Signs, Phrases, Isms and Comic Relief!

The girls and I have been wanting to write down all of the funny signs we have seen throughout our time here. There are also so many different phrases that we have come across that mean one thing here and then mean a completely other thing back home! So, Elf, Eva and I sat down and compiled a list of random, funny things that we wanted to share with you all back home! The list is not exhaustive but I hope you have fun with them!

1. "A test you will never forget."- Found on a menu in an Ethiopian Restaraunt describing an item of food.

2. "The Exciting Hotel."- A name of a hotel we saw on the side of the road.

3. "Flashing." For example, "Flash me."- A phrase used when you call someone and hang up. This technique can be used to give your friend your number but is most often used when you do not have any credit on your phone and so you call your friend, hang up and then they will call you back...this way your friend has to pay for the call and you don't.

4. "The Scrape Shop."- A store in Kibera that sells questionable goods!

5. "Sorry." -What people say to you in just about any adverse circumstance. It is especially used if you are walking on the street and you trip. Everyone around you will say, "sorry." It is kind of nice because though it is completely pointing and laughing worthy, no one does!

6. "Take Care."- Advise given just after you have hurt yourself or if there is the potential that you might hurt yourself.

7. "Poa" (Po-ah).- A shang (slang) phrase that apparently means "good" but is definitley an appropriate response to any question or greeting. When in doubt, say, "poa."

8. "Jolly Escort."- Name of a matatu (public transportation) we saw on our trip to the safari. All matatu's have names across the front of them. They are very personalized to the driver. Here is my question for the day, "If you were a matatu, what would your name be and why."

9. "Maybe I like that."- A phrase that one of our good friends uses to mean he really likes something. He never says definite "yeses" to anything but now we know he means, "yes" when he says, "maybe."

10. "Missionary Fashion".- When Elf and I first arrived we made it our goal to reach the highest level of missionary fashion. This ever-growing, envy of all, fashion is characterized by ankle-length skirts, over-sized t-shirts with no brand names, knee high athletic socks, and tennis shoes. Elf and Eva achieved the highest level of this fashion last week when they purchased straw hats equipped with an elastic chin strap and flower! They purchased them in order to keep the sun off thier faces and the chin strap was necessary in case the wind were to make them fly off thier heads! The key to missionary fashion is always to remember function over fashion!! And of course, don't forget your petticoat (slip that you wear under your ankle-length skirt)! You too can join the many missionaries around the world by bringing this fashion to your own home town! You will be the envy of all of your friends and do not be surprised (if you are single) if you recieve endless proposals for your hand in marriage!

I believe i will stop there! We hope that you enjoyed a little window into our lives here in Kenya. I promise you, if we could not laugh, i think we might go crazy! I am so thankful for these girls that never cease to keep me laughing!