Nancy and I decided where to go for “Date Night,” closed our apartment, and began walking along the Kenyan road. Every once in a while we paused to greet those in our community, to share a word and a smile.
The distant sounds of roosters were obscured by the immediate laughter of children swaying to and fro inside a neighbor’s party. The lights and sounds of the celebration seemed to beckon anyone willing to enter. Several Indo-African women pranced into the gathering with toddlers in toe. The fabrics from their silky, colorful Asian wraps seemed to flow effortlessly behind them as they walked.
Across the street stood a beautiful white mosque with ivory minarets reaching into the night sky. Lights from within the towers projected a green tint against the surrounding clouds. The sound of an Imam’s prayers could be heard over loud speakers. His distinct tenor provided a musical descant above our heads. Although unable to understand the Arabic, we appreciated the practice of prayer.
Nancy and I smiled as we considered all the beauty we witnessed walking along the road. We never imagined the diversity and multitude of cultures we would find here. Our evening stroll gave us a glimpse of the different ethnicities, religions and nationalities present in the Nairobi community. Our “Date Night” became a moment for us to pause and appreciate each other and all those who live around us.
Posted on May 31st, 2009 by Shelvis
Filed under: Uncategorized