Rainy Season

I have an ongoing delight and fascination in the wonders of language and culture in Africa compared to ours in the U.S.  For example, the other day I was talking with someone who made the comment, “Sometimes I must edit myself.”  Now I ask you, isn’t that just the plain and simple truth of all of us?! For the past years I’ve wondered at the cleanliness of Kenyans.  In dry season, where I look down and see my feet caked with red dust and the same red film covers my hair, my clothes, even my skin, I look at nationals and they appear somehow miraculously clean from head to foot.  Now in rainy season, my shoes are coated in mud, pants splattered with dots of the red dirt, while Kenyans walk to and fro apparently spot free.  How???  I asked a friend today how is that possible?  He acknowledged that it was true.  He matter of factly stated that when it begins to rain, the Kenyan finds shelter somewhere—in a shop, under a tree, in a home.  With eyes wide and some confusion, he said, “The Whites, they continue to walk in the rain, even in the mud.  We think it is because they must enjoy it.” Mmmmm, now I ask you who needs the most help here?  The Kenyan or the American???  Maybe if I get out of the rain and mud, I, too, can be clean!