hands on my cheeks and chin and lips. They seemed to enjoy the feel of our warm skin. More than one placed my hands on their own neck. They were desperate for touch; desperate for love.
They were so beautiful, I'd love to adopt a few and bring them home with me.
I met an Irish woman named Bernie while I was there. Bernie talked about how she worked hard to remove herself from the fact that they had the disease. She didn't want to become too associated with them or the real affects of their illness. It made me think about the movie Patch Adams. Robin Williams' character seemed to think that associating with the disease was therapeutic to the patient.
I just wanted to find the best way to love them. How do you love children you know are dying? Is it possible to love them the same as other children? We are promised that they are just as loved by their creator. It is hard for me to belive that some people would write off these children as sin because they are cursed with such a terrible illness. I'd like to take them to this place. I'd like them to meet Mary and the others. I'd like them too look at their beautiful smiles, and bright eyes, and little green teeth. I'd like them to smile and laugh and cry with beautiful children. Then I would like to see them leave with the realization that no matter the illness, the future of this child, or the past that has cursed them they are loved.
Hiking...
I think I've kicked the sickness. I didn't however choose the wisest way to move out of it. Last Wednesday I left the city with a group headed to the mountains. We were going to hike for 2 ½ days. It kicked my butt.
We drove about 5 hours (2 on a dirt/rock road) to one of the most beautiful regions of the country. The first day we hiked several kilometers and I will admit I was dead. I began to get really cold and got a fever again. I took a nap and some Advil and finally kicked it by morning. However the next two days I spent on horse back instead of on foot. We rode about 9 miles the second day.
I didn't realize it but we were almost done with the second day of hiking. I hiked in this same area 2 years ago. That time I tried to ride a horse. The problem was that the "horse" was about the size of an overgrown dog. I gave up on him when he nearly fell down the hill with me on his back. This time the horses were bigger, but quite stubborn.
So as I was saying we were almost done with the day's hike. The horse in front of me decided to make its own trail through some bushes. Mine followed. Then my horse decided to run me into a thorn bush. I tried to dodge by sliding to the side a bit. The saddle went with me. All of the sudden the saddle was on the side of the horse instead of the top. If I continued to hold on I was going to end up under the horse.
Instead I fell off. I landed in a thorn bush. Which sure didn't feel good. The bigger problem came with my foot. I've seen enough westerns to know that a foot stuck in the stirrup is not a good thing. Mine was stuck. I tried to jerk it loose but no luck. Finally I was able to raise the other foot and pry mine out.
Then comes the guide. Wasn't doing much of a job was he. He was about 5'6" and 125 pounds soaking wet. Yet here he comes to get the fat kid out of a thorn bush. I yelled, "Wait, Wait, Stop!" Then I directed him to a place he could be of help as I worked my way out of the thorn bush.
Almost got thrown off another horse on day three, so needless to say, I'll be staying away from the horses here for a bit.
There are some pics of the trip to the right.
We drove about 5 hours (2 on a dirt/rock road) to one of the most beautiful regions of the country. The first day we hiked several kilometers and I will admit I was dead. I began to get really cold and got a fever again. I took a nap and some Advil and finally kicked it by morning. However the next two days I spent on horse back instead of on foot. We rode about 9 miles the second day.
I didn't realize it but we were almost done with the second day of hiking. I hiked in this same area 2 years ago. That time I tried to ride a horse. The problem was that the "horse" was about the size of an overgrown dog. I gave up on him when he nearly fell down the hill with me on his back. This time the horses were bigger, but quite stubborn.
So as I was saying we were almost done with the day's hike. The horse in front of me decided to make its own trail through some bushes. Mine followed. Then my horse decided to run me into a thorn bush. I tried to dodge by sliding to the side a bit. The saddle went with me. All of the sudden the saddle was on the side of the horse instead of the top. If I continued to hold on I was going to end up under the horse.
Instead I fell off. I landed in a thorn bush. Which sure didn't feel good. The bigger problem came with my foot. I've seen enough westerns to know that a foot stuck in the stirrup is not a good thing. Mine was stuck. I tried to jerk it loose but no luck. Finally I was able to raise the other foot and pry mine out.
Then comes the guide. Wasn't doing much of a job was he. He was about 5'6" and 125 pounds soaking wet. Yet here he comes to get the fat kid out of a thorn bush. I yelled, "Wait, Wait, Stop!" Then I directed him to a place he could be of help as I worked my way out of the thorn bush.
Almost got thrown off another horse on day three, so needless to say, I'll be staying away from the horses here for a bit.
There are some pics of the trip to the right.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Sickness...
I have been sick for over a week now. I leave the house rarely and am usually am exhausted upon returning. Monday I went to see the doctor. At that point the majority of my problem had to do with stomach cramping and the trots (this is Africa; couth is dead). They gave me a plastic test tube which had a small spoon of sorts on the inside. I wasn't real comfortable with the predicament, but I didn't have a lot of options at this point.
I removed myself to the bathroom to attempt getting a little poopie in the scoopie. Now I must say this too was quite a dilemma. What do you do? Do you try and catch it on the way down? Do you wipe off with it after finishing? Where were the directions with this thing? The bigger problem began before answering these questions though. After days of not being able to stop using the bathroom...I had stage fright. Sat for a while, no luck. I decided to walk around a bit and drink some hot tea (natural diuretic). Finally I returned to the bathroom.
This time I took some friends. I remember I was listening to Sarah McLachlan on my iPod, reading Donald Miller, and praying when finally it came. I went for the catch option, missing the first flight, but thankfully catching the second.
After thanking God for his work and that of Sarah and Donald I waited for results. I found out that if this kind of test shows positive it is 100%, but if negative it might not be 100%. Mine was negative, meaning I might not have anything.I was given some Imodium (I call it a plug), charged $200 USD, and told if the symptoms persisted return for more tests. My two roommates on the other hand did have something. One had a couple creatures living in his gut, and the other had contracted malaria. Now which of us is the lucky one...at least they know what is wrong with them.
So now I'm to Friday. Not well yet, although the symptoms have changed. Now I am exhausted and feel dizzy and lightheaded all the time. Maybe I'll return to the doctor Monday. Sure hope I don't have to because I'm well by then.
Thought I'd share. Thanks for lifting up every reality of life here.
I removed myself to the bathroom to attempt getting a little poopie in the scoopie. Now I must say this too was quite a dilemma. What do you do? Do you try and catch it on the way down? Do you wipe off with it after finishing? Where were the directions with this thing? The bigger problem began before answering these questions though. After days of not being able to stop using the bathroom...I had stage fright. Sat for a while, no luck. I decided to walk around a bit and drink some hot tea (natural diuretic). Finally I returned to the bathroom.
This time I took some friends. I remember I was listening to Sarah McLachlan on my iPod, reading Donald Miller, and praying when finally it came. I went for the catch option, missing the first flight, but thankfully catching the second.
After thanking God for his work and that of Sarah and Donald I waited for results. I found out that if this kind of test shows positive it is 100%, but if negative it might not be 100%. Mine was negative, meaning I might not have anything.I was given some Imodium (I call it a plug), charged $200 USD, and told if the symptoms persisted return for more tests. My two roommates on the other hand did have something. One had a couple creatures living in his gut, and the other had contracted malaria. Now which of us is the lucky one...at least they know what is wrong with them.
So now I'm to Friday. Not well yet, although the symptoms have changed. Now I am exhausted and feel dizzy and lightheaded all the time. Maybe I'll return to the doctor Monday. Sure hope I don't have to because I'm well by then.
Thought I'd share. Thanks for lifting up every reality of life here.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Hel-lo...
Nudity is viewed differently in the states than it is here. it is a strange paradox. Traditionally people are very modest and are well covered. This includes head covering and/or a blanket on top of their head and upper body.
At the same time it is pretty common to see a mother breast feeding in the middle of the road. In the countryside it is possible and not unlikely to see a woman wearing only a skirt with nothing covering her chest.
As common as it is I must admit I still get embarrassed at the site of a naked breast. While Mom and Dad were here we walked in on a girl changing. The previous day I had been shown a back entrance into a dining room of a café. It got me where I needed to be much quicker. On the day in question I had shown Dad and Whitney that door and now Mom and I were about to go through it.
Mom opened the door and turned to retreat. I gave her a slight push and said, "It is okay, go". Come to find out Mom was coming back because she had just walked in on a young girl changing shirts. I was to impatient to trust her and therefore we both walked in on her. I covered my face and apologized as the girl carried on like nothing happened.
The day before yesterday I went with my guard to refill our case of bottled cokes. We still use bottles. We return them to get refills. As we walked up to this small street side shop where I was to buy them a young girl entered from the door in the back of the store. Typically this door leads into the families one or two room house that is attached to the shop. She came out just as she would fully clothed the only difference is her shirt was still in her hand and she had no intention of wearing any thing under it.
I must admit, even after she put on her shirt I had a tough time shaking her hand.
At the same time it is pretty common to see a mother breast feeding in the middle of the road. In the countryside it is possible and not unlikely to see a woman wearing only a skirt with nothing covering her chest.
As common as it is I must admit I still get embarrassed at the site of a naked breast. While Mom and Dad were here we walked in on a girl changing. The previous day I had been shown a back entrance into a dining room of a café. It got me where I needed to be much quicker. On the day in question I had shown Dad and Whitney that door and now Mom and I were about to go through it.
Mom opened the door and turned to retreat. I gave her a slight push and said, "It is okay, go". Come to find out Mom was coming back because she had just walked in on a young girl changing shirts. I was to impatient to trust her and therefore we both walked in on her. I covered my face and apologized as the girl carried on like nothing happened.
The day before yesterday I went with my guard to refill our case of bottled cokes. We still use bottles. We return them to get refills. As we walked up to this small street side shop where I was to buy them a young girl entered from the door in the back of the store. Typically this door leads into the families one or two room house that is attached to the shop. She came out just as she would fully clothed the only difference is her shirt was still in her hand and she had no intention of wearing any thing under it.
I must admit, even after she put on her shirt I had a tough time shaking her hand.
Recap...
You should have just recently received my update email. If not than you aren't getting them for some reason. Having received it, you know that I have returned from Kenya and am home safe and super busy. Kenya ended okay. I made some friends while there and had some people to spend time with which helped the situation a lot.
But I was ready to get back home. I remember well stepping off the airplane and smelling the air. The air here has a distinct smell. It must be a combination between car exhaust, dead animals, excrement (human and animal), body odor, local spices, and animals. Sounds nice doesn't it. I think this is how I know I have fallen in love. The smell of the city was a welcome home. It was a wonderfully refreshing odor.
Since then much has happened. I've moved. The new house is nice and I am adjusting to roommates. I have actually begun mapping. I still don't know how to use the program to do it but I am learning and doing preliminary preparation. We secured a map and are beginning to transfer it into something usable.
My parents and two others from Lone Oak were here for a short time. It was such an encouragement to have them here. Two years ago I came here and fell in love. After returning home many asked about my trip but they wanted the 30-second version. It can't be done right. I eventually stopped telling. Then a month after being home I met with my parents in Arkansas. They asked about my summer and I gave the 30-second answer I had learned everyone wanted. They wouldn't settle for it. They sat me down and made me retell my experience. Now they have seen it and I believe they too have fallen in love with the people here. It is exciting.
Mom, Dad, Whitney, and I visited some historical sites here in the country. It was beautiful. I will try and post some pictures for you.
Our team has grown by four more people since I returned and we have already seen over 20 volunteers and the summer has just begun. Great things are happening and again I promise to do better updating you about them. Moving threw me out of wack for a bit.
But I was ready to get back home. I remember well stepping off the airplane and smelling the air. The air here has a distinct smell. It must be a combination between car exhaust, dead animals, excrement (human and animal), body odor, local spices, and animals. Sounds nice doesn't it. I think this is how I know I have fallen in love. The smell of the city was a welcome home. It was a wonderfully refreshing odor.
Since then much has happened. I've moved. The new house is nice and I am adjusting to roommates. I have actually begun mapping. I still don't know how to use the program to do it but I am learning and doing preliminary preparation. We secured a map and are beginning to transfer it into something usable.
My parents and two others from Lone Oak were here for a short time. It was such an encouragement to have them here. Two years ago I came here and fell in love. After returning home many asked about my trip but they wanted the 30-second version. It can't be done right. I eventually stopped telling. Then a month after being home I met with my parents in Arkansas. They asked about my summer and I gave the 30-second answer I had learned everyone wanted. They wouldn't settle for it. They sat me down and made me retell my experience. Now they have seen it and I believe they too have fallen in love with the people here. It is exciting.
Mom, Dad, Whitney, and I visited some historical sites here in the country. It was beautiful. I will try and post some pictures for you.
Our team has grown by four more people since I returned and we have already seen over 20 volunteers and the summer has just begun. Great things are happening and again I promise to do better updating you about them. Moving threw me out of wack for a bit.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Ouch...
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.
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.
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!
Saturday, March 19, 2005
A Day Finding a Park...
Yesterday was a great adventure. It was a coworker's birthday. She is here short term and still misses home sometimes so we wanted to make sure her birthday was incredible.
We decided to drive out to a national forest. (Didn't do the mountain thing I mentioned.) We didnt exactly know where the place was. We just started out in the direction we had been told to go. We had been told it was just before a certain road, but when we didn't see it there we kept going. Eventually we stopped to ask for help.
After about six times of asking for help we ended up on the right road. The directions never completely made sense, until we found the right place. Then what they had said fit together. The crazy thing is that if they didn't know where we were trying to go, they would never have said, "I don't know." They would have made up something. I still believe some of them may have done that. They gave something so broad it couldn't have been wrong. We were going to test this if we stopped once more. I was going to ask the way to Super Wal-Mart, just to see if we could get a response from them. We didn't have to stop again so we never asked.
Come to find out the park was much farther out of town than we expected. We drove for quite a while down some pretty rough roads before finally arriving. It was so wonderful though. The countryside is much different than the city here. And you only have to get 20 minutes or so outside the city to see it. The scenery is beautiful. The people are beautiful and funny. They don't see many cars down the dirt roads we were on. While we were still a ways off they would hear the engine. The children would come running to the road to ask for gifts.
Since they don't have cars and never will, the road is a walkway to them. They walk down the middle caring water jugs or sticks. They heard their sheep, goats, cows, and/or donkeys right down the middle of the road. It is crazy.
Once we finally arrived the park was so peaceful. We found what was called a waterfall (disappointing) and took pictures and sat for a while. It was so relaxing, so refreshing. We had a great morning and early afternoon of just chilling far from the horns, and smog, and cell phone service.
I love these occasional days away.
We finished off her birthday with dinner at her favorite restaurant. It is Arabic. Everyone sits on the floor and gets food from communal plates. We had great fish and shish kabobs. She was also surprised with flowers and a cake. I think we were at least somewhat successful at making it a great day for her.
Okay lunchtime
We decided to drive out to a national forest. (Didn't do the mountain thing I mentioned.) We didnt exactly know where the place was. We just started out in the direction we had been told to go. We had been told it was just before a certain road, but when we didn't see it there we kept going. Eventually we stopped to ask for help.
After about six times of asking for help we ended up on the right road. The directions never completely made sense, until we found the right place. Then what they had said fit together. The crazy thing is that if they didn't know where we were trying to go, they would never have said, "I don't know." They would have made up something. I still believe some of them may have done that. They gave something so broad it couldn't have been wrong. We were going to test this if we stopped once more. I was going to ask the way to Super Wal-Mart, just to see if we could get a response from them. We didn't have to stop again so we never asked.
Come to find out the park was much farther out of town than we expected. We drove for quite a while down some pretty rough roads before finally arriving. It was so wonderful though. The countryside is much different than the city here. And you only have to get 20 minutes or so outside the city to see it. The scenery is beautiful. The people are beautiful and funny. They don't see many cars down the dirt roads we were on. While we were still a ways off they would hear the engine. The children would come running to the road to ask for gifts.
Since they don't have cars and never will, the road is a walkway to them. They walk down the middle caring water jugs or sticks. They heard their sheep, goats, cows, and/or donkeys right down the middle of the road. It is crazy.
Once we finally arrived the park was so peaceful. We found what was called a waterfall (disappointing) and took pictures and sat for a while. It was so relaxing, so refreshing. We had a great morning and early afternoon of just chilling far from the horns, and smog, and cell phone service.
I love these occasional days away.
We finished off her birthday with dinner at her favorite restaurant. It is Arabic. Everyone sits on the floor and gets food from communal plates. We had great fish and shish kabobs. She was also surprised with flowers and a cake. I think we were at least somewhat successful at making it a great day for her.
Okay lunchtime
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
entrepreneurs and beggars...
There are two different types of people that make walking frustrating many days. Some are entrepreneurs. I have more respect for these people. They are selling things. The most common things are “soft” (Kleenex packets), ink pens, sunglasses, movies, music, and, gum. It also isn’t uncommon to see socks and belts on the same guys with sunglasses.
The other people are beggars. These people offer you nothing. Well that isn’t always true sometimes the children offer a song (Usually “This is the day.” The language changes.), and they may also offer you a “Mother, Father dead. I love you.” Some beggars have no choice. They are homeless children or young mothers or they are old men or women. They beg because they have no option for work.
Now don’t hear me making fun of either of these groups. I respect the sellers desire to at least do something for money, and the beggars break my heart for the most part.
One of the most frustrating parts is they look like lions on the prowl. I imagine that on a long day the lion doesn’t want to grab the biggest prey which will put up the greatest fight. He/she just wants a bite to eat. So the lion watches for a weak dinner to pass by. When it sees it, it pounces. Americans are viewed in a similar manner…rich suckers. I watch as I pass a mother and she sends her baby to chase the white guy. I see sellers cross a busy street risking life and limb to catch the white guy walking on the other side. It can be so frustrating. Sometimes I ask them why they came to me out of all these people. They rarely answer.
Many days you get repeats. I see some beggars almost daily. I’ve adopted two. There is an old lady on a side of town I go to some who has a small child with her. I give small change or a birr to them. There is an old man who begs down the street where I often catch taxis. Every few days he returns to me. Most days he leaves me alone, because he knows when I can I’ll give him a bit.
Today I had a repeat child. The child usually works a busy intersection selling “soft.” The child is about eight or ten (guessing) with a shaved head. When you look into the child’s face there is usually a slight runny nose and slightly crossed eyes. Today was the first day I realized the child was a girl, and it was only an assumption based on the fact the child had on a dress.
I passed her and an older boy today on the way to a taxi. The older boy sent her back towards me. She walked with me about a block trying to sell me her “soft.” I told her I didn’t want any and she continued to convince me I needed some. The package must have been dirty. She cleaned it…both sides. She pulled it up to her face licked the package and then dried it on the chest of her dress.
I got in the taxi and she continued working to convince me. Four other children joined her…these were just beggars. What to do here is hard. Nationals would tell me to shut the door on them and ignore them. I usually let them continue as long as they will because it doesn’t really hurt me any. Sometimes they get violent with them if I allow them to stay. A couple days ago I watched a man hit a girl and another kick her as she was hanging on a taxi asking me for money.
Many here give to beggars. They know how to tell a thief from one in need. When they aren’t going to give…they ignore them. They stare away as if the person isn’t really a person. It breaks my heart, but there must be some purpose in it. Maybe I’ll learn.
