This weekend a few of us made a quick trip to Lake Naivasha and went on a boat ride to see hippos. We also had the kids, matrons, all volunteers and all FKLA staff join us on sunday for a hike in the Hell's Gate National Park. There was a bus load of people and it was like a regular field trip. We weren't surprised when the bus was running a little late but it was startling to find that they were at the police station. Everything can typically be paid off but for some reason the expired insurance tag was a big deal on that particular morning. Whatever. They were delayed half an hour and let go on their way. We all did our little version on a hike which means about a half hour walk in dust with 16 kids ranging from 6 to 13 in a dust bowl checking out the zebras and warthogs along the way. By then kid's feet hurt and they were tired and you know the deal so there was a crew sent back to get the bus. But now we weren't all going to fit so big kids were thrown on top of the bus. And when I say big kids, I mean the college age ones and older. We haven't gotten to the point of strapping orphans to the rooftops yet but my guess is that some of them would love it. We did do another small hike through the lower gorge of Hell's Gate which is where angelina jolie filmed tomb raider II. It was like a mini Grand Canyon. There were hot water springs that amazed the kids. I was reminded of the geysers in saratoga and thought about how similar places are even when they are worlds apart.
Our trip home was uneventful but upon arrival we found that we didn't have water. Oops. It was just another one of those things that we get used to here. It's been a couple of days now and it seems acceptable. The hotel down the hill charges $6 for 12 hours and we have rotated turns in the shower. Doing dishes is interesting but I am reminded of how lucky we are here at "the center".
My friend Ruth is officially going to be a Flying Kites Day Scholar. She has been roaming around town for too long and she has found her way into the hearts of some of the founders and people that run this facility. It brought tears to my eyes yesterday as I walked her from class three to class one so that she can start to get her basic english and swahilli down. She smiles and laughs and waves with two hands. She is getting measured for a new uniform and has some new socks and shoes. She loves football and seems to be excited to be accepted here. I am not sure what emergency plan will be put in place to deal with her epilepsy but I am confident that the individuals here will handle the situation with care and the utmost concern.
We have two new boarders that arrived last week. During our recent medical and physical exams we found that one of them is HIV positive. The emotions around this are mixed. Initially it was concern over whether this child had been born with the disease or if there was abuse involved. After a trip to the hospital, there is some relief that no abuse has occurred. The way to look at this from a positive aspect is to be grateful this child arrived when it did. Treatment is available and the disease can be monitored. The alternative is difficult to imagine.
Flossie the cow will have her baby within the next three months. Matilda the cat has moved into her castle and has never had so much attention. She lucked out. I haven't heard much about the rabbits lately so I am assuming they are still alive and we haven't eaten them yet. Josie the dog is hanging in there and hasn't eaten Matilda but there are definitely some side bets going on this one.
There are numerous projects that I want to help with for this organization. Below is a list that I would love to have help with-
1- not all the boarders here have sponsors. Really important.
2- our new school is close to done. The building has been built for $60,000. It has four classrooms and will be the new learning center for seventy children. These kids deserve this. Unfortunately, we need approximately $10,000 to finish the inside. We will reuse existing furniture but need to finish the electrical and other interior details.
3- The Adventure Challenge team is currently mid stream on their hike up Mt. Kilimanjaro. This is the first time this event has been done for FKLA and it promises to be a fantastic event. I am hoping to put together a team next year of 15-20 people that will participate. It's a two week trip that includes a visit to the children's home and them a personal goal to be completed. The fund raising goal is $5000 per person and as far as I am concerned this is a cheap adventure vacation with a meaningful purpose. What's better?
4- We are looking at other non-profits to assist with our Oasis program in regards to renovating other orphanages in the city of Nairobi. The goal is to give these facilities access to information in a group format. It's a bit overwhelming but something to work at.
Dream Big Dreams. Good stuff. Looking for help. So much more to follow.
Lentils and rice has become my favorite dish. The scale says I have dropped some pounds but I don't want to trust it. Clothes are loose because washing/drying them is semi-optional. Who knows? We'll see when I get home. One more reason to visit Flying Kites Kenya- weight loss program.
Peace out.
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