lucky life

So much has happened in the last two weeks, while at times it definitely feels as though time moves at a snails pace. Everyday is filled with new discoveries, new connections to the community, children and friends and relaxation. If anything I am getting a lot of rest here. Even though the malaria medication I take makes sleep a bit intense. The medication makes my dreams very intense and vivid, I am often awoken in the middle of the night by very real dreams and by fears that I’m being attacked by cockroaches, spiders or mosquitos. That fear is a complete reality though.The first week (which I will fill in later) my hut was visited by cockroaches nightly. They would sneak up on me in the evening and in the morning I would find several of them dead. Well I came to peace with the cockroaches and sprayed all the entrances with permetherin and they have not returned. Now I’m under attack by the mosquitos. I was bitten about 20 times on Wednesday leaving large welt like bites all over. (yes I admit I sound incredibly hot right now, can you picture it?) Even though I had covered my body with Deet strength insect repellent (as I do twice daily) and sprayed almost the entire contents of the permetherin all over my net and bed. They were after me I am telling you. The bites were so bad I finally took Benadryl last night because I was physically reacting so badly. Honestly, that is the worst of what has happened to me since I have arrived.I love the village, everyone here is so friendly and welcoming. It’s beautiful too, right off the beach of Lake Victoria. The sunrises are beautiful and it is generally so peaceful here. Yesterday we saw our first snake, it was huge and apparently can really harm you. Thankfully someone had already done the job of killing it (probably for fear of being harmed).We went to Kisimu early yesterday morning to collect the Youth Mentoring group tshirts for the presentation that occurred yesterday afternoon. The youth did such a good job with the presentation in front of most of the secondary school. It was so impressive, I was very proud of them. They all loved the shirts and we hope to have an additional training in the winter for new members and the football club, they also want to become youth mentors and teach other youth about HIV/AIDS.There are definitely cultural differences obviously that make such discussions about HIV/AIDS, the principal gave a very interesting speech after the youth’s presentation in which he highlighted the rise in teenage pregnancy, the need for abstinence and the threat of HIV/AIDS. It was actually the most responsible thing he could have done in which he recognized his own struggle between the faith of the community (most are Christians) and the reality of HIV/AIDS.Rosemary (our on site coordinator) told me that she was worried that I don’t eat enough and that Tom will be mad at her if I come back thin. I tried to explain to her that I am feeling fine and that it is an okay thing to go back to the USA somewhat lighter b/c there is a great chance I would gain the weight back within a week. I do desire to lose some weight (as it is healthier, I am getting married and generally it isn’t all that bad) and I am not eating so much here. But really it is difficult, the food is good, basic but I get tired of eating ulgali and alot (spinach like veggies) most meals. The food is just basic and substantial, I am definitely not trying to complain. Last night we did have my favorite meal though: lentils and chipatis. So tasty even though I still didn’t go back for seconds.While in town, I purchased some granola, oranges, instant coffee (as we only drink tea) and some candies. That is the other thing, Kenyans aren’t big on snacks or dessert-which is great. As I was raised on dessert which is why I could stand to lose some weight.Plus Kenyans work so hard, their exercise is their physical labor. Working in the fields, cooking, cleaning and walking everywhere. They think Americans are crazy for exercising, even though we still do it. Each day I do a little yoga, strength training and core work. It is nice to finally have time to do this stuff.I have finished three books since I have been here: eat, pray love, love walked in and everyone worth knowing (a paperback in the house). I have two books left: water for elephants and songs for the butchers daughter. I am trying to pace myself. I’ve gone through all of my podcasts and have almost filled my journal.But we do also work a lot. I’ve been out in the field most of the week going to see clients in their homes (just like back in the states) and I am completing 12 memory boxes during my time here.Unfortunately, I do not have easy or consistent access to the internet, so I haven’t been able to be in touch with people as I would like. that is probably the hardest thing, I miss everyone. I have written some letters (who knows when they will arrive) and I bought a cell phone (for emergencies and to keep in touch with Tom, whom I thought might cry when I called him the first time).I do love being here though and cannot wait to return. This is an amazing adventure and I’m just trying to soak all of it in.

So, here is my warning the internet here is very slow and apparently there isn’t always enough power to keep it on so everything shuts down. I will try and update as short as possible and update more fully when I have more reliable internet. Be patient, that might be a while.

I’ve been writing quite a bit since I arrived in Kenya, everything is so beautiful and amazing. I’m staying in a small village called Kunya, from what I can tell in the area we are, there are about 1000-1500 clan members. There are about 500 children that attend the two schools that we have visited.

We (the volunteers, currently there are 2 of us) and the coordinator stay on the property of the founder, the whole program is called Mama Na Dada. It started out as an empowerment program for girls and has turned into so much more: a daycare for the orphans (called Circle of Hope), a feeding program for the orphans and some of the primary school children, a Support group for those living with AIDS, Community Health Workers that provide home based care to those living with AIDS, a guardian group (for those caring for the orphans), Youth mentorship (students teaching others about AIDS). I could go on, but for brevity I will not.

 I am working with most of the programs in one way or another, but one my main tasks is working with the Community Health Workers.  I am working on a report that could develop into a proposal for support. They don’t need much: medicine (pain relievers), gloves, masks, and food stuffs for their clients. The visits so far have been heart wrenching, but uplifting at the same time.

It is so hot and muggy right now. My little clock shows the temp at 81 degrees and it is 5am. Sleeping can be measured in small packets of a few hours during the night, punctuated by crazy malaria-medication-induced dreams. ... [Continue reading this entry]