Love....
Monday, February 23, 2009
Pictures!
You all should be able to click on this link and see some photos from the trip! Enjoy and thank you all so much for following and praying! I could not have done it without your support.
What I (dont) know...
I guess my trip was really nothing like I envisioned... Good thing I dont know everything (I actually found this to be a common theme on my trip- me, not knowing everything....).
First I should say, I am so thankful. I have no reason not to be. I am thankful for my Kenyan family; for Maggie, a wonderful, strong, giving woman. Thankful for the relationships I built with the kids there, and the other volunteers. Even people from my own country gave me new insight about myself and the World. Ive heard so many people say it about their volunteer trips, but I just didnt think that it would apply to me: "The trip affected me more than I affected the people I was with." Now, really I dont know this for sure. I can say that, no, I didnt see any amazing, life changing moments that occurred directly because of me while I was there- but, flowers dont bloom in a day. I do know that I helped to plant seeds though. We helped bring revolutionary ideas: ideas like women can be smart, and have a place in society, outside of the home. Ideas like how independent thought is good and necessary, and should be explored! Like how having a God is exciting and powerful, not just rules from a book or punishments for not following them. Like how God loves us, and wants to be loved too. I know that those seeds are there.... now I just have to pray for rain.
We did see some exciting things- Kathy and I bought pens, pencils and exercise books for the whole school. It was great to know that none of the kids had to pretend to write with the tip of his finger anymore. (Special thanks to Mom & Dad, Nate & Heather, Jon, and Steve & Gile for funds for this!) In a school where 6 students share 1 textbook, I got to hand out storybooks, poetry and Bibles. (Thank you to Rachel, Debby, Brad, and Brooke for that!) And even the small gifts meant the world to kids who have nothing.
I didnt cry much in Kenya (quite a feat for me, actually), but there was one thing that I saw that really tore me up. I had a second family there, Beatrice, my other mom- the one I (attempted to) help get water, and her 2 kids, Mary and Collins. Beatrice's husband left her with the children, and no job or money or place to live. So my mom, Maggie, had an extra house on the land where the clinic is, and insisted that Beatrice bring the kids and come live there with her. It saved Beatrice. Being able to host volunteers is a great way for Maasai families to create some type of income (since they get 500 Kenyan Shillings ksg a day to feed/house them). Maggie has been hosting for over a year, but Beatrice just got her first volunteer while I was there- it was so exciting! It meant a lot for her. One day I went to the house to see Jenny, the volunteer who was living with my family. I asked her where Beatrice's bed was, since Jenny had been given Bea's old room. She pointed me to the room where the kids used to sleep, so I asked where their bed was now. It was behind a sheet hung in the main room. I pulled back the sheet, and thats when I welled up. It was a metal frame, with something like trampoline springs stretched between the beams, and a 1/2" thick foam blanket draped across part of it. Surely, this could not be what these two, happy, loving, life-filled children slept on every night! I was so overwhelmed with sadness, but at the same time, shame. That shame where you think, yeah, I did get mad today when that lady stole my parking spot at the movie (that I paid $10 to go see). Life for this family was so great, nothing to complain about- because they had each other. They are alive! And so thankful for it.... Why dont I live like that? Even being there, you forget that these people have nothing because their faces dont tell that story. They tell you that they are happy to be alive, and excited that you are there to share that with them. They say thank you and welcome.
I wish that I had nothing but positive things to say about my trip. I couldnt honestly say that though. It was nothing about my family, nothing about IVHQ, just, well, Ill just take this one straight out of my journal:
"I can honestly say that Kenya brought me to a rude awakening as far as what I thought about humanity. I mean I do have faith in some humanity- but even as I write this, I see the flaw in my reasoning. Faith shouldnt rest in people. We are only here for a short time, we are as frail as breath, how can we have faith put in us?! But back to humanity... I thought people would be genuinely thankful for 'things', but I rarely (none come to mind) saw that. It was mainly an attitude of "more", or "mine", or "me", or "personal gain". I guess I thought those who had none would be happy with some, but here was just a need for more. Which is also a weird contrast to the materialism you (dont) see. When we gave the supplies to the kids at school, many of them lied the next week and said that they didnt get anything. And then by the next week I found that some kids actually didnt have anything to write with. I asked them what they had done with their materials, "I lost it" they said. I feel like if I didnt have something that I really wanted, and then got it- I wouldnt lose it. Simon (host dad) described the Kenyan mentality as "African money"- you have it today, and its gone tomorrow. I think this actually says a lot about this culture and way of life. Its like whatever benefits someone today is the only important thing. Tomorrow is not a thought in anyone's mind. If a personal gain is attained by hurting someone, its fine because they dont think about the need for that relationship later. There is no saving for tomorrow or next week. Its in hand today, gone tomorrow. This is really well illustrated by some Canadians that I met while I was there. They were volunteering in Tanzania and also working with a school project that decided to purchase supplies for the students. They had to personally give each thing to the students and have a talk with they about how this is their gift- no one can take it away- not teachers, parents, no one! Apparently, they had had supplies bought in the past and teachers and some parents took the supplies and re-sold them for their own profit. To steal from a child's education is to truly rob your country of any potential for a positive change in the future."
In a country where the word 'corruption' is in the newspaper everyday, you would just assume that maybe it was a big deal, not a regular occurrence. But I guess since its slapped all over the papers, its not that big of a deal either. I really cant even get into all the corruption that I saw when I was there, it is absolutely everywhere. Its in their blood, its just a way of life- survival. Its so sad, but its just how it is. When you ask the kids what they want to do when they grow up, its almost always "be the new president of Kenya, and fight corruption". They know its a problem! Ask a 5th grader in the states what corruption is, see what they come up with.
But with all that, I love the Kenyan people. I love Kenya. I truly loved the trip. I learned so much about myself, like that Im so very selfish. But not big selfish things- little, dumb things! Like not wanting to let the kids in my room because I just want 5 minutes of alone time, or not wanting to share a silly, frivolous thing with the whole house. Im embarrassed to even write it, but I think that will make me deal with it.
Values of Maasai culture that just got it right:
Service: Especially the women. They serve, and serve and never complain. (Those who want to be first, must be last...) But you dont serve to become great, you serve out of love and respect.
Time: What is time anyway? Just relax and enjoy! If things arent done in your time, well, life goes on. Its a good thing life doesnt revolve around us.
Work: Although I think kids should be allowed to be kids, I kind of like (to a certain extent) the work ethic that Maasai kids have. Its good to want to work hard and do well in life! But fun, well thats important too....
I dont believe that life is a series of events, randomly put together, like beads on a string. I think that its more than that, that each moment can carry possibilities for moments to come later in life. That details that we dont know are important now can be monumental pieces to the puzzle later. I think this trip was a huge piece to my puzzle. I am so thankful for the heart for Africa God has given me. I know the effects of this trip are just beginning and Im excited to see where they run from here. Africa, I will miss you, but Im sure this is not goodbye.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Homecoming
Jambo to all!
So this is just going to be a short post to let you all know that Im doing really great, but just now got to a computer (its been a while, I know!). But Ill be putting up a nice, big trip wrap up post when I get home this week.
Africa has been everything I thought it would be, and nothing like I thought, all at the same time. I have done so much, but really just skimmed the surface. I learned so much about myself, good and bad. And mostly, I cant wait to come back!
A quote before I go:
"They say the heart is small, but it can accommodate the whole world."
-Maggie (at a Chinese restaurant, soooo appropriate!)
See you soooon!
Nash
So this is just going to be a short post to let you all know that Im doing really great, but just now got to a computer (its been a while, I know!). But Ill be putting up a nice, big trip wrap up post when I get home this week.
Africa has been everything I thought it would be, and nothing like I thought, all at the same time. I have done so much, but really just skimmed the surface. I learned so much about myself, good and bad. And mostly, I cant wait to come back!
A quote before I go:
"They say the heart is small, but it can accommodate the whole world."
-Maggie (at a Chinese restaurant, soooo appropriate!)
See you soooon!
Nash
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Greed (n.)
Greed: An excessive desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth.
Greed is a catalyst for so many problems in the world. Its like the trunk to a tree-ful of issues, so many leaves fall off of this tree. I have always thought of greed as a sin, but its in my face so openly now. Just blatant greed. Its a selfish, human trait. It hurts, separates, kills, and alienates. There was an oil truck that spilled and the subsequent actions killed over 120 humans. People rushed to where the truck spilled to try to collect the petrol for themselves, and the police tried to keep them away. One man became so infuriated that he couldnt have it, he decided that no one could. He lit a match and threw it at the police officer- killing both himself and the officer, and over 100 more. Just greed.
Patience with joy: Thank God for this. (Especially here!) I cant even describe the level of calm and relaxation I feel here. (For those of you who really know me, you know Im never late, always prepared, always on top of it! And stressed if Im not!) But I dont have to be here. I can just let things happen- and Im totally fine with it! This Im sure I can attribute to all of you who have been fervently praying for me while Im here. But the feeling that 'everything will be fine, everything will work itself out *sigh* its so nice. My patience has grown and I know a new side of letting life just happen- and life still goes on. (Isnt it funny how that stuff happens....)
A few really cool things happened this week, a major one being able to help distribute food to a community of Maasai people. A Mennonite group (MCC) is doing a Work for Food program and our community members completed the work- so the food arrived this week. I spoke with the couple that is in charge of the Kenyan arm of the organization and asked them if they planned this because of the famine (which is driving up prices and causing people to go hungry). They said it was all planned out far before that (why does that surprise me anymore?!). Its so awesome how things like that work out. They'll be back this coming week to give out more too.
School is back to its regular (slow) pace. Im not teaching level 6 English and level 7 CRE. Love my classes. Ill be really sad to leave. The kids are just so happy to have some love in the classrooms (especially since we were told to 'cane' the kids if they misbehaved). They are sooo well behaved! All you have to do it look at them, and they know they should be quiet. Even with how much I love it, and how great the kids are, I have a HUGE new-found appreciation for teachers! Not just the actual lessons, but time spent grading papers, planning lessons; its a big job. So thank you teachers!
I love Kenya. But I miss the states. Im excited to come home and share all that Im really not able to share here. Please, keep praying! Just 13 more days! Amazing things have happened in shorter amounts of time....
Love-
Nash
Greed is a catalyst for so many problems in the world. Its like the trunk to a tree-ful of issues, so many leaves fall off of this tree. I have always thought of greed as a sin, but its in my face so openly now. Just blatant greed. Its a selfish, human trait. It hurts, separates, kills, and alienates. There was an oil truck that spilled and the subsequent actions killed over 120 humans. People rushed to where the truck spilled to try to collect the petrol for themselves, and the police tried to keep them away. One man became so infuriated that he couldnt have it, he decided that no one could. He lit a match and threw it at the police officer- killing both himself and the officer, and over 100 more. Just greed.
Patience with joy: Thank God for this. (Especially here!) I cant even describe the level of calm and relaxation I feel here. (For those of you who really know me, you know Im never late, always prepared, always on top of it! And stressed if Im not!) But I dont have to be here. I can just let things happen- and Im totally fine with it! This Im sure I can attribute to all of you who have been fervently praying for me while Im here. But the feeling that 'everything will be fine, everything will work itself out *sigh* its so nice. My patience has grown and I know a new side of letting life just happen- and life still goes on. (Isnt it funny how that stuff happens....)
A few really cool things happened this week, a major one being able to help distribute food to a community of Maasai people. A Mennonite group (MCC) is doing a Work for Food program and our community members completed the work- so the food arrived this week. I spoke with the couple that is in charge of the Kenyan arm of the organization and asked them if they planned this because of the famine (which is driving up prices and causing people to go hungry). They said it was all planned out far before that (why does that surprise me anymore?!). Its so awesome how things like that work out. They'll be back this coming week to give out more too.
School is back to its regular (slow) pace. Im not teaching level 6 English and level 7 CRE. Love my classes. Ill be really sad to leave. The kids are just so happy to have some love in the classrooms (especially since we were told to 'cane' the kids if they misbehaved). They are sooo well behaved! All you have to do it look at them, and they know they should be quiet. Even with how much I love it, and how great the kids are, I have a HUGE new-found appreciation for teachers! Not just the actual lessons, but time spent grading papers, planning lessons; its a big job. So thank you teachers!
I love Kenya. But I miss the states. Im excited to come home and share all that Im really not able to share here. Please, keep praying! Just 13 more days! Amazing things have happened in shorter amounts of time....
Love-
Nash
Friday, January 30, 2009
First Wives Club
"Life is lived when tiny changes occur."
-Tolstoy
The strike is over! Yay! Monday the kids start school back as normal. (I have no idea what was decided as far as salary and such, I just know its over.) This past week was quite nice though. We set up for the level 8 kids to come to school (in secret) and work on their studies with us. It was so fantastic. I taught Social Studies/ Geography, and Christian Religion Education, CRE. The biggest challenge that we found is that there is zero independent thought in schools. If the teacher says it, its absolute truth. So on friday, I did a lesson about thinking for yourself and always questioning things that dont 'sit well with you'. It took quite a few examples and about 10 minutes of discussion for them to get it. I put a list of 15 words on the board and asked the class if each thing was good or bad. Most were easy- drugs, lies; but some- money, posed challenges. They said money is always good. I asked what if you stole money from someone, they got quiet. I said what if your only goal in life is to get more, more, more money? Then they started to disagree with each other, which was great! They were thinking on their own! It was the best feeling to explain an idea, and have it start to play out in front of me. I told them that after they leave school and leave their parents, there will be no one to tell them what is right/wrong good/bad and they have to decide this for themselves, and they need to start practicing now. For most of them, this is their last year of school, which makes it so scary that this is the first time most of them have thought to disagree with something that they have been told in school.
(Like, the teachers there taught them that when the British colonists came over to settle in Kenya, they brought AIDS, and therefore they hate Brits for this.)
When you come to a country that is in a "malaria zone" you have to take some type of anti-malaria medicine. I had heard about the side effects concerning some of these meds, but Im not normally effected by stuff like this- not this time. One of the side effects is vivid and realistic dreams- which I love! My dreams have been so interesting and lifelike- its really fun. But.... I think this medicine has also caused my mind to manifest other things. At home, I am not afraid of the dark at all. But, here, I am terrified some nights. My fear of the dark has been quite crippling at some points. It seems silly now, to even write about, but once the sun goes down and one of my senses is removed, its serious! The moon doesnt come up most nights until after I go to bed, so there is a point when it is completely dark. No lights, no towns, no electricity. I have a good walk from the house to the latrine, and most times, Kathy has to come with me. If I go alone, I begin to think of the things that would scare me, (soooo dumb, not things I should be scared of, like leopards!) and then I hear someone coming up behind me, I spin around and shine my light there, only to hear the noise behind me again! When I whirl around again, I find the source of my fears to be nothing more than an old bread bag rustling in the wind. One night, I go up to go to the bathroom, and thought a tree was a giraffe and almost had a heart attack. Laughable now, but my mind is going crazy at night. But, in all this, I found my 'night power verse': "The Lord is my Light and my salvation- so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger- so why should I tremble?" Psalm 27:1 Im working on it....
God is so cool about speaking to me in ways I truly understand. I just finished this book, "Closer Than Your Skin", (thanks to Sarah Johnston for giving it to me!) and in the book, the author says, "When He says something to you, it will be in your own language, significant in a personal and specific kind of way. It will be exactly what you need to hear." Thats just what I feel here- in so many kinds of ways. And its not that I didnt feel like that at home, I just have less distraction here, (and if Im really going to be honest, have opened myself up to more here). For instance, at church this week, the pastor talked about discarding sin as "filthy rags". Would you take off your dirty clothes, and bathe yourself clean, only to put back on the same dirty shirt and ruddy pants? You have no idea how filthy I am here, so this spoke to me so much. I get to shower about once a week, and that feeling of cleanliness doesnt last long, mainly because sandals dont allow for clean feet. But what a visual I got! It made sense. And 'joy' has always been an important, kind of power word in my life. I have no reason to ever not feel this amazing emotion, I am so blessed. And those blessings are reiterated through this word joy. Like, my Maasai name- means one filled with joy. Then a little girl with the same name just came up to me and gave me a beautiful yellow beaded bracelet, that I now call my joy reminder. In class at school, one of the kids said "you are always happy!", so encouraging to me! Its just so amazing...
One of the most exciting ways Ive been spending my time here has been working with Kathy and Maggie on creating a women's co-op here. I call it the First Wives Club, because its made up of first wives who's husbands have moved onto their 2nd or 3rd wives (they practice polygamy here) and they no longer have an income to take care of themselves or children. We want to import the beautiful Maasai jewelry to the states and have 2 (or however many) shops host some of these gifts. The profits would go directly back to the women who make the jewelry, enabling them to take care of themselves, send their children to school, and break the cycle of poverty in the 'man'-powered Maasai community. If the women can afford to send their daughters to more schooling, then the daughters have the opportunity to get good jobs and not have to just be first wives and mothers who have to struggle. Ooohhhh! We're so excited. (More to come on this, you can be sure!)
Next weekend is Safari! And the last 3 days before I come home, Im taking a mini vaca to Lamu on the coast with Kathy and another volunteer, Tif. Yay for girls weekend!
Maggie's word of the week:
"If God says yes, no one can say no."
A few notes for donors:
For those of you who donated money: THANK YOU!!! Here's how some of your funds have been used so far:
-A community water tank! (Water is pumped in and the community has full access!)
-School supplies for all of Saikeri Pri School (400+ kids!)
-Exercise books for all of Saikeri Pri School
And thanks again for everyone who's continuing to pray and send me the wonderfully supportive emails and messages! I love you guys! And I miss you mom and dad!!! *muah* love you
B
PS- if one more person tells me how good Lost is, I'll go crazy. I cant wait to watch it when I get home! haha, actually I did see one episode playing on a tv here, but it was from season 2 and featured Ana Lucia.... probably the worst episode ever aired of Lost
-Tolstoy
The strike is over! Yay! Monday the kids start school back as normal. (I have no idea what was decided as far as salary and such, I just know its over.) This past week was quite nice though. We set up for the level 8 kids to come to school (in secret) and work on their studies with us. It was so fantastic. I taught Social Studies/ Geography, and Christian Religion Education, CRE. The biggest challenge that we found is that there is zero independent thought in schools. If the teacher says it, its absolute truth. So on friday, I did a lesson about thinking for yourself and always questioning things that dont 'sit well with you'. It took quite a few examples and about 10 minutes of discussion for them to get it. I put a list of 15 words on the board and asked the class if each thing was good or bad. Most were easy- drugs, lies; but some- money, posed challenges. They said money is always good. I asked what if you stole money from someone, they got quiet. I said what if your only goal in life is to get more, more, more money? Then they started to disagree with each other, which was great! They were thinking on their own! It was the best feeling to explain an idea, and have it start to play out in front of me. I told them that after they leave school and leave their parents, there will be no one to tell them what is right/wrong good/bad and they have to decide this for themselves, and they need to start practicing now. For most of them, this is their last year of school, which makes it so scary that this is the first time most of them have thought to disagree with something that they have been told in school.
(Like, the teachers there taught them that when the British colonists came over to settle in Kenya, they brought AIDS, and therefore they hate Brits for this.)
When you come to a country that is in a "malaria zone" you have to take some type of anti-malaria medicine. I had heard about the side effects concerning some of these meds, but Im not normally effected by stuff like this- not this time. One of the side effects is vivid and realistic dreams- which I love! My dreams have been so interesting and lifelike- its really fun. But.... I think this medicine has also caused my mind to manifest other things. At home, I am not afraid of the dark at all. But, here, I am terrified some nights. My fear of the dark has been quite crippling at some points. It seems silly now, to even write about, but once the sun goes down and one of my senses is removed, its serious! The moon doesnt come up most nights until after I go to bed, so there is a point when it is completely dark. No lights, no towns, no electricity. I have a good walk from the house to the latrine, and most times, Kathy has to come with me. If I go alone, I begin to think of the things that would scare me, (soooo dumb, not things I should be scared of, like leopards!) and then I hear someone coming up behind me, I spin around and shine my light there, only to hear the noise behind me again! When I whirl around again, I find the source of my fears to be nothing more than an old bread bag rustling in the wind. One night, I go up to go to the bathroom, and thought a tree was a giraffe and almost had a heart attack. Laughable now, but my mind is going crazy at night. But, in all this, I found my 'night power verse': "The Lord is my Light and my salvation- so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger- so why should I tremble?" Psalm 27:1 Im working on it....
God is so cool about speaking to me in ways I truly understand. I just finished this book, "Closer Than Your Skin", (thanks to Sarah Johnston for giving it to me!) and in the book, the author says, "When He says something to you, it will be in your own language, significant in a personal and specific kind of way. It will be exactly what you need to hear." Thats just what I feel here- in so many kinds of ways. And its not that I didnt feel like that at home, I just have less distraction here, (and if Im really going to be honest, have opened myself up to more here). For instance, at church this week, the pastor talked about discarding sin as "filthy rags". Would you take off your dirty clothes, and bathe yourself clean, only to put back on the same dirty shirt and ruddy pants? You have no idea how filthy I am here, so this spoke to me so much. I get to shower about once a week, and that feeling of cleanliness doesnt last long, mainly because sandals dont allow for clean feet. But what a visual I got! It made sense. And 'joy' has always been an important, kind of power word in my life. I have no reason to ever not feel this amazing emotion, I am so blessed. And those blessings are reiterated through this word joy. Like, my Maasai name- means one filled with joy. Then a little girl with the same name just came up to me and gave me a beautiful yellow beaded bracelet, that I now call my joy reminder. In class at school, one of the kids said "you are always happy!", so encouraging to me! Its just so amazing...
One of the most exciting ways Ive been spending my time here has been working with Kathy and Maggie on creating a women's co-op here. I call it the First Wives Club, because its made up of first wives who's husbands have moved onto their 2nd or 3rd wives (they practice polygamy here) and they no longer have an income to take care of themselves or children. We want to import the beautiful Maasai jewelry to the states and have 2 (or however many) shops host some of these gifts. The profits would go directly back to the women who make the jewelry, enabling them to take care of themselves, send their children to school, and break the cycle of poverty in the 'man'-powered Maasai community. If the women can afford to send their daughters to more schooling, then the daughters have the opportunity to get good jobs and not have to just be first wives and mothers who have to struggle. Ooohhhh! We're so excited. (More to come on this, you can be sure!)
Next weekend is Safari! And the last 3 days before I come home, Im taking a mini vaca to Lamu on the coast with Kathy and another volunteer, Tif. Yay for girls weekend!
Maggie's word of the week:
"If God says yes, no one can say no."
A few notes for donors:
For those of you who donated money: THANK YOU!!! Here's how some of your funds have been used so far:
-A community water tank! (Water is pumped in and the community has full access!)
-School supplies for all of Saikeri Pri School (400+ kids!)
-Exercise books for all of Saikeri Pri School
And thanks again for everyone who's continuing to pray and send me the wonderfully supportive emails and messages! I love you guys! And I miss you mom and dad!!! *muah* love you
B
PS- if one more person tells me how good Lost is, I'll go crazy. I cant wait to watch it when I get home! haha, actually I did see one episode playing on a tv here, but it was from season 2 and featured Ana Lucia.... probably the worst episode ever aired of Lost
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Sawa, sawa Same, same
**Revised!!**
I had not planned on being able to write so often, so this is quite nice. But I think this may be my last post for about a week, so Ill try to make it a good one!
Week 1 of the strike is over, and no one knows how long it will last. Its very hard to teach school when the kids dont come. But this has afforded me other opportunities. For instance yesterday, I worked with Maggie in the clinic. Thursday is immunization day and prenatal day. So, I got to mix up vaccines in needles to be administered (no, I have never done anything like this before, but HIPPA laws do not exist here.) I also took pregnant women's BP's and listened to a baby's heartbeat. It was so faint, for 2 reasons: 1, the mother had been very sick, and was under nourished, as well as dehydrated; and 2 we have to listen with this ear tube thing. There is absolutely no electricity here, so everything is done manually. The cooler where the vaccines are kept, is kept cool with freezer bags that the health department brings every week. Its quite primitive, but works. We also handed out more mosquito nets and gave the babies shots. A few days ago a motorbike pulled up to the clinic and a man carried a limp woman in (we always assume its dehydration, as thats most common here). So Maggie treated her, and soon a truck came and took her and 4 other people away. Afterwards I asked her what happened, she said "She has tried to poison herself! She so crazy!" I really never thought about suicide in the area I live! In the states you think about it, but it just never occurred to me here. She is from another tribe and married a Maasai man. In Maasai culture, a man can have many wives, but not where she comes from. So, when her husband took another wife, she is left alone to take care of her 2 kids. She has no income, and has to try to scrape by. She was just done with everything. There wasnt much we could do for her in the clinic, so Maggie tried to neutralize the poison and sent her to the nearest hospital. They got back about 6 hours later, and she was alive! But unfortunately, her life is the same.
Its so interesting how being somewhere like this can really change people. I think before I came I really assumed that everyone who would be here volunteering would be 'just like me.' I mean, if they have the same heart for the same people- they're the same as me, right? Its amazing how different all the volunteers here are! Its also amazing how much these type of trips change the volunteers, as much as the people we're working with. A quote from one the of the girls here:
"All my (atheist) friends at home are going to be so mad at me when I go back! I just cant come across the world and see the difference in climate and people and everything and think that this can all happen by chance. Its hard not to believe."
Water.... oh, water. So, there is a women, Beatrice, who lives alone with her 2 small children near us. A few days ago, I saw her walking with them and carrying a few water buckets. So I asked if I could go help her. She looked at me like I was crazy, but let me come. Its about a 1/2 mile walk to the "machine" (the pump for water), the walk there is easy, all downhill, but the walk back is dreadful! The first time we went down, I took a 3 gallon bucket, and it wasnt so bad. So when we got back to the house, and she started to go again, I just followed. This time, I took a 5 gallon jug though (bad idea). You have to take the jug down, and fill it, then put a strap through the side, and put the strap on your forehead and the jug on your back, and walk. It was so very hard. Its about 40lbs of water on your head. I didnt think I was going to be able to walk back up the hill. And Im not a lazy person! Beatrice was so thankful though, and I told her I would help her again, but probably only 1 trip next time.
(This is when the power went off at the cyber cafe, but the computers were on generators, so it gave us a few extra minutes to save.)
Sometimes I get a bit frustrated when I see certain projects being done around here. One of the headmasters wanted a fence built at his school, but the kids there had no shoes, or pencils or books. Why build a fence!? Or a school wanted glass put in the windows, but the people in that village have absolutely no water! But, what Ive been learning is that everyone's heart is connected to something different. If everyone cared for the people without water in Kenya, there would be a lot of problems that would go unsolved. So, its like a puzzle, where all the pieces fit together. And when everyone works for what their heart is guiding them to, the puzzle can become complete. (And what a nice picture it can be!) And "no work that is ever done for the Lord is ever useless."
Strike is still on, but on monday all of the year 8 kids (thats the highest level of basic education here) are suppose to come to school to be able to work with us. This will be so nice! I cant wait!! We have lots of supplies waiting for them, so that'll be a nice surprise too.
Yesterday Kathy (this wonderful girl who is here from the states also) and I were walking back from a project in a nearby town, and trying to catch a matatu. We figured that it wouldnt take more than an hour, maybe 90 minutes, so we just started walking. We walked 10 miles- all the way home. It took us 3.5 hours, and we are quite sore today. Then, when we got home, we werent there for more than 5 minutes, and I got stung by an african bee. It was on my finger, and its a bit swollen today, but Ill live. haha We're about to go to Nairobi soon, and have decided that we will get milkshakes, and that will make us feel better.
On wednesday one of the girls who is Kenyan, but moved to Belgium is coming back with her mother- and we are slaughtering 2 goats. I really am excited, but really nervous too! There was something said about drinking blood.... I dont know about all that.... But it'll still be a huge celebration!
A few notes about my life here:
I live in a room with another girl, Maria (Massana). Actually, we are bedmates, but we have sleeping bags, and we're not sleeping on cardboard boxes (yes, thats normal), so its quite nice.
We eat 3 times a day. Its really way too much. And the climate is so hot that most of the time you can only have a very small portion because your body is just not hungry. And its ALL starch.
At our compound at nice it sooo safe. No only because we are out in the middle of no where, but there are 2 Maasai men who stay up all night and watch over our manyatta. Its a quite nice feeling.
Mzungu- white person. You can use this to gauge when locals are talking about you in kimaasai or kiswahili. "blah blah blah mzungu blah blah blah", yes that's about you, since we are the ONLY white people here. There are 6 of us in all of Maasailand.
To go to town, we have to catch a matatu at 6am. For those of you who dont know exactly what they are, its a very small truck (think chevy s10) that they pile a TON of people in. We ride for about 90 minutes, and it costs us 80ksh (about $1.10). You have to wrap yourself in a leso (a lightweight cloth that keeps out sun and dirt) or else look like a crazy Mzungu all day, since you will be covered in red dust. This morning we had 30 people (Im not exaggerating at all, counted), and a full grown cow. Its.... interesting.
A final note:
Maggie's brother was attacked 18 months ago by a leopard. We asked her why he got attacked. Here's the story (as told by her):
"A man was tending his cows when a hungry leopard came and tried to eat one. The Maasai man tried to fight the leopard but his hand was bitten right off! But he scared away the cat. Then the village men tried to run after it and kill it, but while the leopard was running and sooo scared, he ran into my brother, and ate his leg and bit his face. I was tending the first man when they brought my brother, and I fainted! We took them to the hospital in Karen (about 1:45 hours away) and they almost died."
We asked her why didnt the man just let the cat alone, he wouldnt have lost his hand. She said:
"Maasai men would rather die than lose a cow. If a cow is lost, he will stay out all night looking for it, even if its a small goat. He would rather die fighting a wild animal than to lose one of his own." (Sounds like someone you know.....?)
If you are interested in sponsoring a secondary school kid (these are the ones who really really want to go to school, and are so smart! They just dont have the funds to go):
Its about $300 a year, and just email me (brit2afc@hotmail.com), and I'll give you all the info. Several kids will write letters and you can pick which one you want. You'll get a picture and the money will either be send straight to the school or to their family, whichever you prefer.
Fav verse right now:
"If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the most high your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling. For He orders His angels to protect you where ever you go. They will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone.
You will trample down lions and poisonous snakes; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The Lord says, 'I WILL rescue those who love me. I WILL protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I WILL answer; I WILL be with them in trouble. I WILL rescue them and honor them, I WILL satisfy them with a long life, and I WILL give them my salvation.' "
Psalm 91:9-16
I had not planned on being able to write so often, so this is quite nice. But I think this may be my last post for about a week, so Ill try to make it a good one!
Week 1 of the strike is over, and no one knows how long it will last. Its very hard to teach school when the kids dont come. But this has afforded me other opportunities. For instance yesterday, I worked with Maggie in the clinic. Thursday is immunization day and prenatal day. So, I got to mix up vaccines in needles to be administered (no, I have never done anything like this before, but HIPPA laws do not exist here.) I also took pregnant women's BP's and listened to a baby's heartbeat. It was so faint, for 2 reasons: 1, the mother had been very sick, and was under nourished, as well as dehydrated; and 2 we have to listen with this ear tube thing. There is absolutely no electricity here, so everything is done manually. The cooler where the vaccines are kept, is kept cool with freezer bags that the health department brings every week. Its quite primitive, but works. We also handed out more mosquito nets and gave the babies shots. A few days ago a motorbike pulled up to the clinic and a man carried a limp woman in (we always assume its dehydration, as thats most common here). So Maggie treated her, and soon a truck came and took her and 4 other people away. Afterwards I asked her what happened, she said "She has tried to poison herself! She so crazy!" I really never thought about suicide in the area I live! In the states you think about it, but it just never occurred to me here. She is from another tribe and married a Maasai man. In Maasai culture, a man can have many wives, but not where she comes from. So, when her husband took another wife, she is left alone to take care of her 2 kids. She has no income, and has to try to scrape by. She was just done with everything. There wasnt much we could do for her in the clinic, so Maggie tried to neutralize the poison and sent her to the nearest hospital. They got back about 6 hours later, and she was alive! But unfortunately, her life is the same.
Its so interesting how being somewhere like this can really change people. I think before I came I really assumed that everyone who would be here volunteering would be 'just like me.' I mean, if they have the same heart for the same people- they're the same as me, right? Its amazing how different all the volunteers here are! Its also amazing how much these type of trips change the volunteers, as much as the people we're working with. A quote from one the of the girls here:
"All my (atheist) friends at home are going to be so mad at me when I go back! I just cant come across the world and see the difference in climate and people and everything and think that this can all happen by chance. Its hard not to believe."
Water.... oh, water. So, there is a women, Beatrice, who lives alone with her 2 small children near us. A few days ago, I saw her walking with them and carrying a few water buckets. So I asked if I could go help her. She looked at me like I was crazy, but let me come. Its about a 1/2 mile walk to the "machine" (the pump for water), the walk there is easy, all downhill, but the walk back is dreadful! The first time we went down, I took a 3 gallon bucket, and it wasnt so bad. So when we got back to the house, and she started to go again, I just followed. This time, I took a 5 gallon jug though (bad idea). You have to take the jug down, and fill it, then put a strap through the side, and put the strap on your forehead and the jug on your back, and walk. It was so very hard. Its about 40lbs of water on your head. I didnt think I was going to be able to walk back up the hill. And Im not a lazy person! Beatrice was so thankful though, and I told her I would help her again, but probably only 1 trip next time.
(This is when the power went off at the cyber cafe, but the computers were on generators, so it gave us a few extra minutes to save.)
Sometimes I get a bit frustrated when I see certain projects being done around here. One of the headmasters wanted a fence built at his school, but the kids there had no shoes, or pencils or books. Why build a fence!? Or a school wanted glass put in the windows, but the people in that village have absolutely no water! But, what Ive been learning is that everyone's heart is connected to something different. If everyone cared for the people without water in Kenya, there would be a lot of problems that would go unsolved. So, its like a puzzle, where all the pieces fit together. And when everyone works for what their heart is guiding them to, the puzzle can become complete. (And what a nice picture it can be!) And "no work that is ever done for the Lord is ever useless."
Strike is still on, but on monday all of the year 8 kids (thats the highest level of basic education here) are suppose to come to school to be able to work with us. This will be so nice! I cant wait!! We have lots of supplies waiting for them, so that'll be a nice surprise too.
Yesterday Kathy (this wonderful girl who is here from the states also) and I were walking back from a project in a nearby town, and trying to catch a matatu. We figured that it wouldnt take more than an hour, maybe 90 minutes, so we just started walking. We walked 10 miles- all the way home. It took us 3.5 hours, and we are quite sore today. Then, when we got home, we werent there for more than 5 minutes, and I got stung by an african bee. It was on my finger, and its a bit swollen today, but Ill live. haha We're about to go to Nairobi soon, and have decided that we will get milkshakes, and that will make us feel better.
On wednesday one of the girls who is Kenyan, but moved to Belgium is coming back with her mother- and we are slaughtering 2 goats. I really am excited, but really nervous too! There was something said about drinking blood.... I dont know about all that.... But it'll still be a huge celebration!
A few notes about my life here:
I live in a room with another girl, Maria (Massana). Actually, we are bedmates, but we have sleeping bags, and we're not sleeping on cardboard boxes (yes, thats normal), so its quite nice.
We eat 3 times a day. Its really way too much. And the climate is so hot that most of the time you can only have a very small portion because your body is just not hungry. And its ALL starch.
At our compound at nice it sooo safe. No only because we are out in the middle of no where, but there are 2 Maasai men who stay up all night and watch over our manyatta. Its a quite nice feeling.
Mzungu- white person. You can use this to gauge when locals are talking about you in kimaasai or kiswahili. "blah blah blah mzungu blah blah blah", yes that's about you, since we are the ONLY white people here. There are 6 of us in all of Maasailand.
To go to town, we have to catch a matatu at 6am. For those of you who dont know exactly what they are, its a very small truck (think chevy s10) that they pile a TON of people in. We ride for about 90 minutes, and it costs us 80ksh (about $1.10). You have to wrap yourself in a leso (a lightweight cloth that keeps out sun and dirt) or else look like a crazy Mzungu all day, since you will be covered in red dust. This morning we had 30 people (Im not exaggerating at all, counted), and a full grown cow. Its.... interesting.
A final note:
Maggie's brother was attacked 18 months ago by a leopard. We asked her why he got attacked. Here's the story (as told by her):
"A man was tending his cows when a hungry leopard came and tried to eat one. The Maasai man tried to fight the leopard but his hand was bitten right off! But he scared away the cat. Then the village men tried to run after it and kill it, but while the leopard was running and sooo scared, he ran into my brother, and ate his leg and bit his face. I was tending the first man when they brought my brother, and I fainted! We took them to the hospital in Karen (about 1:45 hours away) and they almost died."
We asked her why didnt the man just let the cat alone, he wouldnt have lost his hand. She said:
"Maasai men would rather die than lose a cow. If a cow is lost, he will stay out all night looking for it, even if its a small goat. He would rather die fighting a wild animal than to lose one of his own." (Sounds like someone you know.....?)
If you are interested in sponsoring a secondary school kid (these are the ones who really really want to go to school, and are so smart! They just dont have the funds to go):
Its about $300 a year, and just email me (brit2afc@hotmail.com), and I'll give you all the info. Several kids will write letters and you can pick which one you want. You'll get a picture and the money will either be send straight to the school or to their family, whichever you prefer.
Fav verse right now:
"If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the most high your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling. For He orders His angels to protect you where ever you go. They will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone.
You will trample down lions and poisonous snakes; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The Lord says, 'I WILL rescue those who love me. I WILL protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I WILL answer; I WILL be with them in trouble. I WILL rescue them and honor them, I WILL satisfy them with a long life, and I WILL give them my salvation.' "
Psalm 91:9-16
Monday, January 19, 2009
Giraffes and money
aye.....
I dont even know where to start with this one- so lets start posi:
Its crazy how its only been like 3 days since Ive posted, but so much has happened. We went to Nairobi, which was very cool. We had "american pizza" (which, incidentally, was the first thing to make me sick here). While we were there, myself and another volunteer, Kathy, bought pencils and pens and erasers and sharpeners (as they use straight razors for the pencils they have now) for all 400+ kids at our school in Saikari! It was great! We are also in the process of getting them all composition notebooks, but we have to do it in stages as we cannot carry them all. So, yes, thank you sooo much to those of you who donated money for that! The headmaster wanted us to give him the money and then he would get all them from his supplier- but we'll get to that in a minute.
I finally met my host mother, Maggie, who is a dream. She was in Nairobi for a few days at a nursing course, and got home on Saturday. She is beginning a community health program where we live that is largely funded by the government, who actually keeps her quite stocked! Again, we'll come back to this in a minute.
While coming into town one day, we slowed down and I looked up to see why, it was because 3 giraffes were crossing the road in front of us. Then a man jumped out of the matatu and he was chasing baboons away from the road. The baboons are big! And kinda scary, and make noises kinda like dogs.
Sunday, I went to church..... whoa church! Its a small group, only about 30, but they make more noise than almost any church Ive even been to. The singing was so beautiful and the drums... oh the drums. Its so wonderful. Im going to try to video a bit of church next week if they will let me. Julius, one of the teachers at my school, sat next to me and translated for me. It was great, and guess what the sermon was about?- Time. Ha! Go figure. How we must use our time wisely because it is a gift from God.
Ok, now onto some not-so-light notes:
So, as most of you probably know by now, the teachers in Kenya are on strike. This also means that they have closed all the schools. We have no idea how long it will last, but the last one was 3 months long, but that was also 10 years ago. Maggie says it'll be over by tomorrow, so we'll see. But, there is a positive to this. Where we live is the only health clinic until Ngong, which is about a 90 minute matatu ride- about a days walk. So, all of the people in the villages come there to get help. I talked to Maggie and until the strike is over Ill be working with her in the clinic. Yesterday we got to see patients, and we organized the medicine storage area. I could not believe how well stocked they were. And almost all from the government! We also gave out mosquito nets and I dispensed meds in the pharmacy. Maggie taught me to take blood pressure too, since 'everything is america is auto, but you have to do it with your ear here.' It was so great! Im excited to be doing that too.
Ok, I wasnt sure if I would write about this while I was here, but its just everywhere, so I have to talk about it. Corruption. Its everywhere. I thought maybe only on the government level, but no. I also believe that here corruption doesnt have to be learned, its simply ingrained. Now, Im not saying this to be bitter or angry, its simply how it is! The reason that I decided to talk about it is because while reading the local papers- they are covered with stories about it!! So here goes, a few of these stories-
Right now there is an extreme shortage of food in Kenya. This stems from a drought, but also the political turmoil of the last 2 years here. The WFP is sending in food all the time. But local Kenyans (KENYANS!) are taking fake WFP bags, filling them with maize meal (like corn meal, but gritty) and selling them over the boarder (taking more food out of the country) at 6 times what they're worth!
There's a girl at one of the placements who is working really hard doing community enhancement projects, like water tanks and latrines, and is going to put in some window pains at one of the schools. Shes working with a member of the community to set this up. But, we were told that another volunteer came through before her, and gave him money for the pains, and the windows never came. The same girl, when doing a latrine for one of the schools, had the headmaster of the school offer to help her transport materials to do the toilet. So nice, right? No.... on their last trip back, he asked for 2,000 shillings (about $30) or else he wouldnt deliver the materials to the project. For his own school!!! So this is why we got the pencils/pens/materials for the school ourselves. It can be so frustrating, but we know that good can be done (and not all Kenyans are like this, at all!!) we just have to do it ourselves. Maggie says "Money is not so important. If I can help people, and have relationships, this is the most important. You can say 'money is not important' and then demand that everyone pays you everything they owe, but that shows them that money owns you. And then you are as bad as them. It costs me nothing to be transparent, but I can gain all trust by being like this." (I hope this still makes sense, slightly out of context.) She super smart!
I really appreciate all the notes Ive been getting, and if you have questions, please ask! A lot of people have been asking how they can help, right now there's not so much. I still have money to spend from donations from before I left. But, there are kids who will be going into secondary school (which is not free) and need sponsors. The best thing to do is let me know if you would like to do something like this, and Ill hook you up with a family in need directly. Going through some of the agencies may cause some of your money to "get lost". So just shoot me an email about this: brit2afc@hotmail.com
And I did have the cookies, and yes, Ill bring some Jason. Yes, Ill speak at the prayer event- I'd love to!
Thank you again for everyone who's been praying, I can totally feel it! I really love being here, as though its normal for me. Its great, and I know that the prayers are part of why I feel so comfortable.
Love
B
I dont even know where to start with this one- so lets start posi:
Its crazy how its only been like 3 days since Ive posted, but so much has happened. We went to Nairobi, which was very cool. We had "american pizza" (which, incidentally, was the first thing to make me sick here). While we were there, myself and another volunteer, Kathy, bought pencils and pens and erasers and sharpeners (as they use straight razors for the pencils they have now) for all 400+ kids at our school in Saikari! It was great! We are also in the process of getting them all composition notebooks, but we have to do it in stages as we cannot carry them all. So, yes, thank you sooo much to those of you who donated money for that! The headmaster wanted us to give him the money and then he would get all them from his supplier- but we'll get to that in a minute.
I finally met my host mother, Maggie, who is a dream. She was in Nairobi for a few days at a nursing course, and got home on Saturday. She is beginning a community health program where we live that is largely funded by the government, who actually keeps her quite stocked! Again, we'll come back to this in a minute.
While coming into town one day, we slowed down and I looked up to see why, it was because 3 giraffes were crossing the road in front of us. Then a man jumped out of the matatu and he was chasing baboons away from the road. The baboons are big! And kinda scary, and make noises kinda like dogs.
Sunday, I went to church..... whoa church! Its a small group, only about 30, but they make more noise than almost any church Ive even been to. The singing was so beautiful and the drums... oh the drums. Its so wonderful. Im going to try to video a bit of church next week if they will let me. Julius, one of the teachers at my school, sat next to me and translated for me. It was great, and guess what the sermon was about?- Time. Ha! Go figure. How we must use our time wisely because it is a gift from God.
Ok, now onto some not-so-light notes:
So, as most of you probably know by now, the teachers in Kenya are on strike. This also means that they have closed all the schools. We have no idea how long it will last, but the last one was 3 months long, but that was also 10 years ago. Maggie says it'll be over by tomorrow, so we'll see. But, there is a positive to this. Where we live is the only health clinic until Ngong, which is about a 90 minute matatu ride- about a days walk. So, all of the people in the villages come there to get help. I talked to Maggie and until the strike is over Ill be working with her in the clinic. Yesterday we got to see patients, and we organized the medicine storage area. I could not believe how well stocked they were. And almost all from the government! We also gave out mosquito nets and I dispensed meds in the pharmacy. Maggie taught me to take blood pressure too, since 'everything is america is auto, but you have to do it with your ear here.' It was so great! Im excited to be doing that too.
Ok, I wasnt sure if I would write about this while I was here, but its just everywhere, so I have to talk about it. Corruption. Its everywhere. I thought maybe only on the government level, but no. I also believe that here corruption doesnt have to be learned, its simply ingrained. Now, Im not saying this to be bitter or angry, its simply how it is! The reason that I decided to talk about it is because while reading the local papers- they are covered with stories about it!! So here goes, a few of these stories-
Right now there is an extreme shortage of food in Kenya. This stems from a drought, but also the political turmoil of the last 2 years here. The WFP is sending in food all the time. But local Kenyans (KENYANS!) are taking fake WFP bags, filling them with maize meal (like corn meal, but gritty) and selling them over the boarder (taking more food out of the country) at 6 times what they're worth!
There's a girl at one of the placements who is working really hard doing community enhancement projects, like water tanks and latrines, and is going to put in some window pains at one of the schools. Shes working with a member of the community to set this up. But, we were told that another volunteer came through before her, and gave him money for the pains, and the windows never came. The same girl, when doing a latrine for one of the schools, had the headmaster of the school offer to help her transport materials to do the toilet. So nice, right? No.... on their last trip back, he asked for 2,000 shillings (about $30) or else he wouldnt deliver the materials to the project. For his own school!!! So this is why we got the pencils/pens/materials for the school ourselves. It can be so frustrating, but we know that good can be done (and not all Kenyans are like this, at all!!) we just have to do it ourselves. Maggie says "Money is not so important. If I can help people, and have relationships, this is the most important. You can say 'money is not important' and then demand that everyone pays you everything they owe, but that shows them that money owns you. And then you are as bad as them. It costs me nothing to be transparent, but I can gain all trust by being like this." (I hope this still makes sense, slightly out of context.) She super smart!
I really appreciate all the notes Ive been getting, and if you have questions, please ask! A lot of people have been asking how they can help, right now there's not so much. I still have money to spend from donations from before I left. But, there are kids who will be going into secondary school (which is not free) and need sponsors. The best thing to do is let me know if you would like to do something like this, and Ill hook you up with a family in need directly. Going through some of the agencies may cause some of your money to "get lost". So just shoot me an email about this: brit2afc@hotmail.com
And I did have the cookies, and yes, Ill bring some Jason. Yes, Ill speak at the prayer event- I'd love to!
Thank you again for everyone who's been praying, I can totally feel it! I really love being here, as though its normal for me. Its great, and I know that the prayers are part of why I feel so comfortable.
Love
B
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