Answers to Questions

Batch 1 of Answered Questions:

Q . What is the form of currency used in Kenya?

A: 1 U.S. Dollar is equal to approximately 75 Kenyan Schilling 

Q.  Are you learning any knew dances from the people of Kitui? If you are, can you tell me the names of the dances?

A:  I am learning many new dances.  But they are very complex.  They sing in a unique Kitui harmony and their dances have specific movements that relate to the song.  We tried to dance with them, but it is very hard.  As for the names of the dances, they are very difficult to pronounce, so I cannot help with their names

Q:  Is the Kenya technology such that we could some day have a live streaming conversation? (I do not know the correct name, but have seen the process on LINK TV.)

A:  I’m so glad that you asked.  Just this morning from 8:15 to 10:00 some students from St. Michael’s school in Kitui had the opportunity to speak with children at St. Mark’s School in St. Paul.  Both sites were using Skype.com which is a free service that allows the conversation.  All that is required are speakers and cameras from each computer.  The reaction of the students was fun to see.  By the time they were done meeting one another, they were asking if it was possible to become pen pals.  We will be working to make that possible. 

Q.  Have you given any thought to your surprise at how the people of Kitui embraced you; “scaled your walls?”

A.  That is a question that takes a long answer.  In short, I think my surprise is a reflection of how American’s are a bit wary and careful with strangers.  And perhaps we have a different concept of host/guest.  The Kamba culture embraces hospitality and views guests as treasures.  We have been so warmly welcome and accepted in communities throughout the various towns and parishes, even the rural “bush” communities, that this element of their culture must be strongly integrated.  It certainly causes me to think about how I accept strangers into my life and community.