So today I thought to myself, "Why not try something new...?" Lets create this blog and see how it goes. Mostly I just realized how much I dislike writing in a physical "journal," so here it goes.
I've been in Kenya doing an abroad rotation since October 1st, and maybe I should have started this then...I think that there are a few "somethings new" I have experienced while being here. 
1) Time. As Americans it seems like promptness is valued at times to the extreme. I came into this rotation expecting, as is usually expected of me, that on time meant early. As in, if we want to start things at 8 am better be there by 7:45. It seems like one thing I learned from this is how to be more patient. God unfortunately didn't endow me with much of this, so I've had to gain it all through experiences like this one. None have prepared me as well as when someone says, "I'll meet you at 8," and by about 9 I'm not even worried that I am in the wrong place.
2) Self. Americans emphasize this idea of "person" and "personal growth" and "how can I be ______ (insert word such as better, richer, happier, etc) and "how can I get here faster." You get my drift. Notice the focus on one's own self. Kenya seems to be different, but not in the way I would have expected necessarily. Of course people want to grow, develop, prosper, get where they are going to, etc., but they haven't forgotten to take care of each other while doing it. I'm not saying that Americans are mean, nasty, rude, and step on toes all the time, because I don't think that is our intention. I'm just saying we forget how nice it is to hear, "hello, how are you today?" before whatever it is that we need. People here genuinely say hello, how are you, how was your day, and even give a hand shake. THEN they ask for help, directions, etc etc. It might seem silly, but just pay attention to how people greet each other back home, even when you approach the guy at the fast food joint who's taking your order. Do you smile, shake his hand, ask him about his day, and then and only then request your food? I know I don't. But maybe I should.
3) Food. Food is different here. Obviously. I'm in a foreign country. DUH. 

At least I was expecting #3 before I came:-)