I come from Umoja Innercore Estate, in the Eastlands section of Nairobi City. We are not described as poor people but we aren't called rich people either. We are the people who have just enough to survive and a little extra to buy nice phones. We are also the people who are used to not having water in the tap sometimes for a whole week or more. We are accustomed to electricity black outs, and it is not uncommon for the matatus plying our route to double the figures when it rains.
I am now in Bielefeld, Germany. I have traveled through a number of German cities and 'villages' so far but there is some difference between them and Umoja. There is always water gushing out when you turn the tap. The electricity never fails, unless you don't pay the bill. The roads are either in good condition, or under repair. People actually follow traffic rules. Kids here are not beaten up by parents when they are causing a nuisance. They are talked to, and by talking I don't mean shouting. They don't go to school with uniforms and in many cases it is okay to go with your mobile phone to class as long as it doesn't ring in class.
In Kenya, the sun generally shines when it is supposed to, and our winter hardly goes under 12 degrees. We spend much less on transport, food and housing in Kenya and the fruits taste better. We live close to Mombasa and some of us are just a short drive away from national parks. We don't have to wait for the Olympics to see our athletes running. We have lots of freedom to speak out our faith in schools and other public institutions.
Each country has its benefits. There are many things that can change for the better, but we still have many things to be grateful for. Perhaps instead of pointing out the endless annoying things in our lives, we can take some time to be grateful for the good things we have, no matter how small. Psalm 95:1-3
I am now in Bielefeld, Germany. I have traveled through a number of German cities and 'villages' so far but there is some difference between them and Umoja. There is always water gushing out when you turn the tap. The electricity never fails, unless you don't pay the bill. The roads are either in good condition, or under repair. People actually follow traffic rules. Kids here are not beaten up by parents when they are causing a nuisance. They are talked to, and by talking I don't mean shouting. They don't go to school with uniforms and in many cases it is okay to go with your mobile phone to class as long as it doesn't ring in class.
In Kenya, the sun generally shines when it is supposed to, and our winter hardly goes under 12 degrees. We spend much less on transport, food and housing in Kenya and the fruits taste better. We live close to Mombasa and some of us are just a short drive away from national parks. We don't have to wait for the Olympics to see our athletes running. We have lots of freedom to speak out our faith in schools and other public institutions.
Each country has its benefits. There are many things that can change for the better, but we still have many things to be grateful for. Perhaps instead of pointing out the endless annoying things in our lives, we can take some time to be grateful for the good things we have, no matter how small. Psalm 95:1-3
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