Kenya and Obama

Kenya has embraced Obama almost as if he is their president. (And I know some who wish he was!) So a big thrill awaited us on inauguration day - this lovely fabric kanga arrived in the mail - sent to us from Kenya by our friends Josh and Audra! What fun!!

A kanga is a piece of cloth that is often worn as a wrap-skirt or a dress. Or used as a baby backpack.

So, the translation: "Congratulations Barack Obama. Love and peace have been given to us by God." (That comes courtesy of Pernille.)

I was amused to see the same kanga in this video.

Finally, here is a perspective from Kenya on life after the party.

Welcome, President Obama

Today is the big inauguration (as you should know).

Though Obama won't save all of mankind, I am hoping for positive things.

Welcome to the helm, President Obama! May God use you for the good, in many many ways.

The Kenyan response to Obama, part two

The President of Kenya, Mwai Kibaki, declared Thursday the 6th as a national holiday, in honor of Obama winning the US election. (This photo is from Kenya's The Nation newspaper. More photos here. And thanks to Josh for the idea.)

Heather and I were highly amused when we saw a video on CNN.com featuring a Kenyan man in western Kenya declaring that it would be very soon that Obama would fly Air Force One there [to join in their celebration]. (Obama's grandmother lives near there.)

The Kenyan response to Obama

Go here for my friend Claire's perspective on what Kenya thinks of Obama and the election.