A Rude Awakening, A Quiet Reminder

Hey Folks,

Well it happened again. Friday night I was robbed for the 5th time here in Kenya. This time it was by 4 guys who all jumped me from behind and started kicking me in the chest. They threatened to kill me if I tried to make any noise and didn't show them where the money was. They stole my shoes, my bracelet keepsake from my mom, my keys, my phone and my ISIC ID card (I didn't show them where the money was... some would say I like to live DANGEROUSLY!).

Then I walked away, got on a Mat... Got told I was going to pay 150 shillings (triple the usual) if I was going to get where I wanted to go. When I told the conductor where he could put that idea... I was promptly threatened with my life again but this time, by a busload of angry drunk dudes.

Mmm HM! Sounds like a good time hey?

Enough to make me want to leave the country curse it all to hell and completely forget everything I have done here.

... But I'm still kicking.

In fact, it makes me want to get out and help the street kids more. Maybe because it will make me feel like a bigger person, willing to turn the other cheek. Maybe because it will make me feel more like a man for getting back up and showing those bastards they can't keep me down. Maybe I don't want to let my last week, where I intended to make that impact I was looking forward to, go to waste with anger.

Maybe it is because of the other people here in this country. The ones who, while aren't out peddling my goods and getting drunk on my dollar, are real human beings about things. SO how could I refuse to be a human being in the mean time?

Today was awesome. It was a regular "forgetting where you are" kind of happiness I needed after a traumatic Friday. My two roommates and I hit the theatre to check out the new James Bond (and they bought my ticket, those big sweethearts!). The show (which was the BEST bond I have seen, and I have seen them all) was pretty good... the meal afterwards was even better! Possibly the best meal I have had here in Kenya. We got ice cream from the McDonalds wannabe here called "Steers" and basically took it easy. Easy enough until we tried to take the bus... and in my own words: “Hey guys… what did you do Sunday night? We went to KENCOM, and phew… it’s a JUNGLE out there!” (KenCom is the main bus stop downtown). The bus station was PACKED so we decided to move to the side where people get dropped off on our bus route and try to snag it before it could pick anyone up. Us and about 80 people had this idea... all for one bus.

SO as people tried to get off the bus AS people were trying to get on... there was literally about 10 people knocked down as the bus nearly ran them over, a conductor who just about stroked a guy trying to get on the bus, and a HELLA load of throwing of elbows and pushing trying to get on the bus. As the three of us whitey’s tried to push our way on, there was a little family (about 7 or so little ones) trying to get on, and they were having a go of it. We made a little path for them so they could get on without their 1 year old getting squashed, and then boarded the bus as the last 3 to make it on before the conductor slammed the door on others trying to board. As I took my seat I happened to be beside that “little” family and all 8 of us crammed into the 3 seater (as the dad had made a spot available by stacking 3 kids on top of each other. The smallest of the children, around one, was then TOSSED (literally) by the conductor to the dad who caught the kid and plopped him on his lap.

Then the dad asked me to plop the 3 year old on my lap to complete the pile up on the seats. I was having a hoot as I just about saw nearly 3 fights so I happily did so.

Now while this doesn’t sound like it adds much to my day, it’s the things that followed that really make the story.

While I sat there with a 3 year old on my lap smelling something FUNKY I kept looking the bus, with everyone staring at us… I didn’t know why until I heard someone say… “I have NEVER seen a “Muzungu” (white person) pile on the bus the way those three did.” I just laughed and knew that they had no idea we were residents in the country, not just tourists… but I noted something odd in the way they said it… could it be ADMIRATION? Noooo couldn’t be!

The kid that was sitting on my lap kept smiling and looking at me calling me white boy over and over and looking quite excited to not only be talking to me.. but sitting on my lap!

The baby (of the thrown variety) started to cry, a sure sign it is going to be a bad trip… But I decided to do my best to get it to stop. So I just looked it with a goofy look in my face. And whether through sheer terror or excitement… it stopped mid-wale. Just looking at me. I offered it my finger to hold and it just looked at me and then my finger, and then finally took it. I spent the rest of the trip being stared at by the people on the bus, a 3 year old on my lap and a baby; who was particularly interested in touching my arm to make sure it was real.

I just kept laughing... what else could you do in the situation.

Our stop arrived. I told the kid that I had to go, and tried to pay the conductor. Who said something to me (and the bus) which made everyone laugh, which I can only assume was having to do with the fact we all barged on the bus just like any normal Kenyan (were they expecting different?). Handed me my ticket and asked me where I was from. I gave my usual excited “CANADA” (as I have become quite fond of telling people where I am from) and was on my way. As I walked down the line people followed me with their eyes as per the usual, but this time was followed with a “you have yourself a great day!” I questioned in my mind... but thanked them all and wished them the same… weird.

On the walk back to the house I told the roommates that we could have gotten lost in the day forgetting where we were until that bus ride reminded us of the reality of our surroundings. They laughed… but I just thought. Thought about the fact the bus ride not only reminded me of my surroundings… but something else as well.

And I as I sit here writing this update on my computer... a song just popped up that absolutely captures the moment perfectly. "Good People" - Jack Johnson.

Where did all the good people go? Sometimes you have to look around to find them... which is sad... but sometimes when and where you least expect it... one little boy's smile, the ability to make a baby stop crying just by looking at them... some dude saying "Have a great day" on that same bus...

Those things can make all the difference.

So when you think that your life sucks it big time... Ask yourself: "Did I get jumped by 4 guys who threatened to kill me and stole everything that I had on me (except for my money in the SECRET hidden compartment in my jeans)?"

If the answer is in the negative... then I suggest your day isn't nearly bad enough to keep trekking.

If you DID happen to have that very thing happen on the streets of Saskatoon... ask yourself: "Was there someone who presented a ray of sunshine that broke up those clouds surrounding me? Some thing from someone which I could not expect?

If not… then maybe YOU didn't smile at someone when they were having a bad day... for people like us… karma is a bitch.

But some day soon, a little dude will yell "WHITE BOY!" at you and smile as he sits on your lap looking at you like you are freaking Santa Clause just by being there... and life takes a turn, one you weren't expecting… You’re reminded that the good people are out there... you just have to look for them. Just not at 230 at night. Those be some BAD mamma-jammas!

Jeez.. I am NEVER this positive.. What is wrong with me?