The two questions that I most commonly respond with the answer "no" are : 1. Will you be my second wife? 2: Have you been to Obama's grandmother's house? With the days dwindling down, I decided it was now or never if I had any hopes of changing the answer to the latter one.
I corrupted two work colleagues into abandoning what remained of today's responsibilities, and we set off for the 60 kilometer/ 37 mile journey.
Normally, excursions provide the need for me to pretend to be Kenyan in order to get by at a cheaper rate. Today, however my ability to enter depended strictly on my ability to prove I was American. I was not at all prepared for that, and struggled to find a way to prove that I was who I said I was, other than my all too obvious accent. The guard was initially refusing us, stating we didn't have an appointment. The rules on visiting Sarah had recently changed as security had been heightened with recent events in Kenya. Before long, one of my top ten favorite things about Kenya resurfaced, and the rules could be changed if I was American.
> The first and only turkey I saw in Kenya<
I corrupted two work colleagues into abandoning what remained of today's responsibilities, and we set off for the 60 kilometer/ 37 mile journey.
Normally, excursions provide the need for me to pretend to be Kenyan in order to get by at a cheaper rate. Today, however my ability to enter depended strictly on my ability to prove I was American. I was not at all prepared for that, and struggled to find a way to prove that I was who I said I was, other than my all too obvious accent. The guard was initially refusing us, stating we didn't have an appointment. The rules on visiting Sarah had recently changed as security had been heightened with recent events in Kenya. Before long, one of my top ten favorite things about Kenya resurfaced, and the rules could be changed if I was American.
> The first and only turkey I saw in Kenya<
Hearing me speak seemed to trigger something in the guard, but I reinforced it with a scan of my passport that I had temporarily forgotten was on my phone. The guard's insistence on me making my Kenyan phone number more legible in the registry book is a small price to pay in order to get inside. With less than a week left, he has very little time for first or second wife negotiations.
>Paul, Sarah, and Staula<
>Paul, Sarah, and Staula<
I was impressed by Sarah almost immediately. She sat in a chair, calm and poised, catching the shade of a giant mango tree as we approached. She is not moved or phased by us nearing and I don't know why I am surprised by her lack of reaction to us. She showed no hunger for interactions with strangers or satiety. Her reaction was that of one waiting for her usual guests to arrive.
I allow Staula, Paul, and Sarah to talk in Luo for some time. I then asked her a few questions such as where she was when Obama won the first time. She exclaimed that she was right here, and then she was flown to the US for the inauguration. I asked how she liked/ didn't like America. She stated it was too cold, she spent several minutes detailing how all the gloves, scarves, hats, and coat were insufficient barriers to the cold. When I asked her if President Obama spoke Luo, I only asked hoping I could "one up" Obama with my few Luo words. Sadly, my illusions of being Olivia Pope and holding anything over the President of the United States were quickly vanquished as she told me that he speaks Luo. She also stated that his children speak a bit of Luo and always greet her with those words. She said that Barack had insisted on his wife and kids learning his family's mother tongue.
We exchanged many more questions and conversation, and I solidified that it was one of my favorite moments in Kenya.
I allow Staula, Paul, and Sarah to talk in Luo for some time. I then asked her a few questions such as where she was when Obama won the first time. She exclaimed that she was right here, and then she was flown to the US for the inauguration. I asked how she liked/ didn't like America. She stated it was too cold, she spent several minutes detailing how all the gloves, scarves, hats, and coat were insufficient barriers to the cold. When I asked her if President Obama spoke Luo, I only asked hoping I could "one up" Obama with my few Luo words. Sadly, my illusions of being Olivia Pope and holding anything over the President of the United States were quickly vanquished as she told me that he speaks Luo. She also stated that his children speak a bit of Luo and always greet her with those words. She said that Barack had insisted on his wife and kids learning his family's mother tongue.
We exchanged many more questions and conversation, and I solidified that it was one of my favorite moments in Kenya.
Once we isolate her from her grandson and bring her identity to light we see that she reclines of the shade of her mango tree in Kongelo, not in the shade of her Presidential grandson. She spoke candidly about bringing in orphans from the neighborhood to stay with her and her grandchildren. In a manner similar to OLPS' OVC program. She supports many orphans within her community who have lost their parents for a number of reasons, and need nutritional, financial, and educational support. She is primarily supported by an American woman who helps generate funds in the US that are largely used for school fees. Without any hint of resentment, she highlights that President Obama is not financially supporting these efforts. She reminds us that he is a busy man with many obligations. The Obama's support themselves mostly with farming and their dairy cows.
I note that they are building a new home on the property and question her about it. She states its not ready yet, they have been building it for three years now. I'm shocked that they have been building for three years, yet relieved because it shows the pace at which things move in Kenya, particularly when I think about the Rescue Center.
I am under no illusions that I am doing something unique here. In reality, it's nice to be reminded that there are many people in this struggle to support orphans and vulnerable children. There are so many people on the ground and abroad, hoping to ensure that the future of Kenya is secured through the upcoming generations.
Support the upcoming generations, donate here: www.stayclassy.org/rescuecenter
I note that they are building a new home on the property and question her about it. She states its not ready yet, they have been building it for three years now. I'm shocked that they have been building for three years, yet relieved because it shows the pace at which things move in Kenya, particularly when I think about the Rescue Center.
I am under no illusions that I am doing something unique here. In reality, it's nice to be reminded that there are many people in this struggle to support orphans and vulnerable children. There are so many people on the ground and abroad, hoping to ensure that the future of Kenya is secured through the upcoming generations.
Support the upcoming generations, donate here: www.stayclassy.org/rescuecenter
Lastly, we pick two mangoes from the tree. There is so much sap, we have to wash it off. Stayula's daughter enjoys one and I tell her perhaps, she will be the future president of Kenya after eating an Obama mango. One of the last things Sarah says is that I'm going to marry a Kenyan. I'm not sure if she's says that to everyone from abroad, but I remind her that he doesn't have much time left.