The Polictics of Africa

In Africa nothing is ever easy and straight cut. My dad and Patrick have been to the airport 3 times to get the generator donated to the Vocational school. Today they had been given the okay it was there and should be picked up. Patrick and Dad went to the airport around 8:30am and arrived back at the guest house a little before 8:00pm. They went through arguing all day with the officials and having to get pages stamped and signed and this and that. I know it must have been a lot of red tape. A lot of the times, they just want to feel like they are important. Although there is a lot of corruption. The police as for bribes, the government is unjust, and people are treated unfairly. My dad told one of the people he was dealing with that “No Good Deed goes unpunished.” They man looked at him and then dad repeated it. Then the man finally understood and then got to work to avoid my dad. We waited all day for my dad to return. We prayed a lot and sent good vibes.
While my dad was working so hard, the rest of us went to the Masai Market. It was an experience. I decided that I wanted to talk with this one Masai woman sitting under a big yellow umbrella. I must have talked with her for 20 minutes. She told me that the men in the market were the middle men. The sold to the white people and gave then women or sellers only half the money. She told me they sometimes even abused them. I from then on only bought from the women sitting by their things. It is was so disturbing to me. The women really worked so hard and yet were getting scammed by their own people. Hard to believe!
We all got separated in the market. Finally we all go back together.
We walked to the Norfolk Hotel for samosas and a cold drink. It was so relaxing sitting in the restaurant. From there we took an old time English cab to the guest house.
At the guest house, it was just more waiting and prayer for my dad. Pamela and Prudence came to dinner. Prudence is mom’s godchild. She is such a beautiful child. Her smile lit up the room. They only stayed for short time.
My brother and the others were getting so impatient. They had really wasted a whole day of building. I felt really bad for them, but there was not a whole lot to do. I know my dad was doing all he could do and would not leave until he had the generator.
When we heard them pull in, we all went tour and cheered and cheered. It was quite a site. They then tried to decided what to do next. They decided to wait until morning to leave. We all sat around and listened to the story of the day from my dad. It so reminded me of my childhood.
All in all is was a good day. God watched over us and kept us all safe.
Hugs and kisses to Megan and Kyle! I am anxious to see you both very soon.
Love and happiness,
Bethany