Guardians of Hope - February 16

Today we took a road trip in the country, to the city of Nakuru.   Here the African Christian Churches & Schools started the Nakuru HIV Project in 2006.    They offer support/hope to those directly or indirectly affected by HIV/AIDS through monies provided by the Guardians of Hope.   We spent a few minutes meeting some of the church leaders with GOH and hearing about the various projects they were engaged in.   It was amazing to hear how Christians in this community tangibly reach out to those who are in need.   Part of the GOH project is to provide HIV/AIDS awareness within the community as well as care & support.    Another project they have tackled has been supplying seeds to more than 40 households.   They are teaching new methods of farming without neglecting environmentally friendly crops.

It was exciting for me to hear about their education projects.    They have assisted 10 orphans access secondary education.    We had the privilege of meeting Nelson.   His parents passed away in 2006 from HIV/AIDS.    Nelson has 5 siblings.   GOH was able to keep this family together.   All of the children have been sponsored to go to school.   The church & the community have helped provide some other necessities.   Nelson has graduated from high school as well as community college.   He received an IT degree and is working.   He now can support his siblings.   His youngest brother, who is 11, has HIV/AIDS.    He is compliant with his med's and is doing very well.   This family has been able to stay together and thrive in the midst of adversity.    Nelson invited us in to their humble home.  This home is made from mud & stone and has a dirt floor.   I cannot imagine what it is like in rainy season.  They struggle to survive and yet they offered all of us some banana's.   I could hardly keep it together.   As we prayed for Nelson, I had tears flowing from my eyes.   He did not ask for sympathy or pity rather he was so grateful for GOH and our visit.  He has great hope for the future and is a happy man.

One of the other exciting projects we heard about was their micro-loans.   Over the last couple of years, they have given small loans to help people operate various businesses both inside and outside Nakuru.   We had the privilege of meeting Susan.   She sells second hand clothes commonly known as "mitumba".    She sells these clothes in her booth on the side of the dusty street.   Her husband died of HIV and she has 1 son to support.   The loan has allowed her to start a business and make an income.   She was truly a delightful lady to meet.   Aby decided to buy a tank top from her to help her out.   Susan was so thankful for all of the ways that GOH has supported her.

We also met Virginia who has been able a start a small business.   She has chickens and is able to sell eggs for an income.   The kids did not enjoy this visit as much.   We are truly city folk because the smell was something else.  :)

Today I feel many mixed emotions.  I am proud to be a part of an organization that empowers people.   Canadian Baptist Ministries is not interested in providing hand outs.   They are assisting people in impoverished situations move toward sustainable living.   In North America, we think of this in ways of conserving energy, etc. and here it is thinking about ways to survive and thrive.   I am deeply moved by Nelson's story in particular.  Once again I am reminded that I have many things to be thankful for.   I am definitely blessed by meeting people like Nelson, Susan & Virginia.

One other neat thing about today's visit was seeing Pastor David's bicycle.   Years ago, the Sunday School children from Willowlake raised money for bicycles.   CBM purchases bicycles for Pastor's in third world countries.  This provides the pastor's with a mode of transportation.    Pastor David met us on his bicycle and led us to the church.   He received this bicycle from CBM.   Aby & Micah thought it had to be from some of the money they raised years ago.

Virginia heading into the coop to collect eggs.

Pastor David and his bicycle.

The street beside Susan's clothing stand.

Susan & Erica talking.   I do not think this boy had seen white people before.   He was memorized by Aby's skin (in particular the henna on her hands and feet).

Nelson's home

Nelson also raises doves and sells them for money for his family.

Inside of Nelson's home.

Nairobi - Feb 15

Micah's stomach was not well again this morning.    We were supposed to travel into the country and visit one of the Guardian's of Hope sites.   After a fair amount of discussion, we decided that it was best to take the day off.   

It was a lovely break.   Aby worked on her math and Micah worked on his journal.   Mark & I were able to catch up on some reading.   We decided all of this deserved a "coffee break" at Java House.   It was a very relaxing morning.

We were not sure what to do in the afternoon.   Mark & I thought it might be a bit disastrous to stay in our room for the rest of the day.   The weather has not been great.   It is cool and rainy.   The kids thought swimming would be good.    They spent most of the afternoon in a heated pool.   I am wondering if I should have joined them because it was not very warm outside of the pool.

It was a great day to catch up on e-mails (although I forgot to blog yesterday) as well as laundry.   Our plan was to re-wear our clothes but Eastleigh is very dusty and we won't even discuss how dirty our clothes were from the safari.   Have I mentioned that Aby brought white capri sweats and white shorts on the safari?   I put them in the machine and then hand washed them - I don't think they will be white again :)  

Everyone's stomach seems to be doing fine today.   Our bodies are still adjusting to the malaria pills.   The nurse thinks Mark may have burned his esophagus.    Apparently, you should not lie down after swallowing the pill.   He has felt heart burn for a few days now - it should feel better in about a week.  We are looking forward to going to observe a Guardians of Hope site today.

Back in Nairobi - February 14th

We left Mara Siria at about 9am, and arrived back in Nairobi at about 2:45pm. The road was still quite bad, but it had rained, so the dust was down a bit. We managed to take a picture of some warthogs and a vulture on the way out, so that was good.

We decided to go to a mall for Valentine's supper, and left for Westgate. The mall is very Western and new, and plenty of shops. Micah and I each had a haircut, though it's still the case that Micah gets more value for the money. We had supper at the food court, a very romantic affair accompanied by "Pimp my Ride" on MTV. We seemed ready to go at about 6pm, so we called the taxi, but traffic in Nairobi can be so bad that he only got to the mall about a 1/2 hour later than the arranged time of 7pm. Unfortunately, Micah and Aby had upset stomachs, which made the waiting a bit more intense. We arrived back at Heart Lodge, and relaxed. We're hoping to visit some "Guardians of Hope" sites on Tuesday, but we need to wait and see how the kids are feeling.

Maasai Mara - Feb 12 & 13

Driving to Mara Siria Tented  Bush Camp was an experience that I doubt I will ever forget.    The first half of the drive was on a paved highway along the rift valley ridge.   It was amazing to see.   On one side, a Kenyan tribe focuses on agriculture and on the other side the Maasi Mara focus on livestock (goats & cows).   The second half was very bumpy & very dusty & very hot.   We were exhausted by the time we arrived to the camp.   The staff joked around and told us we had just received our first African massage.   We had lunch and had rest.   As we rested, the temperature started to cool off and winds started to blow.

At 3:45 we headed to Maasai Mara for our first game drive.   I do not know how people can doubt in the existence of God especially after experiencing his creation in this type of way.   It is common to see elephants, giraffes, zebra’s, gazelle’s and wart hogs roaming in the open spaces.   All of us really wanted to see a lion.   Well, we saw a lion perched on a rock sunning himself – what a magnificent creature.   We also saw 2 black rhino’s together.   We are told this is not a common experience.   We were also delighted to see a leopard hiding in a bush.   We were disappointed that we did not have a full view of him but our guide told us he can go on many drives without seeing a leopard.   In a matter of two hours, we saw the Big 5 – elephant, rhino, leopard, lion, & buffalo.   

We headed back to camp, cleaned up and went to supper.   Because we are at a bush camp in the wild, we cannot leave our tent when it is dark without an escort.   All of the people at the camp gathered in the reception area.   We then were escorted to a circular stone hut with a thatched roof.   We were treated to a 3 course meal.   The chef grilled beef and pork on the BBQ.   It was fabulous.   The best surprise of the night according to the kids was coming back to the tent and crawling into bed and finding hot water bottles warming up the beds.   

On Saturday, we headed out for our safari at 8 am and made it back to camp around 4:30.   It was a spectacular day.   We drove a long distance.   The park is over 1560 square kilometers.   One of the highlights in the morning was going to a river where hippos  were hanging out.   The kids were a bit freaked out because we were outside of the vehicle.   We also saw a cheetah hiding in a bush in the morning as well as a lion & lioness playing in the grass.   We headed toward Tanzania for lunch.   As we were eating a little black fisted monkey came closer & closer.   He tried to get our garbage.   Mark was trying to shoo him away and Aby put down her apple and grabbed the camera.   The monkey quickly came to our table and grabbed Aby’s apple and started eating.   We could not believe how fast he was.   There were a variety of little lizards here as well.   We all had a chance to stand in Tanzania.   The kids were excited because they have been to 5 different countries on our trip now.

The highlight of the day was Simon (our driver) spotting a leopard in a tree.   This leopard was huge.   We took pictures from a distance.   Simon was able to drive closer & closer.   It was simply amazing.   I think all of us could have stayed there for the rest of the afternoon but there were crocodiles to be seen.   None of us were expecting to see croc’s on our safari.   

This has been an incredible experience for all of us.    The weather has been cool – which we were not expecting.   We are trying to be positive about it because more animals were out during the day as a result.   When we arrived back to camp this afternoon, Micah’s stomach did not feel great again.   The poor guy has an upset stomach again.   We are all hoping it is better before we head home on our 5 ½ hour drive.    The rain is pouring, Micah is curled up in bed, some Zebra’s just walked by our tent and we all can say “God is simply amazing”.

Eastleigh - Feb 11

Today was a celebration with the Iftin women.   They cleared out the hall and swept the floor and turned on the music.   The women came in their celebration clothes.   As soon as we arrived, Farhia whisked Aby away.   Soon she joined us dressed up in a traditional Somali garment.   She looked fabulous.   Next, Erica & I were taken away and given clothes to wear as well.   I felt like a queen.   Farhia let me use an outfit that she would wear for very special occasions.  I do not know how these women wear these clothes everyday.    I only had the beautiful outfit on for a few hours and I was sweating.    It was rather odd walking back into the hall and having everyone excited to see me and wanting their picture with me.   Soon it was time for some of the Somali women to take the stage to sing and dance.   It was not long until all of us that were dressed in the Somali garments were brought on stage with them.   It was fun to participate and enjoy some of the culture with these women.  Unfortunately, I was not able to watch some of the Ethiopian women demonstrate some of their cultural dances.

We were surprised later in the morning.   The women from Noor jewelery (& Patrick) presented us with some gifts.   On Monday, when we arrived we peaked in their building and saw some of the beads they were creating.   I commented on how beautiful they were.   Well, they gave me a necklace made out of some of these beads.   They also made a necklace, bracelet & earrings for Aby.  Mark & Micah were each given a mug.   I was humbled they would give us these beautiful gifts.   It feels as though we only have interrupted their days and yet somehow they have enjoyed our company.  After these presentations, we were able to enjoy some food from the catering (from one of the skills training classes) as well as some more dancing.    Yes, Mark tried to dance as well.   We all had a lot of fun this morning.    I am hoping to be able to edit some of the video in the next few days to share.
  
Before we left Eastleigh, we were able to present the remaining soccer balls from Willowlake to the sports coordinator.   He was very happy to be given so many balls for the school.  (Thanks Virginia for your willingness to share).   Aby & Micah raised over $1200 toward water filters.    The ceramic filtering system is made by the potters at Eastleigh.    We found out today that the filters were being assembled and would be ready for delivery next week.    On one of our home visits, we found out that Farhia and Laura do not have water filters.    We wanted to look at the filters before we left and asked Farhia to come along with us.   Aby & Micah were able to present her with a filter (way to go Windsor school & WBC Sunday School kids).    We will give Laura a filter next week when we go back to Eastleigh. 

Have I mentioned that it is hot in Nairobi?   We then headed out for lunch, I sat in the back of the van with Micah & Aby.   I am not sure I have felt that hot before in a vehicle as we drove through the streets to the restaurant.    The place we were hoping to eat was very busy but the gift shop wasn't :)   All of the items in the shop are made by refugees.   Aby & I felt that it was only right for us to make a couple of purchases.   

We then went to a Brazilian restaurant.   This was an amazing meal.   There was a salad buffet with a few meats to choose from.    Once you sat down, the meat started arriving to your table.   Servers brought swords with all different type of meat that had been cooked on a rotisserie.   They would shave off as much meat as you would like.   You had a little card in front of you.   As long as the green side was up, they kept on coming.   When you finally had enough, you turned it over to red.     I finally had to turn over Aby's card.   I have never seen her eat so much food in my life.   She ate the most out of us all.  One of my favorite foods was deep fried banana.  I am not exactly sure what they all did to it but it was simply amazing.   Erica & I both thought it needed a bit of chocolate sauce but it was fabulous without it.    Technically, that was not dessert. They brought pineapple that had cinnamon & sugar sprinkled on it that was cooked on the sword for dessert.  That was okay but the banana rocked!   Micah loved the top sirloin and Aby loved the sirloin as well as the pork ribs.   Mark didn't say what his favorite was.

We stopped by the Masai market again this afternoon.   We wanted to pick up a couple of more souvenirs.   I also bought my basket, so now I have room to bring everything home.    We enjoyed another wonderful evening with the Kenny's.    It was nice to connect as families again.   We even played a game of cranium outside.    We played family against family but we won't talk about which family won :(

Tomorrow morning we head out on our 3 day safari.   We have purchased some snacks for the trip.  It is a 5 1/2 hour drive.   We are looking forward to seeing some African animals.   We will not have internet until we come home on Monday.

Aby & Micah giving Farhia her water filter.

The filters getting ready to be assembled.

Aby & I in our Somali garments

Erica & Farhia doing a Somali dance.

Many of the school children kept looking in.

The presentation from the Noor Jewelry project.

Nelius (on my left) teaches all of the English to the Iftin ladies.   She does an incredible job with them.   Laura (on my right) has coordinated all of our time in Eastleigh.    They are both wonderful ladies who are passionate about their work.

No words to describe this picture.

Aby & Micah had a great time dancing.

Eastleigh - Feb 10

Micah woke up feeling his old self again.    He was able to join the Grade 7/8 class this morning.   The teacher welcomed him into the class with open arms.    Micah sat in the Math & English class.   He said the Grade 7 math was harder than the Grade 8 math at Windsor.    He was not able to get the question right on the blackboard.     Aby brought in some Jolly Rancher candy as well as some more tattoo's.   Once again, they were a hit among the students and teachers.

The rest of us went to the pottery shop.   I tried to restrain myself.   We bought a couple of small pieces of pottery to bring home.   Aby bought a couple of necklaces and earrings.   I purchased some necklaces as well.   I spoke to Richard who runs Noor jewelry.  I put in an order to bring home 100 necklaces to sell and give away.    Don't worry, I spoke to Mark about my plan before we went in.     All of the money goes directly to Noor & supports these Somali women.   We will be having a tour of the pottery building and the process of making the jewelry on March 1st.

We then went up to the Level 2 & 3 English class with the Iftin ladies.   We worked on making a story past tense.   During some of the Level 3 class, Mark spoke about cultural differences.   He spoke about how his father's side of the family immigrated to Canada and went to Paraguay and then back to Canada.    The class really seemed to appreciate hearing some of his story.   We talked about food, clothing, & a variety of things we do in Canada.   We then heard about Ethiopian & Somalia culture.   The women shared about the process of marriage and the celebrations that take place.     We then had the opportunity to have a henna on our hands & feet.   The young lady that did it was simply amazing.   She just looked at Aby's hands and started drawing.   She did both sides of Aby's hands and her feet.   Micah had a henna done on the outer part of each of his biceps.   I had my feet and part of my hands done.   Mark had one done on his left bicep.    It took her about 2 hours to do all of this freehand.

Once again, we went on another home visit delivering food and a water filter. Farhia, our translator, and Laura, another worker at Eastleigh, accompanied us.   This family did not have parents.   We believe the mother died while giving birth to the youngest child.   We did not understand what happened to the father.   The Grandmother is looking after the 6 children.   Grandma had her eye shot out during the war in Somalia and came to Nairobi in the 90's.   She cannot afford to send the remaining 4 children to school.   She makes biscuits and sells them as a way to make money to support these children.    She was so thankful to have been given some groceries and a water filter.

It is not safe for us to take pictures of the streets in Eastleigh.   I cannot find words to describe it.   Farhia tried to take some pictures for us but they do not capture the chaos, dirt and poverty that exists.   Twice now as we walked on the street, we saw vendors with large yellow bags.   They contain a type of leaf that is a drug called chew.   The streets were lined with these for sale.   If the garbage is not being burned, it is just lying on the side of the street.    The smells are unbelievable and yet the people on the streets smile and say "hi".

Aby had the opportunity to skype into her classroom this evening.   She loved being able to see and hear her friends.   Micah was getting a bit sad but then they found 2 of his friends to talk to him.   It was nice to reconnect with Winnipeg again.   We miss our friends and family but we are not missing the cold and snow.

We have an intricate on the side & heel of our feet as well.

Going on a home visit with our case of soda to share as well as groceries.

Some of Micah's new friends from the Grade 7/8 class

The start of Aby's henna

Talking about cultural differences

 They charged extra for the exceptionally large area to cover.

Another family whose health has real potential to improve.

Eastleigh - Feb 9

Micah woke up this morning not feeling well.   He tried to be a trooper and come to Eastleigh with us.   The level 2 ladies were learning the English words for parts of their bodies.    Aby held up flash cards with a body part and had the ladies say the name.   We thought it would be fun to teach them a childhood song.   So, Micah & Aby taught the ladies "head & shoulders, knees & toes".    Everyone seemed to enjoy it.     After that, Micah did not have much energy left in him.    Sadly, Micah went back to Heart House.   Mark helped him settle in and then he came back to join Aby & I.

Aby & I went into the Grade 8 class.    We introduced ourselves and talked a bit about Manitoba.   It was difficult to explain snow and that we can actually have some fun in the cold.   This class was made up of 13-17 year olds.    They were a fine group of students.   They all appeared to be eager & appreciating the opportunity to learn.    The teacher, James, handed me his notebook and asked me to teach the students.    Aby & I looked at each other and smiled.    She went to the chalk board and wrote down the word that I was explaining.   I think we made a good team.    James said that we did a good job and the students will remember the words because it was us who taught them.

We then headed upstairs to the level 3 Iftin ladies.   I think all of us are feeling a special bond with these ladies.    They are so friendly to each of us.   We showed them their pictures with their lanyards and they appeared to be pleased.   Laura, our helper at Eastleigh, is going to have their names printed on the back of each picture and so they can use them as a type of photo ID.

Once again we went on a home visit after lunch.   There were 6 children in this home.   The father was not mentioned and the mother was back in Ethiopia.   The 17 year old daughter was going to beauty school at Eastleigh and was making sure all of her siblings were going to school as well.    As we walked up the stairs, a young man/boy walked up and said "Teacher, do you remember me?"   This is the boy that was so attentive when Mark was teaching yesterday.   He is 13 years old and is in Grade 3.    This guy is seems to have a lot of potential.   He paid very close attention as Mark was putting together the water filter - we suspect he has taken on the role as the father to his younger siblings.    Once again this was a small home but it was very clean.   It was amazing to hear all of these children speak about their dreams for the future.    I will definitely be praying that this boy will be able to continue his education.   He walked back to Eastleigh with us.   As we walked, a number of children called his name.    I asked him if it was hard to go to school and he said it was some days but he enjoys the opportunity to learn.   I must admit there is a tug in my heart for this family - talk about resilience.

When we went back to Eastleigh, we decided to go back to the pre-school room.   We took one of the soccer balls that WBC gave us.    As soon as the kids saw the ball, the classroom erupted.    We went outside & kicked the ball around.    We played musical chairs by clapping for the music.   We also taught them head & shoulders.  

Home visit #3

Aby writing the names of the parts of the body.