I'm Here

So this is my 2nd full day here, and it has been quite an overload. Not bad, just a lot to take in. I'm living with a family and they have a son, Baraka. There are about 10 MSTs (ministry support team...people like me) that are also living there and sometimes other kenyas too, so i'd so there are about 15 people in a very small town house. there are 5 beds in my room, about the size of my room in my harrison apartment. the food has been good, and so far i don't feel sick. so some culture shock: first the shower situation. There is a large bucket and a pitcher to pour water on your head. apparently other MSTs wash their hair about twice a week. so a little like camping. other crazy hilarious thing are the mitatus (buses). they have american singer stickers all over them and play very very loud rap music. there are about 16 people in a mini sized van. yesterday i got in one and kent (another MST) and I got to hear some song that went i am a fat boy but i can move like mariah carey. fa, fa, fa, fat. so yes it was slightly disturbing but very hilarious. and there was a music video screen directly in front of my face. i could not stop laughing.

today we went to kibera slum. the kids there are so cute but have nothing. most are barefoot and there clothes are all torn. it's sad to see but you mostly accept the poverty because it is so common. even away from the slums it is extremely dirty and trash everywhere. i blew my nose last night and the snot was black from all the filthy air. gross yes but true. the dirtiness isn't really bothering me that much now though b/c everyone else is living in such bad conditions that i can't complain. we fed the kids bread and butter sandwiches and sang worship songs to them.

i am on information overload from learning swahili. i'm going to try to keep a notebook b/c it is good to know basic things to talk to people. most know english, but they switch back and forth as they talk. half the time we are in the schools or churches i have no idea what is going on.

i know there is so much more to tell, but i'm exhausted and it's probably 8 p.m. and i have not had dinner. we eat late here. keep the prayers coming. for the people and strength and encouragement for me. the msts here are very nice but most are leaving in a few weeks and more will come, so that will be a challenge constantly building relationships.