A day alone

When Ruhid and Mamka returned last night from Nairobi they brought news of the election.  They had the incredible privilege of experiencing that seemingly salvific American moment in Kenya.  Kenya ran Wolf Blitzer all night long and everyone stayed up for the event.  There were parties where djs would mix "Obama" into popular songs.  People were dancing and there was a constant pulsating chant of his name.  When it was finally announced people took to the streets.  Even in their stuffy meeting, champagne was poured for all.  The Pres. of Kenya even declared the following day a national holiday and nearly everyone is claiming some sort of relation to the man of the hour.  I just really hope that people everywhere realize that all that activism and work that they did to get him elected cannot stop if any progress is to be made.  These things take so much work and a ton of time.  We are trying to climb out of a very deep hole.  And we can't just do this alone, domestically.  The world must work with us.  We have to form mutually beneficial relationships with nations like the ignored ones in East Africa.  

I met a new student today from Australia, Barry.  He also had much to say about the election.  We talked about the work and time it would take but he was concerned with the symbol.  That democracy could actually work gave him and his comrades hope for their own change.  That is good.  But not complete.  

I stayed behind today while the other Wartburgers went to a Masai village so that I would not have to enjoy the fruits of this parasite out in the bush.  Instead, I attended the long course graduation and luncheon.  They were both very good and I got to talk with all the leaving students.  It was very good to say good bye.  I showed up late to the graduation which I thought would be informal.  Everyone was dressed in their best and I showed up in a t shirt with a toothpaste stain and yesterday's jeans. oops.  But it went completely unnoticed. There are certainly formal occasions here but it seems that people are just happy to be around each other so condition of clothing and all those things simply don't matter.  

In the afternoon Kadeghe and I met to discuss Masai life and religion.  I will write another entry later with the details of the conversation.  The rest of the day was spent with music and friends.  I fiddled with some drums and recording some things and spent the rest of the day catching up with Ruhid and Nathalie who just returned from Dar.  She waited outside of an office for five hours to get her permit and still didn't get it.  Bureaucracy is verys strong here.  I think I will think it rather ridiculous when US citizens complain about our bureaucracy.  Ruhid went to the immigraion offices everyday for a month to get his permit.  They would say they were working on it and then just chat with each other.  This is not that patient "people are more important" Africa time.  This is painful abusive bureaucracy time.  It is a time that says that we are far more important than you.

Over all, a good day.  It was quite the welcomed change of pace to spend one day alone, just getting better.  While the community is incredible and we can learn a lot from it here, it can be overwhelming to the Westerner.  But, now I am ready to get back to work and to dive back into community.