Pika and Piki

Kupika means “to cook”, and that is what I am learning to do!  I have received many emails since my newsletter went out last week of people concerned that I’m not eating! Haha While I appreciate your concerns, let me reassure you I have been eating plenty (mostly carbs)!  I am slowly learning how to make things from scratch here, and I’m sure I will get better with time.  Yesterday, I asked the lady who works at my house, Mama Levina, if she would teach me to cook chapati. This was exciting for two reasons:  1) I was able to communicate with her a lot better than I have in the past, and she understood exactly what I meant and 2) chapati is probably my favorite food here and she said she would be happy to teach me!

During class yesterday afternoon, I even told Mwalimu Omar that I was going to make chapati today.  He told me that when we meet again on Monday, he is going to make me explain to him in Swahili how to make it from start to finish.  Ya, I don’t know about all that.  I can barely explain it in English.  But come Monday, I will use every Swahili word I know to try!  Looks like I've got some homework for the weekend.

When I came out of my room this morning, Mama Levina was ready for me!  She had the stuff laid out and we got to work.  I mostly watched, wrote down the recipe in Swahili to the best of my ability, and took pictures.  She was a great teacher and an even better cook.

Many of you know (especially my roommates) I attempted to make chapati in the States multiple times and failed miserably!  I was told it’s something about the flour and oil here that makes it so good.  Honestly, I enjoyed learning how to make it, and definitely enjoyed getting to eat it, but I won’t be making it often because it has to be TERRIBLE for you.  Lots of butter and oil- BUT truly delicious!

Mama Levina, me, and our finished product

Chapati makes me happy!

Also today I got to pick up my piki piki!  I bought it last week, but had to get the insurance, registration, etc. for it before I was allowed to drive it on the street!  I got the phone call after my tutor left this afternoon that it was ready and I could come get it!  It is AWESOME!  I only drove it a short distance today, but I’m excited to explore the area near my house tomorrow.  The men at the workshop keep talking about how awesome it is and how fast they got it to go…. Can’t wait!  But of course, I will be careful and drive slower than them.

What do you think?  My mom was always worried that I would turn into a biker chick because I was such a wild child.  Is this what you had in mind, Mom?

I had on my blue and white shirt, with my red bike, to celebrate America today.  I am so grateful for the freedoms we have as Americans, and praying for those who don't have the same freedoms.  Enjoy a hot dog and hamburger for me today :)  BUT don't worry, I ate very well today!