As we are waiting for the construction on the beauty school to finish, this week we begin with manicures. It was no surprise that the girls jumped in and wanted to work right away. They are so attentive and focused. They felt so beautiful when we were done. It also was the first day I saw most of them smile.
Another surprise has been that all of them have showed up on time. Everyday. That is not common in Kenyan culture. If someone says they will meet you at 5, they will probably show up closer to 6. Maybe even 7. This is very normal and no one thinks it is rude. In fact when you do get to where you are meeting, even if it is an hour or more late, they will have chai ready for you to drink. Then there will be an hour of talking before you get to doing what you went to do. Relationship is so important to them. Even if your friend is kept waiting for you. But our students have done so well with showing up on time and I couldn’t be happier! It shows me that they are excited to come and learn, they understand how important a career is, and they are looking forward to a better way to provide for their families.
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