As we were preparing to make our move here, part of our training talked about the reality that we would experience different levels of culture. Just like an iceberg, there is the exposed part that is easy to see. The other 90% is under the surface and harder to navigate around. In just under two weeks on the ground, here some examples of both types of culture we have discovered.

Surface Culture

DRIVING - Being a British influenced country they drive on the opposite side of the road. This will be an obvious HUGE change for us! Imagine driving from the passenger side of the car, on the "wrong" side of the road, going through a roundabout BACKWARDS. Oh My! Pray we keep it straight.

LANGUAGE - Kenya has very diverse and broad languages. English is widely used but the clarity varies greatly depending on one's education level or tribal dialect. Even when speeking English you have to keep in mind the British differences. Some words are "heard" but not easily understood. For instance, when driving you have to watch out for sleeping police (a speed bump) or you might get in a wreck . Also, if you have a cut you would request some elastic plaster rather than a Bandaid. Packaged food lables don't list calories (yea) but rather energy. Also, you don't watch your weight, you watch your width.

The second national language is Swahili. It originated as a common language amoung traders along the Indian Ocean coast from Africa to India. It's a mix of many words from this entire region: local words, Arabic, and borrowed words from neighboring countries. It's very unique but I guess similar to how English borrows from many different languages as well. Besides English and Swahili, there are over 50 other tribal tongues and dialects - all in a country three times the size of Wisconsin. WOW.

Both of us are doing our best to dive in. Larry likes to take words he learns and put them into creative sentences. Forinstance, "One must chenga (take care) while [playing] jenga (building) or you will be jinga (stupid)". Then there's the blending of all the languages. It's not uncommon to hear someone use multiple languages in one conversation. Like this... "As I'm writing this, I'm eating a sandwichi and crisps". (American English, Swahili & British English). Can you guess what I had for lunch? A sandwich and potato chips, which is a rare treat.

Learning language & cooking has been a great bridge to relationships. The children and staff desire to help us learn and it provides opportunity to build relationships especially to those who are not as outgoing. Each attempt usually brings a smile or even happy laughter. It's definately a work in progress.

Deep Culture

"Help me understand" is a phrase we use often. We had some missionary friends suggest we use this rather than asking "Why". They explained that
"why" tends to imply "their way is wrong" where as "help me understand" creates an opportunity for your friend to introduce you to their way of thinking and doing. Here's a few examples of the deeper things we are learning about Kenyan culture.

Death - The weekend we arrived one of our house mammas was away for a funeral of a dear family friend. When she returned she shared with us the 12 page colored funeral program which honored that person’s entire life. It included photos and information depicting everything from birth, what her name means, her career, personal character, accomplishments, her spiritual life & how she impacted others. There was so much thought and detail placed that I feel even though we never met Rebecca, it would have been an honor.

Expressions - One of our favorite shows from a few years ago was "Lie to Me." It's about Dr. Cal Lightman, the world's leading deception expert who studies facial expressions and involuntary body language to expose the truth behind lies. Rhonda has already clued in on one of these subtle expressions. Raising your eyebrows from across the room or passing by while walking is seen as a warm greeting or kind acknowledgement of the other person. This always brings a friendly smile.

Family - Last Friday evening tears and hugs flowed and cheers erupted as the older brothers and sisters returned from boarding school. These children who came as orphans and did not know anyone when they arrived (unless they came with a sibling) so they become very close quickly. When one is sick, sad, hurt or in need they show such powerful compassion toward one another! When new children arrive they are very shy and fearful, but the children who have been here awhile welcome them and provide much reassurance.

Mailing Address

Many friends have asked about sending things to us through the mail. Our recommendation is to ony send flat-mail (letters & cards). It costs only $1.20 through the US Post Office. Packages often arrive damaged or are tampered with. Packages are also subject to a hefty duty (nearly 100%) to get them out of customs from the Kenyan post office.