Eastleigh - Feb 7

Today was our first day in Eastleigh.    I was a bit nervous of how Micah & Aby would be.   Their behavior toward each other this morning was not great.   I suspect it was their anxiety but it was not a pretty sight at Heart Lodge.    At 9:15, we grabbed our boxed lunches, hopped in the van and headed into Eastleigh.

As we started to head into the area, I was reminded a lot of the Dominican Republic.    There were many shacks on the side of the road with vendors trying to sell their goods.   It was a dirt road and things are very dusty.    We were told to leave the windows up and we are not able to take pictures.   The kids became more & more quiet in the back seat as they took in all of the sights around them.   Aaron & Erica said they try and navigate according to the buildings but that does not always work either.  

We were taken on a quick tour of the Eastleigh Center.    It is a fairly large compound and they offer a lot of programs to all the people in the ghetto.   This ghetto is mainly made up of Somali refugees and Kenyans.    There is a primary school, English classes for Muslim women (Iftin) as well as skills training. 

We had the privilege of attending 2 classes with the Iftin women.   Class 2 is the intermediate English level.    We introduced ourselves and then each of us sat at a table with the women.   We tried to learn their names as well as other things.   I was so proud of Micah & Aby.   They did not hesitate.  They sat down at a table and start speaking with these women.   It almost brought tears to my eyes.   Time flew by and  it was time to say good-bye.

Class 3 came in to the room.   This is the advanced English class.   It does not have as many women in it.   Once again we sat among the women.   This time we worked on our tenses as we introduced each other.    We talked about our past, present, & future.   It was wonderful to hear these ladies speak of their dreams for the future.   Many wanted to be teachers or doctors.   One lady wanted to be an Engineer.    Wow!   They have all come from war torn countries but they are not without hope or dreams.    Before we said good-bye, they sang their Iftin song in Somali.   After it was done, Micah looked at me and said it was beautiful.   Unfortunately, I was so mesmerized by the song, I did not video tape.   Erica told me they will sing it again for us.

Just before lunch, Aby went out on the balcony.   It did not take long before the children were swarming around her.   All of them had big smiles on their faces.    Tomorrow we are going into the preschool area with some of our supplies.   (Micah & Aby are looking forward to this.)   We quickly ate lunch and prepared for our home visit.   As we left, we noticed some children hanging by the classroom.    We were able to give them our leftovers.   They were so excited!

Walking through the ghetto was an incredible experience.   I never felt that vulnerable in the Dominican.    Farhia (our translator) took Aby's hand and led us to the home.   Aaron carried the food and water filter.   Mark carried a huge crate of soda.   We wanted to share in some hospitality with the family.    We had to walk through a small hole in the gate and down a dark hallway to the back of the building.   The home had 2 bedrooms, a kitchen & I guess you would call it a washroom.   We heard some of the families story - they fled Somali and went back and had to flee again.    Her husband does not have regular work.    She told us even when they do not have food, they can find a bit to eat because the Somali's take care of each other.    Mark & Aaron set up the filter and Erica explained to her how it works. 

I already know the hardest thing about our experience is wishing I could do more for the people of Eastleigh.    It seems like a bit of food and providing them with clean water is not enough.    It feels like sharing our leftovers is selfish.   I know this is going to be the struggle for me during our time here.    Even as I sit and type, I have the luxury of a beautiful place to stay and food that will be served at meal time.   I am already more thankful for everything that I have.

PS   I was able to take a peek at the pottery store.   I will be bringing home a lot of Noor Creations (jewelry made by some of the women here) to sell.    Mark said it was okay for me to buy a basket and pay for a 5th suitcase :)