Ain’t them cute: the twins conquer America

October 20, 2004 by Steve Peifer

Whenever you have an international trip, there is always one incident that makes you remember it; it happened when we went through security in Nairobi. JT’s carry-on was his saxophone, and when they opened it up, there was an interesting conversation:
Security: What is this?
JT: It is a saxophone.
Security: What is a saxophone?
JT: It is a musical instrument.
Security: You must play it in order for us to believe you.
So at ten o’clock in the evening, JT did a song for the...

Will I Still be Three in America? The Twins Contemplate the Journey to America

July 12, 2004 by Steve Peifer

Have you ever met a hero and made a fool of yourself?
A few months ago, I was leaving a school which has one textbook for every seven children, and I was in a rather foul mood. An official government procession went by, and by law, you must pull over to the side of the road, stop your engine and get out of your car.
And I counted over 15 new Mercedes.
I had one of my hitting the steering wheel of...

You Have Become an African Man

June 26, 2004 by Steve Peifer

I never expected to become friends with Margaret, but I’m grateful for it nonetheless. I began to know her when I first started buying maize and beans. I went to market myself, and could never beat her prices. She was a brilliant negotiator, and I soon started buying most of my beans from her.
When the pastor I was dealing with was transferred, Margaret started going with me to the schools. Her husband is a pastor, and because of his...

Why I Like Momma Better; the Daughter Reveals the Tragic Secret

June 18, 2004 by Steve Peifer

Truth be told, I was the older boys’ favorite when they were younger. But that is not the case with the dynamic duo, who favor Nancy to a staggering degree. I’m not threatened by this; it is a sign of their high intelligence.
However, I discovered WHY Nancy is the favorite, and I must admit to seeing a sense of relief. Katie and Ben are on a blistering pace to complete toilet training; I am now hoping they will be toilet...

Right Hand Fork, Left Hand Knife: Fine Dining in the Eighth Grade

June 1, 2004 by Steve Peifer

Kenya put their tax forms out on April 20. Taxes were due April 30. When people protested, they made a ruling that explains much about this country. Taxes were still due on the 30th, but the forms weren’t due until June 30th.
We had the annual Eighth Grade Formal recently. It’s always funny, and it’s always sad that the parents don’t get to see their guys clean up so nice. One guy was so scared about being incorrect that he wrote...

The Power and the Glory

May 12, 2004 by Steve Peifer

The visa situation wasn’t going well. We had started the process in November, and chased down every rabbit they asked us to chase We had received an email from the embassy at the end of April that included:
Your below is incorrect, and I do not appreciate being quoted on things I did not say. If you fail to provide the required documents, the case will be denied.
And:
In my experience, petitioners often hear what they want to hear, and this case...

Son of `It’s not for me, it’s for my mother’

April 25, 2004 by Steve Peifer

Long long ago I wrote about the trauma of having to buy personal items for my mother when I was a kid, and how when I had to buy them for Nancy, it got worse. It got a LOT worse last week.
We are about an hour away from shopping, so since I was in town, it was only fair that I would buy the product that she wanted. I went into the store, and looked and looked, and finally found...

And I Don’t NEED Sun Screen

April 7, 2004 by Steve Peifer

Our kids are all changing. I have this conversation with Katie almost every day:
Katie: Daddy, what color skin do you have?
Me: I have white skin.
Katie: What color skin do I have?
Me: You have beautiful black skin.
Katie: And I don’t NEED sun screen!
Whenever Nancy works on Katie’s hair, as soon as she is done, she races to the mirror to see what it looks like. That is funny in itself, because Katie’s run might remind you of Groucho Marx’s sloping walk,...

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