Lately I’ve noticed the kids we work with are “changing” their preferences. I say change but it might actually be broadening their tastes. When ugali was the main food available (ugali is flour and water mixed and cooked until it becomes a cake-like consistency) we told them we just couldn’t eat it, tasteless basically, but they said how very much they loved eating it and it was their favorite food. Also, if they saw Chuck or I drinking our water or soda with ice (ice that we made with bottled water!) they couldn’t believe we could or even would drink cold drinks. They preferred room temperature.
That seems to be changing….electricity is now here at C4KK and it seems they like putting their water bottles in the freezer! Wait a minute, I thought you liked room temperature drinks? And when Ann said they would be having ugali one night for dinner it was like she spoke fighting words. They were getting used to spaghetti, rice and soy for their meals, what was she suggesting…ugali!? Now hold on, you told me that was a favorite food!
I love the fact they are experiencing different foods and cold drinks and I believe as a people we all convince ourselves at times that something we have is the best simply from not having any other option. I see that a lot here with the kids. They are not exposed to the world, let alone the village next door, so their vision for the future is very limited.
Slowly we are teaching them there is a big world out there….encouraging them to open their mind to different experiences, tastes and ideas. I’m praying for a couple of laptop computers to teach the kids, Ann and Bosco how to use them and to see the world through the world wide web. What a thrill it is to hear their questions like “what’s the use of having an email?” or “what does a boat dock look like?” or “how does Facebook work?” and to see their understanding kick in, which sometimes leads to more questions!
Ugali isn’t on the menu much anymore and water bottles continue to fill the freezer and for that I am thankful.