Iraqw Home Stay

Rafiki, I met the most adorable child in the whole world today. His name is Nova and I guarantee he will be a heart breaker when he grows up!

Today was our home stay day. We spent the day with a family from the Iraqw tribe that most people in this area belong too. The family we stayed with happened to be the family of Paulo, the handy man on campus!

Nova!!

My partner for the day was Kristen who spent the day tickling Nova! I was pretty sure she was going to steal him at the end of the day!

Kristen & Nova

We followed around Mama all day and attempted to help with lunch. We made pilau, which is rice with potatoes and meat. There was also a beef stew type dish and a dish made with cabbage and vegetables. Everything was delicious and there was plenty of it!

Cooking pilau

Obligatory food shot

Mama is also one of the tailors in town! We went to her shop after lunch. She also stocks other things like soda, soap, cigarettes, and other things most small dukas have. I felt pretty useless but she is very skilled with her treadle machine and I will be going back soon to order more clothes from her!

Don't be fooled! The picture below is not a selfie! It was taken by future National Geographic photographer, Nova!

Nova was obsessed with my camera and took at least 50 of the 130 pictures taken today. I would hold the camera and he would push the button. There are  pictures of Mama, mbwa wa Petro (Peter's dog), and many of Kristen (she was his favorite!)

Today was a great day and was really important for me. Until now, I was hesitant to go out into town and interact with people. I thought the language barrier would be too much. (My swahili has progressed little past hujambo) Today showed me that it doesn't matter. The people of Rhotia are so gracious and happy to have us and there is no need to be afraid. I am certain I will now be visiting Mama almost everyday at her duka!