Eastleigh - Feb 8

The drive into Eastleigh did not feel as overwhelming this morning (I am not sure if that is a good thing).   We gathered some of the teaching aides & Canada tattoos and went into the pre-school area.   There are 3 classes in this area consisting of 3-5 years old.    Jucinta (the headmaster) gathered them together in a classroom.   They sang a number of songs to us and we attempted to teach them the hokey-pokey.   We headed into the courtyard and taught them duck-duck-goose.    Erica & I sat down and started giving the children tattoo's.   They were a hit - thanks Jamie!  

Next was the primary class.  Enrollment into Primary classes is not according to age but to ability.    This class consisted of 6-13 years old and they were at Grade 1-3 levels.  We were able to give these children tattoos as well.   It does not matter the age of the children, everyone's eyes light up when they see the tattoo on their skin.   Mark then was given the teacher's book and discussed how to use polite words in a sentence and the importance of them.     A highlight for Mark was the opportunity to do this and the attentiveness of the class (especially one of the older boys).

Later we went back to the level 3 Iftin class.   Once again, we dispersed into groups with the women.   Here we had to come up adjectives for the first letter of each name around the table.   It was a great way to learn the names of the women again as well as for them to learn about adjectives.    We also took a picture of each lady.   A friend from work (thanks Christine) lent us her Polaroid printer.   We were given a bunch of Manitoba lanyards and purchased some plastic sleeves.   We are making a type of photo ID for each of these women.   They all seemed to be genuinely pleased about the idea.   We still had enough tattoos left-over to give them some as well.

After lunch we went on another home visit.    We took another crate of soda to share as well as groceries and a water filter.   We visited a lady who has 6 children and she lives in a one room apartment.   Her husband has divorced her because she is from a "lesser" clan and his family does not like her.    It was heartbreaking to be there.   She has no way of supporting herself.   The center at Eastleigh is trying to figure out a way to sponsor some of her children so they can get an education.

This is the family that received the water filter today.

Duck, Duck, Goose

Later in the day, we went to watch Emma, the Kenny's daughter, in her swim meet.   We then went to the Village Market and purchased our plane tickets to Malindi and had some supper.    We are all very tired tonight.   It has been a long, hot, wonderful day. 

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 :)

Nairobi - Feb 6

Today felt like an ordinary day.    We went to church in the morning with the Kenny's.   Mark was a tad disappointed that it was not an African church, the kids were relieved that it was an ordinary church - meaning it was done in an hour.     We went out for lunch to an Indian Restaurant with the Kenny's.   They had a variety of North American food menu options and the kids were thankful.    I think I had the best butter chicken I have ever eaten.

After lunch we took Tristan & Emma with us to the swimming pool near by.   It was nice to cool off in the pool and lounge on the side.   We are happy to report our sunscreen is working.  We will likely have to purchase more.

Heart Lodge (the place we are staying) does not have many people using the guest house right now.   There is a lovely young American lady staying here.   It has been nice to visit with her at meal time.   She played some games with us tonight.  I think Mark was happy because we had enough players without him.  

Tomorrow is our first day in the ghetto.    We thought Eastleigh was considered a slum but it isn't.   There is some infrastructure therefore it has a status one better than a slum.   I am not sure if we will be able to take many pictures.    We will be going into a few classrooms of women learning English in the morning and I think we do our first home visit - water filter delivery in the afternoon.

PS   Nick if you are reading this, Micah opened your book today & really enjoyed your notes in the book.   It took us awhile to figure out the secret clue.   It was a nice surprise from home.

Hanging out at the pool with some new friends

The restaurant had a supervised playground.   The boys could not resist.

Sweet little Ava

Nairobi - Feb 5

Today was one of the days that Aby was looking forward to the most.   We went to an Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Center with the Kennys and another missionary family, the Godwins.  We first stopped for coffee and fuel (synonymous, I suppose) at the Kenya Coffee Company. Then we got driving, and there were so many new sights to see.   At one point, we saw some small baboons on the side of the road.    After about 2 hours of driving, we arrived at the Elephant Orphanage.    We were a bit late to see all of the feedings but we were able to see some.   The first group of babies (4 months - 24 months) were already fed when we arrived.    They played in the mud hole and drank water from the buckets.    Baby elephants drink from their mothers until they are about 3 years old.    The babies at the orphanage have been rescued from various parks throughout Kenya.   They are often trapped in watering holes.    This society rehabilitates the elephants and then sets them back into the wild.  The first group left & then the second group came for their feeding.  They were so cute.   They each had 2 bottles to drink.   They receive this every 3 hours 24 hours a day.  There were also a couple of caged rhinos that we were able to see, and they are majestic creatures as well.  The society isn't as willing let the rhinos too close to spectators, which is a very good thing.

Following our time with the elephants, we went to a Giraffe Center, and there we had the opportunity to have a hands on experience with giraffes both young and old.  One of the highlights there was being able to hand feed the giraffes with food pellets.  One other fun thing was that these giraffes would take the pellet right from your lips if you held the pellet there.  So all of us were kissed by giraffes today, though it took some getting used to.  They are splendid creatures, to be sure. Micah and Aby are both glad to say that they've each experienced their first kiss.  We had a lot of fun and laughed a lot.

Next it was time for lunch, and time had flown, so we sat down to lunch at an Ethiopian restaurant at about 2:30pm, for a cross cultural experience.  The Kenny's ordered, and we all at least tried some, and it was a good time. Many of us liked the goat meat the best. The Ethiopian coffee was strong and accompanied by burning incense, so that was a new twist.

We've been here two nights, and already our kids are on a sleepover.  Micah is sleeping over at the Kenny's, and their daughter is sleeping over with us in Aby's room.  It's been great to see new friendships forged.

Feeding time

She had a tough time getting back up and her friends tried to help her.

Micah's first kiss

Aby's first kiss.

Nairobi - Feb 4

Last night we slept well.  We had our first breakfast with fresh mango (Aby is looking forward to eating this every morning).   We then ventured off to the Masai Market.    I can not adequately describe our experience.   First of all, there are 4 small aisles with merchants crammed in on both sides and everyone wants you to purchase something from them.   Aby struggled at first.   The vendor offered a price and Aby was ready to buy it.   I stepped in and "low balled" a price.   Aby looked at me and said "Mom, that is not fair".  I was able to convince Aby to continue looking.    It did not take long before she got the hang of things and was the queen of bartering.     Personally, I struggled with not buying too much stuff.   Mark had to continually remind me that we had weight restrictions with our luggage.   I think I may have convinced him that it might be worthwhile to buy a large wicker basket with a lid as a 5th bag, so we can bring more items home.    Micah made some terrific purchases.   He is now the proud owner of 2 Masai spears and a shield and a friend of nearly every merchant there.   Somehow he only paid about $13 for these.   Micah would look at items and tell the vendor that he would come back.    At one point, we were on the other side of the market and a vendor came up to Micah smiling and offered him even a lower price for a chess set.   The funny thing was that Micah was not interested in buying it, he was just looking at it. :) Mark had the most self-control.  I think the only thing he purchased was a pipe for one of his brothers.

Later in the afternoon we had another orientation about what to expect and what we will be doing in Eastleigh. We went to the Kenny's for a fabulous BBQ (a Webber, no less) supper and an outdoor movie.    It is surprising how cool it gets in the evening here.    We had to put on our sweaters last night.   The kids snuggled up in sleeping bags and blankets and watched a "A Series of Unfortunate Events".   It was a lot of fun.   Too bad, the sun does not go down until after 10 in the summer in Winnipeg.   It has been great to be with the Kenny's.   Our kids have become fast friends.     

I must try and describe driving in Nairobi.   First of all put on your seat belts as tight as you can.   It is still hard to adjust to being on the "wrong" side of the road.   There appears to be 2 lanes but often there can be 3 or 4 lanes.    It does not matter what time of day it is, there is always traffic and often you are sitting in line waiting.   You need to keep your windows closed & doors locked because people are coming up to the vehicle while you are waiting trying to sell you items.  The other thing that is hard for us to get adjusted to are the walls that are built around premises.   Homes all have large walls and gates.   The gates are locked and sometimes guarded.    The homes have steel bars on all the windows.   The doors are locked and then they are gated on the inside that is locked as well.

Getting ready to watch the movie

Micah with his treasured purchase

Mark & Aaron enjoying the BBQ kabobs.

Days 8 & 9 - February 2nd and 3rd

On February 2nd we were to leave for Heathrow, Terminal 4, at 7am. We had the alarm set for 6:15 but somehow managed to sleep till 6:40am. So we hurriedly packed up and then made it in time for the cab to take us there. We killed some time at the airport, then made the 50 min flight to Amsterdam. Amsterdam airport had plenty of shops, and a lounge area, and did I mention Dutch chocolate? (Mark is obviously posting this). We had to kill 6 hours here, and managed to do so, and even had a fun family game of 31 in McDonalds. Mary always wins, and she wonders why I don't want to play.....

Our flight to Kenya went well, though none of us rested very well. We got to Nairobi at 6:30am, but were only out of customs at 8:00am. We met our hosts, Aaron and Erica Kenny, for breakfast, and then they took us to the place we will be staying the next while. It's a beautiful guest house called Heart House, and we've got 2 great rooms with 5 beds altogether. We rested a while, then went to lunch, and had an orientation session in the afternoon. We headed to the Kenny's for supper, enjoyed their fine hospitality, and our kids seemed to really connect with theirs. We retired to the Heart House at about 8pm, and settled in. We are looking forward to an eventful two weeks coming up here.

Sorry, we are having problems with formatting the pictures again. Apparently they are in no particular order :)

Day 7 - Feb 1st.

Well, today was the coldest day we had, with rain at some times, so that really had an effect on us. We first went to see the Parliament Buildings, with Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. Those are incredible buildings. Then we proceeded to Buckingham Palace, and were able to take in the changing of the guards (this was not planned). Quite a spectacle, to be sure. (At least that is what Aby tells us. There were a lot of people, so she went on Mark's shoulders to watch while Micah & Mary hung out.) Once that was completed, we walked towards Trafalgar Square, and got a little cold and wet along the way. So we managed to stop at a restaurant and shared appetizers, and for dessert Micah was able to have a Tim Horton's hot chocolate (we found a place that served Timmy's, thanks Jo-Ann), and the rest of us got a treat at Starbucks - this was not our first treat at Starbucks during our time in London. We browsed some shops, and then decided to get cultured. We went to the National Portrait Museum, and then went to the National Gallery. Both were very interesting places.

Following that, we explored Trafalgar Square for a bit, then caught a double decker bus to the tube station. We sat on the top floor of course, and Aby especially enjoyed that. We made our way home, and our host, Alizon, had invited some of her family over, and together we enjoyed a very fine chicken dinner. Alizon has been a wonderful host and has made us feel quite at home. Once that was done, we packed, for we leave at 7am for Heathrow, for a very long day of travel, getting to Nairobi on the morning February 3rd.