Last Friday was a typical teaching day for Lee at ANU. That evening though we had another "first" experience. Roland, the Nazarene Theological Seminary student who is volunteering his time as an "intern" in the Religion Dept. at ANU, came over to our flat. We played a game, ate popcorn, pizza, and cookies (Snickerdoodles - yum!) while we chatted and got to know one another. We plan to do that on a regular basis. Since he is not much older than David, it is easy for us to relate with him.
On Saturday, the three week anniversary of our arrival in Kenya, we ventured out to the Maasai Market in Nairobi. For me it was another jolt of "culture chock." It would be difficult for me to estimate how many vendors were there showcasing their crafts and hoping to entice a Mzungu (white person) like me to purchase something. We got so caught up in this experience that we "forgot" to take very many pictures to post with this blog which we regret.
Most of the vendors had their wares displayed on the ground or close to it. It's a good thing I'm short. I didn't have to bend over as far to look at things like Lee did! The whole atmosphere reminded me of a giant flea market in the US, except for the density of the people and one more crucial element that is a given in a Maasai Market. This element proved to be the biggest challenge of all for me. There was a very large number of men roaming about (referred to as brokers) who were unrelenting in their pursuit of us and wanting to negotiate prices for us (nothing is priced - everything is negotiable). I admit that it was more than a bit annoying to me even though we were warned ahead of time of their presence and persistence.
Ann, our missionary friend who lives on the ANU campus, accompanied us on this excursion so she served as our intermediary. She helped us negotiate fair prices for the things we purchased. Thanks Ann!
This isn't my preferred method of shopping, but we wanted to experience it so it would be a part of our memory collection of this adventure in Africa. After 90 minutes or so of "wheeling" and "dealing" I was more than ready to get back to the quieter and more serene aspect of our day to day living here.
Most of the vendors had their wares displayed on the ground or close to it. It's a good thing I'm short. I didn't have to bend over as far to look at things like Lee did! The whole atmosphere reminded me of a giant flea market in the US, except for the density of the people and one more crucial element that is a given in a Maasai Market. This element proved to be the biggest challenge of all for me. There was a very large number of men roaming about (referred to as brokers) who were unrelenting in their pursuit of us and wanting to negotiate prices for us (nothing is priced - everything is negotiable). I admit that it was more than a bit annoying to me even though we were warned ahead of time of their presence and persistence.
This isn't my preferred method of shopping, but we wanted to experience it so it would be a part of our memory collection of this adventure in Africa. After 90 minutes or so of "wheeling" and "dealing" I was more than ready to get back to the quieter and more serene aspect of our day to day living here.
Before returning to campus, we went over to the Kazuri Bead Factory. Unfortunately, the factory closed before we got there, but the showroom/store was still open so we went in to "browse." A little later I walked out with a necklace and pair of earrings. (Lee insisted I buy them.)
Kazuri means "small and beautiful" in Swahili. The jewelry and pottery are beautiful indeed! We hope to go back someday when the factory is open so we can see the artisans in action.
Kazuri means "small and beautiful" in Swahili. The jewelry and pottery are beautiful indeed! We hope to go back someday when the factory is open so we can see the artisans in action.
Yesterday (Sunday) was a good day. Rod and Sarah Reed invited the entire NIVS cohort (four of us) to the Central Church of the Nazarene in Nairobi and dinner afterwards at their home on the Missionary Compound. The service was conducted in English except for a couple of choruses sung in Swahili. Several of the Nazarene missionaries in Kenya attend this church since it is relatively close to their compound. Sarah and her daughters prepared a delicious meal of Lasagna, Italian bread, salad, fresh fruit, okra, corn on the cob and brownies with ice cream and strawberries for dessert. We appreciated the time of fellowship and sharing around the dinner table. It has been a privilege getting to know these wonderful people who are living examples of authentic servanthood. All of these "people blessings" that God has showered upon us, have been an amazing byproduct of our serving at ANU. I'm grateful every day for the manifestation of God's grace in this way. More to come another day -
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