Here at the equator sun goes down around 7pm. I really thought it would be lighter longer here but its not. I miss the longer, warmer days at home a bit. Its been chilly all day and it is rainy season so in the afternnon there are showers. We saw a rainbow today.
My first chore of the day was to do the dishes in the volunteer area. This is a feat unto itself. First th water needs to be boiled which means that the stove needs to be turned on which means that the gas tank needs to be turned on. You get it from there.
I was also tasked with organizing all the stuff that was donated. Joyce (one of the matrons) helped me with this project. I never would have thought twice but white anything is not really good here. There is mud and dirt and brown water so its just not practical. We sorted boxes and bags and got one outfit per child ready for them. We will give these to them tomorrow night.
I spent time with the kids doing puzzles, walking around the complex and teaching them Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack...all dressed in black, black, black. We kicked around the soccer ball and hung out in the sitting room.
The volunteers are wonderful. None of these people are getting paid. They are developing this program and working out of the goodness of their hearts. So- Hannah is a volunteer that has been here for 6 monthes. She is preparing to leave on friday. Currently she is looking for an international program manager for a NGO (non governmental organization) in washington, DC. If any of you are intersted here is her blog http://hannahinafrica.wordpress.com
Hannah has been setting up the Oasis program for Flying Kites. This will end up being a group of 20 orphanages in the Nairobi area that will work towards developing consortieum for these organizations. Power in numbers premise. This program will be continued by one of the next employees that is coming here. I have not read her entire blog but will in time. I have been very impressed with hannah's strength and commitment to FKLA. If anyome can hook her up with an interview in DC that would be really cool.
Brian is another volunteer/employee that is taking on the Magnet Effect Program. His blog is the twosaiingships one listed on the left tool bar. He has been here for six weeks and will be here for six months. He is assuring me that I will become comfortable here within a few days. He has even told me that we can walk into Njabini for fresh produce some day this week. I don't know if I totally believe him but I will trust the process.
I was under the impression that there was female circumcision (sp?) Going on here. When I spoe with joyce and phoebe (mom) today about this, I was told that it has not happenned in this area for 30 years or so. I was glad to hear this. Kikuyu is the tribe that lives here. There are 43 tribes in kenya. They have diffirent dialects and traditions. I am not sure how women are treated elsewhere but I am happy to say that the women I have met so far are strong, dedicated, and full of faith and hope.
Matilda is the movie of the night. Thank you to whoever sent it...again.
And as a side note - the matrons wanted to know what church I belong to that was so generous. I kind of chuckled...the church of furniture world, albany, ny.
One last point...before I left I was strugling to get all my blog stuff working. I added a googlegroup that would allow automatic emails to go to each person that I added so you would know when I added a post. Unfortunately, whenever someone responds everyone else on the list receives this. There is a place on www.googlegroups.com/flyingkites that will allow you to remove yourself or change how often you get emails. Sorry if I didn't ask before adding your name. I just needed to feel connected when I did this....probably in the middle of a panic attack.
I might take a shower with this cool sun shower bag that can hold hot water tomorrow. It might be nice. Last one was saturday. I might change my clothes too. No guarantee.
And thanks barb for the solar charger. Everyone is thrilled with it.
Peace out!!
Rice and beans from Njabini...
Bethany
