Sweeping the Dirt

When I was in Sudan, I noticed women sweeping the dirt in front of their houses. I was baffled by it. Why would you sweep the dirt? It's dirt. I never got it and always thought it was silly. In Kenya, I noticed people do that too. They sweep the ground around their house. Again I wondered, what's the point? Since staying at our house in Ondiek, I have noticed my neighbors doing it everyday. It's one of the tasks the women do everyday... and usually early in the morning. Sometimes when female family members or friends come, they help do chores in the house and one thing they usually do is sweep our yard which is usually covered in flowers that fell from the tree above. I don't mind the flowers, but I guess to others it looks untidy. George even did it once when his mom was on her way over. After that, I began to feel convicted and I realized it's not silly. These women take pride in their houses, no matter where they are located or what kind of surroundings they are in. Just because they don't have a fancy lawn or yard, doesn't mean they can't present their house in the best way possible.

So last week, on a day where I felt particularly ambitious, I decided to sweep the yard. It was hard work. Their brooms are different than US brooms. Most households use one like this, not a fancy one with a long handle.



It only took me about 15 minutes, but after, my back hurt from bending over and I was sweating. It was a good lesson, though - to take care of what we have been given, no matter what situation we find ourselves in.

Before



After