Sometimes you just make do…

I've realized in Kenya that sometimes you just do what you have to do. Sometimes there is little else that can be done but the thing that must be done. Though time goes slower and the pace is gentler this doesn't change the fact that life can hard--as hard and as difficult as the roads all about this country. Roads that are so difficult that one can die on them just by travelling and not through any criminal action.
Though the topic has started off seriously, I do hope that you found this image to be quite funny. Mary Sue and I found it to be hilarious, so hilarious we didn't even think of buying on each to bring home! This reminds me so much of the story of Stone Soup. And, I guess that the story relates well to the Kenyan culture. Initially there is some timidity about expressing oneself, or sharing. Eventually individuals open up, especially if you are welcoming to them. As my previous experiences abroad have shown time and time again--there are wonderful warm people all over the world. In many ways much warmer than in the States (though we've got Europe beat by a mile, err, kilometer, on this one).
Back to the make-do element, even the Wazungus (white people) fall prey to scarcity, high costs, or, in some cases, forgetfulness. Here Don Penney, NEGST's IT Director utilizes a spare headphone box, ingeniously squished, paper-clipped, and adjusted to serve as a telephone stand. I do hope one day he can get a real one, not necessarily plastic, but one that is a nicely stained mahogany. I find some great irony in being the IT Director and manager of the campus phone system. Best of luck on that new stand, Don.