04.07.07
Roadsigns #6
Great Friday.
Yesterday was Good Friday. The entire city of Nairobi shut down, and took the day off. The construction workers who are finishing the building in our compound are here today (Saturday) but on Good Friday not a soul was to be seen working.
Christianity, seems to be so much more a part of the culture here (a bit odd considering that I come from a “Christian country”). I guess, really, you could say all religion is more obvious here. Ramadan apparently is also a national holiday as are the holy days of various other religions. From what I am told, Kenyans love holidays and so have 1-3 national holidays every month.
Its been interesting to observe a society where religion and government/national policy are at times very closely tied, and religion is also a very major, obvious, pillar of that society.
In some ways it is wonderful. I am still happily caught off guard when going into the grocery store on Sunday and shopping to the sounds of praise and worship music.
In other ways it is difficult to accept the harsher sides of culture that are “a part of the religion”. The older Muslim man with his two young wives in tow.
I can’t say that I have drawn any huge conclusions from my observations…still trying to figure out the effects of societal structure here.
But it was interesting/funny/odd/wonderful to have the entire country pause in respect to our Savior’s sacrifice so may years ago.
Pray for us as you celebrate this year. I, especially, am used to family, traditions, big celebration, ect. at Easter time and am feeling the familiar struggle of homesickness as the holiday approaches with out all the familiar trappings.
But at the same time, when all the familiar is stripped away, the real reason we are celebrating takes on a whole new meaning.
Let me wish you all a very Happy Easter! And as you pause to pray over your Easter meal pray that we here, will live out and share the reality and the joy of the Easter season with those around us.
There are many “religions” here clamoring (quite literally) to be heard. Pray that our message will not be a religion but a Person, the Savior, Who longs for all to know His love.
~Roadsign of the Week~
Sign in Nairobi “Children’s Traffic Park”. Yes, believe it or not, there is a park here just for children to hop on their bikes and do what their parents do every day – sit in traffic. Its complete with lanes, round-a-bouts (THE Nairobi way to get anywhere), and stop signs.
I did notice a few missing elements, however. There were no hawkers bartering with the children to sell their wares in the middle of traffic, and the black smoke and exhaust were also not quite as prevalent. : )
~Food Find~
More Indian food… and they think it’s African food
Curry, Chapatti, Samosa, ect…
