Evening without Power

Feb 15 Evening without Power

About every 2 days the power goes out here in Kenya, well in Kitale at least. You can just about set your clock to it too. I’m getting a little frusterated with the power issues because it just interfers with living life. Life here is difficult enough and then to have power issues just makes it more difficult. I don’t know how the Kenyan’s continue to deal with issues with things that should be no brainers. We just had problems with the water on this side of the road, whereas the north side of the road had no problems. Something is funny somewhere but I just don’t know where. 

This afternoon I went over to the high school and talked to the student’s for 90 minutes. I had a lot of fun and I think the kids did as well. They had some good questions and I think I gave them good answers, well my opinions at least.  I was honest with them as well, if I didn’t know the answer I told them so but I would try and find the answer out. I was even asked if I agreed with gay marriage, which totally surprised me to be asked that question. Anyway, I told them that personally I don’t care if a gay couple wants to marry.  The issue isn’t between me and them, but rather it’s between them and God! If the government can state that a gay couple can’t marry, what is to stop the same government from saying baptists can’t marry methodist or an Irishman can’t marry a German? Where does it stop? I think I answered it well and I think they understood. They also asked what country I liked better, America or Kenya. Today I honestly answered that I didn’t know. I miss home, my family, my friends, my dog (Kenyan’s really don’t get the whole pet thing) and my normal way of life. But on the other hand I love Kenya. It’s beautiful here. So I think it was a good turnout at the school and good questions were asked.

I was then asked if I would be willing to teach English at the high school. I said yes, but I don’t want to teach grammar.  I told them that if I student doesn’t have the whole grammar thing down by 9th grade, then they better start all over.  Besides I can’t stand grammar, it drives me nuts. So it looks like I’ll be teaching some literature and composition classes.  COOL I told them when I was available to teach and I’ll be meeting with the vice principle tomorrow at 10am.

One thing here in Kenya that I miss from home is a bookstore to go shop in. I’m not sure exactly what Kenyan’s do for reading for pleasure, but finding fiction around here is almost impossible. I wonder if there is a real book store in Nairobi someplace. There’s got to be, PLEASE LORD there has to be something. I believe I’m having Barnes and Noble withdraw symptons. 

I’ve decided that I’m definitely going on a Safari in April. I mean, I’m here in Kenya, there is no school in April so I’m making use of the opportunity and going on something I’ve dreamed about my whole life. Thank you Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.  I’m doing it!!!