By Merryn Spencer
The MSID Kenya program has a special in-depth twist. The first 7 weeks of the program consist of taking classes in Nairobi focusing on international development, a country analysis of Kenya, and Swahili. The following 7 weeks require students to work with an NGO pertaining to their major. I will be working with an NGO that provides trauma-responsive support and resources to refugee girls. Basically, my dream job. In NI live with a very fun and chill host family who teaches me everything I need to know about living in Kenya, from how to cook chapati and how to barter at markets, to the most efficient ways to get around town. The beautiful compound that I live in is about a 5-minute walk from Kibera, the largest urban slum in Africa. Every morning, I fist bump the security guards who teach me slang, or 'sheng' in Kiswahili and then make fun of my accent as I pronounce the new words learned. I walk past Daniel, the tailor who has sewn my favorite pair of pants 3 times now, and then Margaret, who sells eggs and chickens. Every day, I pass the same kids on their way to school in their uniforms who want to practice their English with me. Nairobi is a very diverse city, but in our neighborhood, I still am bombarded with greetings like, "Mzungu!! How are you??" to which I usually respond, "Jina langu si mzungu, jina langu ni Merryn. Na poa sana." Meaning: "My name is not white person, my name is Merryn. And I'm fine." This usually surprises people and solicits a decent amount of respect to lead to a fruitful conversation. A major focus of our classes is learning about the history of Kenya and the long lasting effects of colonialism. Through analysis of current politics, it's clear that Kenya is still affected, by way of neocolonialism. I see these affects first hand in my host family, on my walk to school, through conversations with Taxify drivers, baristas, bartenders, neighbors, and more. African time is something that I have learned to adjust to, although I didn't have much problem adjusting as I am usually late to everything. I have found great comfort in knowing that very few people mind if I am late simply because I am late. There seems to be quite a large consensus that heading in the right direction is what counts. Sometimes, there is traffic, or sometimes one must talk to the lady selling furniture down the road for 8 minutes, or chat with the family that sells fish. To me, there seems on be an emphasis on people and relationships in a way that values each person by giving time. "Pole pole ndio mwendo" meaning, "slow, slow is the way to go" is a common phrase. As long as your heading in the right direction, you'll get there. What's the point of rushing? You know, "life is a journey, not a destination" kind of mindset.
Ninapenda Kenya!
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