Wanja Kavengi
The wonder of my life, the juice of it, is the strangers who love me, and those that have loved me, through their kindness and generosity, in deed and in speech.
The beauty of my life is not me, but others; angels who have appeared exactly when I needed them, even when I didn’t know I needed them. I am where I am today; and I was where I was yesterday; and I will be where I will be tomorrow, not because of my own genius, but because of the kindness of other people – their outstretched arms, their steady shoulders, their solid feet, their warm hearts. Indeed, I’m a child of the world.
I am grateful for all the people who have sent me money to enable me settle well in Kilifi, at least before I receive my first salary. I’m grateful for the bed that was donated to me. I only slept on the floor one night – the Sunday I came. I’m grateful for the best wishes, the congratulations, the “I’ve been there toos,” the “I’m happy for yous.”
I’m grateful for the person who paid for the printing of 200 copies of HUNGER, in March. I’m repaying that kindness with every copy sold. Which means I’m grateful for book enquiries and purchases. Copies are still available at Nuria Bookstore and at a pick-up office in town. And for those who appreciate signed copies, call/text/WhatsApp me on +254702723310.
I’m grateful to Between the LINES Bookclub for reading and discussing HUNGER and for the feedback I’ve received so far. I want to form a book club here in Kilifi. Where do I start?
Last but not least, I’m grateful for the person who broke wind at the cashier line in the supermarket. That nuclear bomb caused a commotion which started at the second last Till, then traveled from queue to queue like a malevolent spirit, scattering men, women and children in all directions like the Tower of Babel. The entire economy of the supermarket came to a standstill. Shopping carts were abandoned, machines stopped beeping, the stench was eye-watering, but it made for a good laugh.
But I didn’t know that laughing would make everyone think it was me.
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