A Bit of Spring Cleaning, Football, More Dancing & Generally Doing Good.

Hello again to my loyal readers!!

Time here is flying by and I apologize for not writing again sooner! The weekend was a busy one and yesterday I was quite exhausted so I decided to take the night off from blogging. In a nutshell, this weekend included: house cleaning at the home of several of our students, playing football (yes, I actually played- just a bit), more dancing with Rosemary- but this time at a place called Summit and Guava (really fun places I will tell you all more about later), attending church with Chris and finalizing my donation plans (news follows below!!).

HOUSE CLEANING
We spent Saturday morning visiting the home of several of the nursery students. Many of the students had been coming to school with 'bed bugs' on their clothes. The school had sprayed to keep the bugs away at school, but the parents could not afford dinner, let alone to spray to keep the bugs away. So, the only solution to keep the bugs away for good: to clean it ourselves! And let me tell you- this was quite a project! The single room home (that houses a family of ten) was covered with literally millions of bed bugs. We removed all the clothing, kitchen utensils, seat cushions and curtains, sprayed the entire house including the walls, bed, chairs and couch frame, then scrubbed the place clean. The end result: much better than when we started. It had a fresh scent (minus the bug spray smell that lingered for just a bit) and was mostly clear of the unwelcome bugs.

FOOTBALL
In the afternoon on Saturday, I joined seventy Kenyan boys ranging from 11 to 20-something years to play a bit of football. The Centre started a league that plays every evening at 5p.m. to keep the boys busy. This week though Chris arranged a special match for me to see (and to play). I played goalkeeper for about 30 minutes- in the under 14 league because I told Chris that even they were above my skill level, so the junior and senior leagues would be out of the question. I let in about six goals.. yes, six. But then started improving just a bit and blocked two. Not exactly something to brag about for most, but for me I thought this was okay. At the end of the game, one of the boys did tell me I was "their best goalkeeper yet".. I'm not sure if he was saying it just to make me happy or because I had helped hand out the juice and snacks.. ;)

MORE DANCING
After a long day, I ran home to shower before meeting Rosemary out for one more night on the town! We hopped around to a few places.. all of which, I can tell you that you all would LOVE! The first was called Guava Bar. It had a quite "trendy" feeling to it with lounge-like tables. It was a bit small, but that made it all the more exclusive. The second was called Summit. Now this place, let me tell you, was something! It is on the boarder of the Lake Nakuru National Park fence. That means that less than 50 feet away from the gate there were lions roaming! (protected by an electric fence, but still it was exciting!) It was an open air place with a big dance floor in the middle. In addition to dancing, I tried Nyoma Chyoma (bbq meat) and another dish I can't remember the name, but it's basically sliced vegetables with hot peppers mixed in.. very spicy, so as those of you who know me might guess.. I am OBSESSED! (I had it three times this weekend actually..)

CHURCH
Sunday morning I woke up a bit early (considering we were out quite late Saturday night) to attend church with Chris. It was nice to be welcomed there. They had the service in English and KiSwahili so that everybody could understand. I also noticed how the people here really are just like one big family... the kids kept jumping around from parent to parent.

THE BIG NEWS!!
So, this weekend I finalized the donation plan for all the money you all helped me raise! As I believe I mentioned earlier, the day before I arrived the Centre had a graduation for its dressmaking students. Twenty-six of the students received certificates after six months of practicing and passing an exam. Unfortunately, since then, many of them have been idle because they cannot yet afford a sewing machine to start their business. Idle-ness is really one of the biggest problems here. Anyways, this weekend with your help, I purchased several sewing machines for the Centre to award to the graduates! It should work out pretty well because the graduates were put into groups to start their businesses. The machines were delivered to the Centre yesterday and I am VERY excited about this!! I cannot tell you how excited the students will be, but I can tell you that you have helped do so much here. In addition to the machines, a portion of the money will be donated to the Centre to start the building fund. Susan fundraised enough money last week to purchase land when she returns to Nakuru in June. This is VERY exciting news as well because right now the facility is a bit small for the capacity they would like to take in. After the land is built though, there is still much to raise to build a facility. And some of your money will be used for this as well! I cannot tell you enough times how appreciative I am.. but I hope you understand just how great an impact you have helped make here!

Okay, I have to scoot off now.. going to the supermarket to buy diet cokes (I haven't been able to 100% kick that habit here, although it's coke light and not quite as delicious as the real thing at home..) and then need to rush home for dinner with Rosemary. Oh, and our Mexican soap opera is on tonight.. it will be a good night! :)

Missing you all. MUCH LSarah, Cella, daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter, friend, Stella, etc!!

Halfway There..

In my head I'm singing the Bon Jovi song and picturing myself screaming the words and dancing to the popular tune with some of my favorite people! I miss you all! :)

But really I am referring to being halfway done with my trip. Frightening really, how quickly the time is passing. My next trip to Kenya will have to be much longer... The time here passes too quickly and there is so much left I want to do! But not to worry, in my head I am already planning a next trip. No clue when I will next be able to afford both the cost and luxury of 'free' time to visit again, but it is in my future plans. I also plan on bringing a few of you with me the next time.. ;)

The week has been a full one. Rested after my weekend safari and day off on Sunday, I hit the ground running on Monday at the project. I spent the day teaching- my 3-7 year-olds are absolutely fabulous. I don't seem to carry much authority though. They become way too excited by my presence and when Teacher Ruth (their permanent teacher) leaves me in charge- even just for a minute- they begin jumping on me or fighting each other to hold my hand and play with my watch (the watch is really a big hit here.. they push all the buttons so I never know what time it really is..). Sometimes I think they don't understand what I am asking them to do (on Monday I taught some basic addition and subtraction to 'class one'- the older kids), but then they astonish me with their quick math or recognizing a word. I think the real issue is the same as with any student, no matter the country- it's far more entertaining to just stare into space or talk with and fool around with your friends.

Tuesday we spent the whole day in the slums visiting the families of some of the new dressmaking students. There was a graduation the day before my visit.. Twenty-six promising women received certificates in dressmaking after their six-month course and passing the exam. So the new students started the day I arrived at the Centre. The families and the students were extremely grateful for our visit (again, I was visiting with Chris, the Operations Manager) and kept repeating how blessed they felt by our presence and to be a part of the Gabriel Learning Centre. In each case, I saw how desperately the families needed assistance. Many of them are families of over ten people living in one-room homes, struggling to pay the monthly house rent and feed the family simultaneously. Also, a good number of the families are single-parent families. Overall, men here do not feel obligated or responsible to the family-unit, leaving the women alone in taking care of the home, raising the children and making the money. The project targets women (and their children) for this reason, but it also started a futbol league for boys and young men to create a positive impact in their lives, hoping to change this implicit attitude.

The rest of the week has been a bit of it all. I have taught reading and basic math to the young ones. I have visited families of both the nursery and dressmaking students. I bounced the ball around in the playground with some of the boys- actually, two brothers-Paul and John- and John was trying desperately to be like his older brother Paul and bounce the soccer ball off his head, but was struggling just a bit because his head was much smaller and his coordination not totally there just yet! I typed and filed family histories and medical records for all of the students. I bought and delivered medicine for a student who was sick and not getting better because her family couldn't afford the last prescription. We've also been getting sweaters for the students (it's their coldest season, though still quite warm to me!) so they look like 'official' students with their uniform and stay warm in the mornings and evenings. Ohh, and another very encouraging moment- I bought shoes for one of the dressmaking students who has a particularly troubling story and was especially down (as I said before, most can't afford dinner, but they can still afford a smile; this woman however was so far without hope). And I could tell the new shoes made her week- she came to school today (she got the shoes just yesterday) all 'dressed-up' and with a smile on her face.. the first I've seen from her so far!!

It's so amazing what just a few dollars can do here. I am anxious to tell you all how we will spend the money you so generously donated. I spoke with Chris and Susan (the program's creator and director) about the money and they thank you, but as Chris says, 'Thank you is sometimes not enough, but there are no words to express it!' As I said, I am anxious to tell you, but really I am going to wait! Just a few more days while we finalize a few more of the details. I want to come to you with the 'official' plan becuase, as you can imagine, there is SO much to do, but we need to prioritize the most pressing needs and the most promising allocation of funds. I can tell you all though that you're money will be going far and doing so much good here in Kenya. I, too, thank you for your wonderful contributions! <3

A few random notes to keep you all enteratined and aware of my activities:
1. I made Mexican last night for dinner with Rosemary. She wanted to try different foods and had never tried Mexican food before. I made one of my staples- Quesadillas- and it was a real success!! Well, they don't have tortillas here, but they have 'chapati' and I am still not sure what the difference is, it was a small difference anyways. She enjoyed it even though I cooked the chicken with so much chilli powder she was coughing up a stormas it was cooking!
2. I ride the boda boda every day to work. Boda bodas are bycycles with a seat attached to the back and you can take them pretty much anywhere for 20-40 shillings (less than 50cents). It's quite an experience though because they drive on roads and here, the one rule of the road is this: The bigger/more powerful the vehicle has the right of way. So, as you might imagine, as a pedestrian- you'd better stay the heck out of the way of a bus! The boda bodas are definitely safe though, you just have to say 'pole pole' which means slowly so you don't fall off the back of one as you pop over a bump! ;)
3. I've gotten really into this Mexican soap opera Rosemary and I watch Monday-Wednesday evenings after dinner. It's dubbed over in English and pretty awful acting, but it's entertaining and I think I will miss it when I am gone!

Okay, that is enough for now. More this weekend after- get this- I play futbol! Yes, despite telling Chris that I quit after only two (or was it three?) seasons- in Kindergarden, mind you- he insists that I will play this weekend with the teams! Should be entertaining. And yes, as my dad requested, I will try to take a video so you can all see my sports glory.

MUCH L<3VE from Kenya,
Cella, Sarah, daughter, friend, Stella, niece, granddaughter..

The Big Five

Not to be confused with college sports and the Big Ten, the Big FIVE refers to the five animals that will attack you in your own territory. It's not as the old saying about visiting Zoos goes (Lions, Tigers and Bears, oh my!) these five most agressive animals are (in no particular order): Lions (of course!), Elephants, Rhinos, Buffalo and Leopards. Have a guess for which is the MOST dangerous? The answer might surprise you... Buffalo! They are known to attack on a whim. Not when hungry or provoked as the others might.

These are just a few of the fun facts I learned while on my fabulous real-life safari this weekend. It was a three day/two night excursion. We drove about 4-5 hours to Masai Mara ('Masai' refering to the famous tribe of Masai people and 'Mara' meaning where people and animals live together... The area is ungated and Masai individuals live pretty much among all these wild animals.. more to come about that later.). The area is quite large over 1500 square kilometers (if I remember correctly..) and borders Tanzania where the area continues, except that over there it is referred to as the Serengetti (meaning great plains). It was raining on our way there and the drive was pretty much what you'd expect: very bumpy roads, slippery mud (in case you're wondering, dirt roads in the rain feel very much like you're driving in a snowstorm.. you skid the same way you do in snow.), interesting sceneray and some good company from my tour guide-Peter- and the other four passengers- a cute Kenyan couple who were very friendly, but also very wrapped up in each other and two German woman, a woman who had lived here for a year and a half and had come back to visit with her mother.

It rained the first night we were there, but we still saw a few priceless moments with the wild animals- a mother lion feeding and teaching and reprimanding her four cute cubs (one of the best things I saw all weekend!) and some elephants feeding in the grasses. The next day after a big breakfast, we headed out to explore for the whole day. It was absoutely amazing. You see so much. At one point, I was maybe two meters from two (previously mating) lions. I was in a car (that's probably the only rule of the safari.. don't get out of the car when you are near the lions), but still- two meters!! At the most!!!! You also learn so much. I learned that giraffes are homosexuals (Bet you didn't know that one did you?)And they obviously procreate, but I gather it's more of a chore than anything else because they prefer to live in groups of the same sex. I also learned that there are different groups of Impalas, but one of the groups-Harim, I think- has one male and a couple dozen females. He's THE man of the group for a fortnight and then they kick him out and another male comes along. I saw lions mating and then the post-coitol lazyness.. 'Love was in the air' was certainly true when I was there. I also learned about the animal that is monogomous (although, now I can't remember if it is the jackal or the smallest gazelle). Even if their partner dies, they remain faithful and stay single. I saw Timon and Pumba.. they weren't hanging out together, but they were fairly near each other, so I think it is fair to assume their friends. In fact I sort of felt like I was in the Lion King when I was there. Or on the Disney Safari ride.. an elephant came out of the bushes ready to charge and we got stuck once and had to "watch out" (for lions...) as we gathered twigs to put under the wheel for friction. Disney definitely has it right. But I suppose it's a bit more exciting with the real deal.

All in all I can say it was a real success. I saw four out of the five "Big Five." Missing was the Leopard (the Leopard and the Rhino are the hardest to find says my tour guide Peter). But I figure that gives me a reason to come back (like I am sure there will be others..). I can say that elephants are still my favorite. I don't know what it is about them. I know too others they may be ugly- they are grey, fat and often dirty- but to me they are SO cute! And seeing them in their natural habitat was SO much better. Their trunks really do it for me. It's so funny because they just hang there. The little ones were swinging them around.. maybe testing their strength? It was quite cute!

I am working on trying to post my pictures on photobucket or something, but the internet is a bit slow here and I get impatient (although I am trying to be more laid back and not on "Mzungu time" all the time..). We will see and I will keep you all posted. I have quite a few fabulous ones. And a cute video of the lion cubs playing. Ohhh, and one of these two smallest elphants wrestling their older cousin until the grown-ups get upset.

Until next time,
Cella, Sarah, daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter, Stella..

PS Some of you will certainly appreciate this.. Last night Rosemary took me to Taidy's a restaurant/club/bar in town. Here, dancing is totally normal and common. People just get up and start dancing next to their table if they like the song. And I say people because it's not just women. In fact, there were more men dancing (and I mean REALLY dancing.. not just hip swinging to get girls) than women. I, OF COURSE, LOVE this because I love dancing. And even though I insist I have no rhythm anymore, Rosemary made me get up and dance for quite a bit. She told me I did great and danced way better than the other Mzungus she knows-we joked it had to do with my not-so-Mzungu rear.. ;)

Hello from Kenya!

Hello to all my friends and family!!

It has been longer than I expected to write to you all, but I have been very busy since arriving and each evening when I try to come it is POURING rain (it's their rainy season here), so I get soaked and just run home trying to avoid. I am going to type quickly today with the hopes that I make it home before the rain.

I wanted to update you all on my first four days here. It has already been an emotional rollercoaster! I arrived on Sunday morning early and my drive to Nakuru from the airport was about 2.5 hours. My driver was very friendly and I enjoyed hearing about his life.. my first glimpse at the culture here! I was a bit jetlagged, but mostly excited. I even saw a Zebra just chilling next to the highway. Well, they were about to cross, but waiting for traffic. It was awesome. (I forgot my camera today, or I would try to post a picture!)

When I arrived at my homestay I met Rosemary for the first time. She is fabulous and sweet and taking good care of me! After a bit of a rest, we explored town- visited the bank, the hotel Merica- a nice hotel in town where I can go swimming (except I didn't bring my swim suit.. ha!). For lunch she introduced me to "Masa Chips" which are- get this- french fries with all sorts of good spices on them. Yes, I managed to find french fries in Africa.. I think it was Pearlstein who assured me I would be safe from my addiction here.. apparently not!

Anyways, Monday I started my volunteer work. I spent the morning visiting the families of the students at the Gabriel Learning Centre. They live in the slums of Kaptembwo and my it was a sight to see. These are some of the most needy families you can imagine, but they have the biggest hearts. The mothers all enjoy our visits (I visit with Chris, the project's operations manager and a wonderful soul!); they say "they cannot express their gratitude in words, it is too much!" In the afternoon, I taught at the nursery and pre-unit school- it's 3-6 year olds and they are just divine. They all call me "Mzwungu" which means "white person" and want to hold my hand and high five me and sometimes they say "teacher, teacher" and want me to check their work. This one boy John, comes over to me every day and says "Mzwungu, Mwzungu" and then goes on in Swahili for quite a bit and I barely understand him, but I adore it! Tuesday I helped on the computer by typing records and taught in the afternoon. And today we spent most of the day visiting the families in Kaptembwo again. We bring them flour for food, sugar for tea and soap to wash- or we give them 200Ksh (about $2.5) which is enough to feed the whole family for a short while. They are so grateful and I love to see them smile. I took some good pictures which I will try to post the next time!! I have met some absolutely wonderful families.

There are also those that have lost hope, but feel enccouraged by the program. We do everything we can to give them hope and love to go one once more. I am so inspired by the wonderful people here.. and of course, but the constant use of their word 'hope' as you all know how much it means to me as a Delta Gamma. I want to tell them about Delta Gamma and the anchor, but I am waiting to explain it further.

Okay that should be all for now. I am off to Masai Mara tomorrow for my safari! AH! I will hopefully see lions and elephants (my favorite!) and all sorts of fun animals! Be back soon.. maybe Sunday or Monday?

Missing you all.
L<3VE,
Sarah, Cella, daughter, sister, friend, niece, Stella, and so on..

48 hours.

My title feels like it's either a Barbara Walters Special or that show on A&E-The First 48.. Either way, that's not really what I am intending.

What I mean is: 48 hours until I depart on my journey! The closer it gets the weirder it feels. It's so funny though because the more I tell people I am going the more I learn about people who just went and loved it or people who would love to go. It's something I should have learned in my last year traveling North America, but the world is really much smaller than you think.

So a bit more about specifics.. I am traveling to Kenya to volunteer with The Nakuru, Kenya Family Project, also know as The Gabriel Learning Centre. It was started just about one year ago by this wonderful Australian woman, Susan. I haven't met Susan directly, but I was referred to her by a mutual friend, Kristy (another person I haven't met in person, but feel closely connected to as a fellow DG (Thanks again to Megan and Whitney and the Anchora for making it happen!).. it's amazing the things technology accomplishes these days and another reason the world is really so small). Anyways, the program is smaller and more personal than some of the others I entertained thoughts of traveling with.. I have asked Susan every question in the world possible and she answers me within 24 hours. But this is not really the point.. More about the program and what I will be doing 7,300 miles away...

From what I can tell The Gabriel Learning Centre is many things, but it was founded with the idea that if you teach someone to fish, they can eat fish for life. The adult school teaches women tailoring/dressmaking, as well as some English and basic math skills so they can be tailors and dressmakers- a profitable trade in the community as students must wear uniforms to attend school. There is also a nursery that cares for 20 4- and 5-year-olds who cannot afford to attend school; I believe the hope is that in 2-3 years, the program will be able to assist in funding for their education. In the meantime, this is a safe haven for them- somewhere they get at least one well-balanced meal a day and a nurturing environment. The program runs on a few volunteers and several paid staff. While I am there I am not 100% sure of my responsibilities while there. I may help teach a class, help in the nursery, take someone to a medical appointment... I will help where it is most needed, but also where I feel the most connected.

With that I will leave you all until the next time.. I may try and post once more just before I leave... Otherwise look for me sometime early next week when I have landed, explored Nakuru and settled in a bit!

L<3ve always,
Sarah Jane
a.k.a. Cella, sister, daughter, friend, Stella, niece, granddaughter and so on...

P.S. In little less than one week, I've raised over $500 to spend over there where the need is great(est). Thank you all for your help, love and support. I will be sure to keep you posted on where the funds end up. Maybe I'll start posting some pictures when I get there too! :)

One Week to Go!

Hi All!!

I am excited to announce that after at least six years of wanting to visit Africa.. I am traveling to Kenya ONE WEEK from tomorrow!!

I am in between careers right now.. coming off my one-year commitment as a traveling consultant for Delta Gamma Fraternity (and missing it badly!!) and currently job searching for my next move, so I thought it was the perfect time.. Or, more seriously, the time had finally come that I had no excuses. No commitment holding me back, no rush to the next step (because the next step might be a long one with little room to take a month off for travel!) and no fear of going alone.. One year traveling North America on my own as a consultant really prepares you for (as cdcKristen would say..) indepence.

I am terrified, excited, thrilled, anxious, emotional, nervous, happy, fearful, joyful and astounded. Most of all- in awe.

I can't believe I am doing it.

but I am.

Friday, May 7th at 10p.m. (or 22:00 as my ticket says) I take off from JFK and head for Nairobi. After a 25-hour travel day (complete with 12-hour layover in Amsterdam), I will land in Nairobi, Kenya at 6:00a.m. on Sunday, May 9th (but that's with a 7-hour time difference.. so I think it will be 11:00p.m. EST May 8th). Yes, this happens to be Mother's Day. Mom, I am SO sorry for leaving you on this day.. and most of all for making you worried on this day! But I will call and wish you a happy one when I land! You will probably be asleep, but I will call anyways! ;)

Anyways, more details to come in a bit.. I will post more information about what I am doing and where I will be in the coming days as my anticipation grows! For now, this is just the beginning!

L<3VE always,
Sarah Jane

a.k.a. sister, daughter, friend, Bear, Cella, Stella, and so on..