In Mombasa, boys are called upon to be men at an early age. It is reflected in everything from the manner in which they talk to the things they observe and speak on. At the end of each day I would engage these young men on a variety of topics. One night I asked two young men aged 19 and 20 about their aspirations.
"Do you have any dreams?" After a brief pause, one looked to me and answered, "My dream. My dream is to have a job."
I did not expect to hear such a straightforward answer from someone so young. And so I went on to ask, "You mean like a dream job? Like a big famous artist or actor?" With a puzzled expression the young man shook his head as if he'd failed to convey his intended meaning. He looked at his friend as if to ask for assistance in relaying more than an answer, but a feeling to me.
The second young man then placed his hand on my shoulder and said, "My mom. She buys goods in Dubai and sells them in Tanzania. Then after about four weeks she comes home for two weeks before doing it again."
The young man to whom I'd originally asked the question now added, "I want to go to work today and come home to my family--today. That is my dream."
We sat in silence as I took in all that was said. In their native kiswahili one speaks to the other who asks me if I heard what was said. I reply no, and the young man says, "He says when you leave--he can cry."
I look to the one who said it and he adds, "You--if you know how much I love you man. You're a big brother. We will miss you when you leave."
I return the sentiment before standing up to retire for the night. "Tomorrow," I say. With a nod of the head, they look to me and reply, "Together."
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