Unwanted Gifts

I'm sure that at one point or another, you've been given a gift that wasn't exactly high on your wish list. It's not that you don't appreciate the sentiment - there is gratitude - it just happens that the item in question is somewhat less than desirable. Tuesday's second lunch (my second helping of corn while visiting women out in the countryside) was like that. Also, in spite of the food on the whole having been excellent, one or two things that were served to us for lunch throughout the week just didn't look very appetizing. I'm very thankful for the work that was poured into making these meals, and I know they was made with the right intention, but I'm a picky American.

How often does salvation fall into this category? It is given to us freely, and we know that we need it badly, but sometimes it doesn't look very appealing. "I offer you a chance to die to yourself." Hmm, no thanks. I'm not hungry for that. Maybe if I was really starving, I'd have some, or perhaps if I was more adventurous, I'd give it a try, but I'm a picky American; I know what I like and I've got what I need.

So, remember when I thought one of the women was trying to present me with a live chicken? Yeah... she was. Not only was she trying, but unbeknownst to me, she was successful. I had been officially presented with a live chicken. When we hopped out of Juma's matatu at the bus station this morning, I was quite surprised when Veronica bestowed upon me a clucking cardboard box tied with twine and punched full of holes. "Here is your chicken." she announced straightforwardly. I'm sorry, here's my what now? After brief discussion and ample laughter, I decided to give it to Veronica. "You can cook it for me next time." I quipped. After some more laughter, Veronica decided to present it as a gift to honor Salome, adding to the other chicken that had indeed been given her the other day. So my twice unwanted chicken is now riding in the cargo hold of our bus, as Salome's second chicken. I believe she plans to slaughter them both tonight. Luckless clucker can't catch a break. Good thing I didn't get to attached to it.