kolongolo school

we went to kolongolo to be there for the inauguration of it's first preschool. the people were so thrilled to have us there, and it was a fantastic community. the women and children are beautiful, and the men are obnoxious and obstinent. :)

after the ceremony where too many people spoke, we were invited into the home of the school leader to enjoy lunch while lauren and anne, TI's social worker, took measurements for the children's uniforms.

after sitting down and having my first cup of frickin AMAZING kenyan chai tea, and some eggs and buttered bread, the chief of the village and his wife started talking to one another, and i noticed he was pointing to me. i met his gaze, and daniel, michelle, and seven other adults watched on as he said the following:

"you... you are big. how many kilos? how much do you weigh?" to which i paused one second before answering, "too much!"

daniel watched with an amused look on his face, and i wanted to bust out laughing SO HARD. i am aware that in kenya my height and weight make me every man's ... uh... well, fantasy... but the chief actually asking me that just amused me to no end. i wasn't offended at all.

right after he asked me and i answered, though, another man - victor, i think - said "chief... with respect, i tell you americans do not ask these questions. they are considered rude." and then he looked at me and said "a woman's weight is her.. her... secret WEAPON in america, no?!" and that's what it took to get me laughing. i said "yes... yes it IS an american woman's secret weapon!"

there were so many funny conversations that afternoon, but the highlight was the ride home. we rode on an original matatu... basically the smallest toyota truck you can imagine, with a 5 foot tall camper shell on the back. we crammed 21 people inside the shell, and 4 on top. it wasn't so bad, because i was so amused and it was my first experience... but i am now trying to convince daniel to let me ride on top of one before i leave. he thinks its dangerous,but i think itd be an adventure on a not so bumpy road (which i dont think exists).