A Random Act of Kindness!
on Beatriz Pujol (Kenya), 03/Mar/2010 17:41, 34 days ago
The last two days had been "I hate Kenya" kind of days. Fed up, annoyed, tired. Wondering what I am doing here???Then, today, I was reminded. After a day at KISE (Kenya Institute of Special Education) assessing and referring kids with my VSO colleague, Rachael, I headed home. In town I changed buses and as I was waiting for it to fill I was trying, to no avail, to open my window to get some fresh air in. When the guy in front of me took his seat I asked him to help me. In the end, we couldn't open it. So off we went. About 5 minutes later he turned to say something to me which I could not understand. I asked him to repeat a few times, but still was not getting him.I thought he was asking to use my phone, so when he stopped asking and turned around, I let it go.The tout was taking money and I saw him give money and point to me. I wondered if he had just paid for me and then assumed that he was out of phone credit, was asking me to use my phone and paying for me in exchange? He handed me the receipt, I took it, said "thank you" and waited to see what it was he wanted.I have become so cynical and jaded that I was SURE he wanted something from me. I checked my bag that was on my lap to make sure nothing was missing. Was waiting for him to ask for my phone number or whatever else he may want.As we traveled along, I dared to think that maybe he was just being kind. Could it be? It seems like EVERYONE wants something from you in Nairobi.He got off two stops before me and didn't even look at me as he got off!! It was a Total Random Act of Kindness! He must have been asking or telling me that he was going to pay for me!When I told another VSO about it, she bet me I would see him within a week and he would want something from me!But I know better, it was the universe reminding me that I am supposed to be here and that Kenyans really are kind, warm people. They are usually just struggling along.So, now I will have to pay it forward!