Stares

As I walk around Riruta, on my way to and from school or my friend's houses, people stare. I stand out here, more so than I ever have before. Many local inhabitants look at me with curiousity in their eyes, probably thinking why is this mzungu(white person) here. Others take advantage of my presence by practicing their english.
As I walk around Riruta with my fellow LC classmates we are constantly followed by a chorus of people yelling "how are you," which sounds more like "hau r choo." If you respond with "good," the young faces around you react with a look of confusion. It is only when you respond with "I'm fine" that a huge smile crosses their faces. When one kid initiates the "hau r choo" a symphony of other kids chime in. A response of "I'm fine" never stops the dominoe effect of these interactions.
I have found that the only way to stop the chorus is by asking them how they are. This only works if you win the spot of being the loudest person in these interactions. These interactions are in no way bothersome rather the statements of "hau r choo", often follewed by MZUNGU, have been a part of my daily life here in Riruta and have brought many smiles to my face.

There is an old swahili proverb my International studies teacher told us that relates to this post. It states that, "a guest or a stranger (same word in swahili...very interesting) is a white chicken. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. We stand out like a sore thumb because we do not belong."

Yet my family, specifically my host-mom and her friends, have shown me that I really am a guest in their lives, and that for this month I really do belong.

I hope you all are doing well and enjoying my posts. For the next couple of weeks they will appear about every four days. I apologize for the spelling mistakes, each minutes costs money, and the pressure is overwhelming.

Much Much Love!