Safari Nzuri – East Africa

As mentioned in my previous post, Tuesday and Wednesday were hangout days at the Kodia’s home in Kisumu.  On Wednesday, Bishop David and his daughter Lynette brought me to a local museum that displayed artifacts and replicas of life in this area of Kenya, which people of the Luo tribe populated.   As you can see, they replicated a typical family village.   The biggest house was that of the first wife, with the second wife’s home on the left, the man’s home on the right, and so on.  According to tradition, if a visitor came to the village, they would have to report to the first wife to state what their business was for being there.   It was very interesting to learn about the tribe and its traditions.

After the museum, we visited a nearby animal sanctuary called Kisumu Impala Sanctuary. I have to admit, I was looking for the big cats, but since it was during the heat of the day, the big kitties were all sleeping somewhere in the shade. That’s typical! I have two cats. I know where to look for them during the midday.  But they did have monkeys.  I like monkeys.  They are so much like unruly kids.   And, of course, there were the Zebras who looked at us with an indifferent “Humans……whatever”.  

On Thursday, I began my next phase of travel to Tanzania. I have to say, Kenya Airways’ timing for both flights was spot on.  Delta, American Airlines, and others in the US could learn a few things from them.    During our landing approach in Dar Es Salaam, I did notice something interesting.   It was the lights!    In 2005, during my first trip to Tanzania, I remember looking out during our approach and seeing a lot of darkness, with wood fires spread out in various locations.   When I left the airplane, I distinctly remember the acrid smell of smoke that permeated the air.  I remember saying, “I’m not in Kansas anymore, Toto.”  

It is quite different now.  As you can see in the photo below, there are electric lights everywhere.   When you get off the plane, the air is clean with overtones of the nearby Indian Ocean scents.  So much has changed over the past nineteen years here in Tanzania.   The country is developing at a rapid pace.  I hope it is mostly the general population that receives the benefits of these changes.

On Friday, I completed my journey to Kigoma and then to Kasulu.    Today, (Saturday), I am in waiting mode as I don’t know yet where I will be worshipping tomorrow and if they want me to participate in any way.    For now, I’ll just spend some time practicing some songs I could share with the church I will be brought to, if I’m asked to sing anything.

I’ll leave you with these words:

     Mungu ni mwema, wakati wote!   (God is good, all the time!)