Sitting on the floor in the airport in Nairobi. There must be a pilgrimage of some sort for Muslims. Hundreds are in the seating area, all dressed in white, the men, and the women all in full burkas. They just finished afternoon prayers. No seats available and they wont check us in for about an hour. So we sit on the floor. Had lunch with my dear brother the former Imam and other men from Ethiopia. Remembered to take my deworming pills. Will get some malaria meds later. Just in case. Cheap here, a fortune there. Started my day visiting Ruth, from my shamba, in Tanzania, who is going to school in Kenya near me. I had Wilson stop by yesterday and see if I could stop by and bring her a book bag with some goodies in it. They said NO. The children could not be disturbed. So today I showed up and played the race card. It is almost impossible for an African to refuse a visitor a reasonable request. They went from being rude to Wilson to sending a head teacher to bring Ruth personally. I gave her the bag and got the scoop on her progress. Like her brother and sister she is an excellent student. And very helpful. She used to help me cook for my house church. Then it was off to see Imams kids and just hug em and kiss them and give them some pictures of their dad. Then to the airport. Obviously I am here too early, but I just dont trust the traffic.. So I am not complaining. I know how this goes. On this flight everything will be pretty normal for me. When I change this evening, burkas and dark skin will be replaced by a vast majority of whites. Once in America I will feel I am a stranger in a strange land. Then home, I will see my mom and dad and perhaps a friend or two. It will be hard not to cry with joy when i hug them. Today is something most will never understand. Including me. All the change, all the emotions. Leaving my trusted brothers and sisters, flowing with the diverse mobs across the globe and finally into the arms of my family. It is a wonderful life. Pray for me.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 12:10:56 +0000