Courtesy of 1993

More then anything living here has really made me happier. You would think that the reason for my new found happiness would be the realization of how much I actually have, but that plays a small part in it all. I am really convinced that what has really upped my joy is the children. I am not sure what it is about kids that causes this, maybe the ability to let loose and act like a child. Or maybe it is the excitement that children show when something interesting happens. I think most of all it is the faith that they exhibit even when things are, what I would consider, sucky. It is unexplainable, there are no clever quips that I can string together to give you a great idea of what I mean, and it just has to happen to you.

A couple of boys, brothers to be exact, that I have been hanging out with on the streets for the past couple of days, have started coming to Oasis. They are new to the streets in Kitale, and had heard of Oasis but had never been there. I have been telling them to go everyday, and the other day they finally said “take me there.” Of course I did, that was kind of the greatest thing that they could have said to me, so needless to say it made my day. Today was the second day straight that they have been coming, which may seem small, but when you are coming off the streets I consider it an accomplishment. One of the boys, Joseph, was playing soccer today and someone stole his shoes (they play barefoot). I watched him as he feverishly looked for his shoes, tears welling up in his eyes. When you live on the streets the clothes on your back are some of your only possessions. I pulled him aside and told him, “since you have been coming to Oasis, and being a good kid, I will get you some new shoes today.” I Left Oasis at about 12:00 and headed into town. From town I went to Purpose Driven School, where I taught a science class and then headed back to town. I knew that I would find Joseph there and I was anxious to get him some shoes. When I got in front of the usual supermarket that I meet them at everyday, I saw his brother sleeping on the ground, and then asked the other boys where Joseph was. At that moment he cam strolling up, and the first thing he said was, “shoes?” I then went into the store, got him a pair, and made my day. I felt guilty that I only bought him some considering that most of the kids need new ones, but them I got them around and said, “hey, you go to Oasis, you treat people right, and you just might get some shoes.” I feel like it was a good way to lure kids to go somewhere safe, and maybe get a little food in them. I will never forget what Joseph said to me “I am going to school everyday!” Now will he keep his promise? I have no idea, but just the fact that he might, is enough to keep me happy.

On a more serious note, a couple days ago I made a purchase that I have been meaning to write about. I was so sick and tired of not knowing what time it was, and had heard that you could get a very cheap watch in town, so I set out to buy one for myself. Now I am pleased to say that I have purchased the finest watch that Kitale has to offer, courtesy of 1993. This silver Casio is a shining example of human ingenuity and craftsman ship. I have taken a picture so that you may all enjoy the beauty of this amazing piece of technology. I give you…CASIO!


Yes it is true, it can display time in either 12 hour or 24-hour format. Has a button that says light, although there is none. It displays the date as well as the day, all in brilliant analog. And have no fear; it says it is water resistant, although I am hesitant to test the claim. So what did a beauty like this cost, around 3 dollars. And the best part of this once in a lifetime price is that it was bartered down from six dollars, and the man doing the bartering? A street boy named P.I.G. If there were a MasterCard commercial about this watch it would most likely go something like this:
“ 1993 Casio wrist watch, three dollars. Being able to know the time, not quite priceless, but worth it.”