PsychSense: Sensible Psychological Solutions

Report from Africa.

Me and Alice from Rising Sun Orphanage

I apologize again for the scarcity of blogs. Not only is it a hassle getting to an internet café, but the connection is very slow and sometimes the computer goes down in the middle of a session. The electricity is often off here, so with all these issues I am usually able to blog once for every few times I try. Of course there is no air conditioning in the cafes and they are stifling.

Anyway, I am adapting to Kenya and its people. I am learning to slow down (a good lesson for me). They laughingly call their time Kenya time (20 to 30 minutes late) and being on time “English time”. There are many people from Italy, England and Germany here but few Americans. It may be different in other parts of the country. Almost every one speaks Italian and English (of sorts). The lack of understanding of nuances and words makes for some pretty hysterical situations and interpretations.

Everyone is jubilant over the Obama win and when they find out I am American they immediately smile and start to talk of the new president. One man insisted that Obama is a profit. I hope the unrealistic expectations for our new president (all over the world) do not make people angry and disappointed when reality hits. Many seem to believe he can save the world.

Kenyans talk of love for all people and peace. It is very touching. They are a very spiritual people and God is a big part of their lives. Despite this they are not always truthful and will do anything to get money. When they beg and swindle I try to remind myself how little they have and what any human would do if they or their children are hungry. Many of the children who come to the school here do not get enough food and are often hungry.

The children are taking national exams now for 8^th and 12 grades. These are very serious (and very hard, I couldn’t answer most of questions in any subject except English). Do you believe they have armed guards at the door of the classroom? This is stark contrast to frequent lack of supervision and teaching when school is in regular session. The kids however are remarkably resilient and patience and put up with much. The ministry of education is trying to change many things and hitting, caning, and whipping is now against the law (although it is common)