Mzungu Amongst Us...

Mzungu (pronounced Mazoongoo) means White Man in Swahili...Well there was definitely a crazy Mzungu in Nairobi yesterday.  One of Zachary's friends Francis brought his car to the slums to pick us up and ride into the city.  He is letting us use it all week, as once we were in the city he took public transportation back home.  WOW. 

The ride into the inner part of the city was about the scariest, craziest, and most stressful thing I've ever been a part of.  I didn't breathe for what seemed like minutes several times.  The Public transportation do their own thing and often pass you in the oncoming traffic lane only to dart right back in front of you because of that oncoming traffic.  Like it is a surprise that someone is coming.  Cars and People alike do not respect the vehicles...and when I say people I mean sooooo many people.  I video'd... We almost seriously wrecked 5 times and almost ran over like 20 people easy.  We finally made it to a parking garage that we were able to park in thanks to Francis knowing a security guard there.  This was no less stressfull though as it is one way up and down and as we started up (much steeper than the parking garage downtown Chattanooga) a SUV came flying around the corner and no joke came 2" from hitting us head on.  We then had to jocky back and forther to get past each other and our mirror literally toucherd their vehicle.  The floorboard now has a permanent Chaco imprint from my feet.  Ha.

Once we made it to the city I learned the meaning of Mzungu...I literally was the only white person that i saw the entire ride in and the entire 4 hours we were down town.  I mean, I know I'm in Africa and all but downtown Nairobi I figured would be different.  We ate lunch and the whole time I was there I was the only Mzungu.  Not one time though did I feel strange though.  Everyone smiled and was happy to have me.  It was definitely not like home in the same situtation.  Zach took me around and showed me the city, just taking it Polo Polo (slowly-slowly) as he said since it was my first day, though God blessed me with NO jet lag.  It was a nice time to catch up with him and get to know him even better which will allow us to minister together much better the rest of the week. 

On way home went to a shopping mall in a pretty nice section of town, had to pay to get in.  There I saw 3 Mzungu, 2 europeans and 1 american.  Ha.  I wasn't excitied but almost saddened that there was the only place I saw them.  Anyway, there was a Java Shop so we stopped got a shake and got on WIFI.  I was able to upload some pictures and even use 'Hey Tell' to talk to some people.  I didn't think about that.  If you don't know what it is, it is like a Walkie Talkie over the internet.  This allowed me to talk and hear almost instantly from people without using the phone, as I didn't get an international package on my phone.  Nice to be able to hear from Kathy's class (as she was at school), Kevin, Allen & Billy from work, and even Woody (who was in class).

We finished the night at home.  I gave Prince, Zachs 5 year old son, the present I brought him.  Talking, Moving Thomas the Train.  He was super shy at first and even asked if he could NOT open it in front of me.  Once he opened it thought he opened up and until made to stop for bed non stop followed it around the floor with big eyes and a big smile.  Very cool. 

We have a full day today which I will write about tomorrow.  I'm going to finish out with some Swahili phrases that I've been taught (of course I may not spell them right but am spelling them as they sound which should be helpful for you to pronounce):

Jambo - Hello
Tafidali - Excuse Me
Asanda Sana - Thank you very much
Quahary - Bye
Wapi Cho - Where is the toilet?
Bwana Yesu - Lord Jesus
Mfalimay Yesu - King Jesus
Baba Mungu - Father God
Bwana Asifeway - Praise the Lord
Nompenda Yesu - I love you Jesus
Mocozi Yesu - Savior Jesus

Thanks for your prayers...keep them coming.

In Christ,
KYLE