We are honored guests here in Kenya. No matter if we are at a
church, school or home, we are welcomed more overwhelmingly here than I
have ever seen…let alone, experienced. The Kenyan adults stop what they
are doing to greet us, while the children leave their desks and run to
the windows and doors to catch a glimpse of the “Mzungus”
(westerners/white people). We are brought into the top official’s
office to be welcomed and given a meal or some other refreshment. We
are thanked more times than I could count…
None of us Divinity students are comfortable with such admiration,
and pomp and circumstance. We are continually overwhelmed by the warm
welcome and attention, as well as dumbfounded! What do they see that we
don’t? Who is it that they think we are? We are just 4 grad students
who are taking part in an international ministry.
We are representing the Umoja Project, yes. Umoja provides food,
shelter, education and other kinds of support to this community’s
orphaned and vulnerable children. The Umoja Project is amazingly
helping thousands of children…but even that doesn’t necessarily give
reason for such grand affair. Maybe it is the Kenya culture? They are
very respectful and hospitable people by nature, but this is going to a
whole new level! (I also think that theoretically if I were hosting an
international guest in the U.S., I would of course give that guest the
best seat at the table, plenty of our best foods and many thanks for
their travels). The whole community never ceases to go out of their way
to welcome us and give us the best of the best.
I wonder, what is it that we “mzungus” represent to the Kenyan
people? Do the people just see the U.S. when they look at us? Are we
money, power, or people of influence? Do we represent an envied way of
life…a hope for a way of life with more opportunity? Or are we people
with “more”…more technology, more belongings, more blessings? What
assumptions about the U.S. and Americans do these Kenyan people have?
Labeling us with their preconceived notions of the U.S. is a barrier
that keeps us from truly knowing each other. The same can be said of
our preconceived notions of them.
Some of the preconceived notions of the U.S. have already come to the
surface at our homestays and when working with the Kenyan people. It
seems as though the people think that we have these expectations of
having a luxurious and comfortable stay while here in Kenya. They think
that we are accustomed to getting what we want, when we want it. That
we need to be constantly attended to…sadly, aren’t these beliefs
understandable and warranted? Granted, us interns are not expecting to
be served, cared for and comfortable…but in general, as Americans, we
are accustomed to such a life. We have been trying to insist with our
homestays that we want to do our own laundry, we want to help cook meals
and we are appreciated of whatever food is served, but they still
apologize if they think that we are not 100% happy or comfortable. It
appears exhausting to host Americans, so I am grateful that our host
family took on such a task…
When we arrive to a school for the first time the children stop what
they are doing and stare. They watch our every move. What are they
waiting for? What are they expecting that we will do or say? Most of
the time when I wave or say hello, they wave back…however, some of the
children are too stunned (or scared) to respond! There have been times
that children will begin to follow me, but when I turn around and begin
approaching them with an outstretched hand they run away. Could it be
that they are scared of me? Curious? Intrigued? Or maybe a mixture of
the 3? It is not until a courageous boy or girl accepts my offer of a
handshake and a greeting that all the escapees quickly return for their
very own handshake, high five or fist pump.
I wish the people could see Tiffany, instead of the American. Not the white
skin, or the false ideas of who I am, but the real me. Then again…aren't these things a part of my identity? Maybe the
Kenyan people can see sides of me more clearly than I ever will.
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