Trash or Treasure

The women from my parish went Saturday to the Mass at the cathedral and it was beautiful, and of course, very long. On the way home I was in the matatu (taxi) with 9 other women from my parish, and yes, we were all dressed alike! 

Anyhow, the lady in the front seat with me had finished her soda and mine was finished too,  I placed both of the plastic soda bottles on the floor.  The women in the back began chucking their empty plastic bottles out the window.  I began to tell them "stop that, what are you doing?". The woman next to me said "oh you Americans are always worried about keeping the environment beautiful!" 

All the women and our driver had a huge laugh....me being a bit offended said yes and so should you!  She then explained that chucking plastic bottles out the window actually helps the very poor as the folks that can't afford to buy plastic bottles come by the side of the roads to pick them up and use them to buy kerosene and to use them for water.... 

Then they were all egging me on to toss the 2 bottles out the window.  I could not find it in myself to do so.  I just couldn't do it,  it seemed soooooo wrong.   They had a big laugh about that and the woman next to me and the driver then chucked out the two bottles.  They were all whooping and screaming with laughter.   Honestly, I may be living here but I am such an American at heart - some things in me are too ingrained to change.

Perhaps after 3 years I'll be heaving bags of trash out the car windows, but I am not quite ready yet.

African Time

Someone today explained 'African time' to me.  She said here in Africa we do not think about yesterday because it's already gone and tomorrow is uncertain if we will even be alive so we make the most of each moment and when we see someone that is the only important moment and we talk with them until we are finished and then we go to do the next thing.

Time is not important it's the moment.  Therefore there is no such thing as being late.  Whenever someone shows up then that is when they are supposed to (I have rephrased this but this was the gist of her story to me). She said when you see someone neither one leaves until both are finished saying whatever they need to say.  I know this to be true as just trying to walk through town takes forever as everyone you know or even slightly have met before stops and gets into a conversation with you.  It's exhausting for me and I ENJOY TALKING… but sometimes I would just like to dash to the store pick up whatever and dash home....not even close to possible.....

I'm going with the women's committee from my parish tomorrow to meet with all the other women committee members from all the churches in the Diocese of Meru to go to a mass at the cathedral by the bishop and then all the churches will present gifts to the bishop.  We have chickens, corn, beans, peas as well as monies for him.  Apparently they do this 1x per year....I just got my hair braided again for the big event and all the women who will be there (100's) will be wearing the same outfits. It's the one I was wearing to greet the prime minister. How funny!  I will be the only musunga (white chick) present so maybe I will stand out a little.

I really hope all of you continue to keep me in your prayers and continue to support LMH!

Love,

Kathleen

Kathleen stands between the Prime Minister and Fr. Bernard (Fr. B.)

Prayers and Poker

I have not written for awhile as I have been in a foul mood and feeling sorry for myself.  I had an awakening yesterday which was a total reminder of why I am here and that is to serve God and these wonderful folks in Kenya.  I tend to forget things quickly and make things ALL ABOUT ME! 

Anyhow yesterday I was getting my hair 'done ' again (which I do whenever I feel stressed) and on the way home I was praying for God to help me understand why I was here.  A young man (severely retarded) walked by me and my heart sank. I thought what am I complaining about, this young man looked so happy but he was filthy and I knew he really had absolutely no means of help or any kind of future.  I began to pray for him and said to myself he really needs my prayers.  

Right after that a very poor and slightly crippled man walked up to me and IN PERFECT ENGLISH said. "I need them too".  Totally freaked me out.  How did he know what I was thinking and how could this uneducated person speak PERFECT ENGLISH??   I wondered if it was an Angel sent with a strong message and kick in the butt to me....hmmmmmmm.  Anyhow I have a total attitude change and I remember that I made this commitment to God and for once in my life it's not all about KATHY....

My daughter sent me a care package which also got here yesterday with a HUGE bag of sweet tarts and sprees!!!!!!! Also playing cards, so tonight I am teaching 3 women who work and live here how to play poker (5 card draw). I am trying to teach them how to shuffle the cards.  I also have tried to explain 2/3 of a kind, full house, straight and flush.  We tried a few times and they would say I have a 2 card straight. Or 3 card flush. I'm trying to explain that is a stinky hand.  So funny.  They have NEVER PLAYED CARDS BEFORE!!!  Can you imagine ....

Father B. is away at a conference and just called me to make sure I’m 'not suffering'.  I told him I'll be teaching the girls poker tonight and he thought was great.  I also told the girls we would use sweet tarts for chips and one of them said she wants to use money.....ahhhhhhh. Now if only I could get my hands on cigars we could really have a great game going....

Anyhow,  please continue to keep me in your prayers as I really do need them!

Kathleen