The Transition

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to check in and wish everyone happy holidays. Tomorrow I leave campus for the next month, so my internet access will be limited until the middle of January. I'll stay in Nairobi for a few days and pick up Jen from the airport on Sunday at midnight. Hopefully, we'll travel to Kisumu on Tuesday the 22nd, the same day Monica returns to Canada. Unfortunately three well-known bus companies that drive between Nairobi and Kisumu are booked until after Christmas, so I've been scrambling to find a safe way to Kisumu. Luckily, I talked to one of my friends from the soccer team today, and he and his brother are also heading to the same area so we'll travel with them by another public bus or van. Please pray for our safety and that everything works out.

I am really excited to be back in Lwanda for Christmas! I've really missed my "family" and friends there. Jen and I will stay there until probably the 2nd of January, when we'll return to Nairobi for a safari and her departure on the 7th. After the 7th, I am not yet sure where I'll be until the 18th when classes resume. As you can see, I am really vigilant in my planning. My back up plan for those dates are to stay in Nairobi and begin working at my internship.

Speaking of internship... Good news! On Tuesday I finally visited to the Kenya Women's Voluntary Rehabilitation Centre in Nairobi. I spoke with two of the staff members there and inquired about the organization and the possibility of interning there next semester. I told them I didn't have expectations or much experience, but that I am just interested in learning and working in the field. They have various programs, and something going on everyday, so it sounds like a fitting internship. I'll detail the organization later in another blog.

Next semester, I've signed up for classes on Monday's and Tuesday's: Art in Africa, Music in Africa, New Testament Survey, and Photography. That leaves the rest of the week for interning. The only negative side to this schedule is that commuting to Nairobi multiple days of the week is extremely exhausting. It'd be easier to live there, but for now I am planning on staying in the self-catering dorm in Athi River. Another goal for next semester is learning swahili more seriously because I'll need it for my internship. This next month I am going to work very hard to learn a lot.

With all that said, this really is a month of transition into a new semester with new experiences to come. I'm feeling content, but still feeling kinda "up-in-the-air." No worries though. Good bye for now. Enjoy your Christmas, New Years, and time with family and friends. Peace.

A Week In Uganda!

Well, I've offically traveled to my second country in Africa now: Uganda. It is a beautifully green country. Monica and I traveled by bus from Nairobi to Kampala overnight, which took only about 10 hours! Usually it takes a lot longer, but traveling at night is much faster. In Kampala we stayed with Monica's friend's parents from Canada who have lived in Uganda for 11 years. Kampala was generally a nice city. It is built on seven surrounding mountains with the center of town seated in the middle. Lots of hills and beautiful views. It was safer and cleaner than Nairobi in my opinion too. We explored the city for a couple days and found our way (well, driven to) to Kasubi Tombs on our favorite mode of public transportation: a motorcycle. Monica and I really enjoyed Kasubi tombs, where we had a guide sit down with us and tell us about the four Bugandan kings buried inside the house. The history of Uganda is quite interesting: the Buganda king actually invited the British to come to Uganda around 1890. Presently there is a king and a president. Descendants of the kings come and stay in the homes and surrounding wives homes for different lengths of time. The first Bugandan king buried there had 84 wives!

After a couple days in Kampala we enjoyed two nights in Jinja. We spend the first day rafting twelve rapids of the White Nile river. The source of the Nile is in Uganda and it flows through Sudan and Egypt. Rafting was a new experience for me and it was a blast. There was one point where we flipped in a class five rapid and I wasn't sure I'd ever find my way to the surface for a breath... thank you life jacket. We went down a waterfall too (probably about 15 foot drop)! I wasn't sure how it'd work out... After rafting all day the company had a cookout for everyone. We stayed two nights at their "campsite." There were hostels, personal tents, and permanent tents on a small property overlooking the Nile. It felt surreal. We spent the day after rafting recovering by laying on the grass enjoying the view, sounds, and breeze.

Our third day in Kampala we enjoyed a bike ride through the surrounding rural area. Two fourteen year old boys who we met, Adam and Alan, led us on a little tour. I'm jealous of those people who live right on the Nile, although unfortunately, despite the abundance of natural resources, many of them are very poor.

Back at school, I've taken four exams in the past three days and I have another tomorrow. I'll have one week of no exams, until the 18th when I take my last. I am going to work on my internship for next semester during that week and roughly plan out the December holiday, which I'll spend with Jen! Monica leaves in two weeks, which I am really sad about. I'm pretty sure I'll cry when I say goodbye to one of my best friends on the 22nd. She heads home to snow and the winter Olympics in her hometown, Vancouver, with an injured foot and one semester of college left. We've shared so many great memories and experiences.

Mombasa

I'm back from Mombasa and burnt on my shoulders. It was so hot and humid... felt like the Oaxacan coast in June. I had a great weekend: spent time with Lissen and Christine Arogo, rode a camel, swam in the Indian Ocean, visited Fort Jesus and the Old Town, ate chicken biriani, took a ferry, and relaxed.

Monica's friend told us about a place to stay on the "south coast", which was actually on an island. We got an entire fully-furnished flat, that can sleep up to 12 people right on the ocean for only about $20! It was such a bargain and we enjoyed relaxing in the yard. We stopped at a store and bought two treats that we haven't had in months: salad and corn on the cob. yum. It was fun taking the ferry between the mainland and the island and we were surprised how many people traveled between the two each day. Because so many people live there, the ferry leaves about every five minutes and it is free.

On Friday, we visited Fort Jesus and learned a little about the history of Mombasa. The fort was built right on the coast by the Portugese in 1593 and was later attacked by Oman. Also, the city has a lot of Middle Eastern architecture and Arab-Kenyans. In certain areas, I felt like I was in the Middle East. It was a really interesting contrast to the rural Kenya and city of Nairobi that I know and I appreciated the diversity.

We met up with Lissen and Chris, my sisters from Lwanda. (I also visited Ann and John Riany from Lwanda who live there.) It was a nice reunion with Lissen and good to finally meet Chris. We went to the beach, where the water was surprisingly warm, and rode a camel. Monica and I also met up with our friends Alyssa and Raija from school.

I'm back at school now for the final week of classes, which I can hardly believe. Next week, Monica and I are going to visit some of her friends in Uganda, if everything works out. Gotta take advantage of the travel opportunities, and thankfully it is pretty cheap to travel around.

Photos above: Fort Jesus, the ferry, riding the camel

To The Coast

Hey Everyone!

Hope all is well. I am doing fine and finishing out the semester. I finished two final papers within the past week. The first was for my appropriate technology class. I discussed the feasibility of solar panels for Lwanda School. What I found was that to bring electricity to the entire area from the main road was about double the cost of installing solar panels for just the secondary school, so my conclusion was that until the prices of solar panels down (which they will with time, research, and production competition), they are not appropriate for Lwanda. The second paper I wrote was about foreign aid and how it can actually hinder development rather than promote growth due to the poor implementation/distribution, and poor government policies. We have two weeks of class, then two weeks of exams. I can't believe how fast the semester went! The classes I enjoyed most were African Literature and Community Development and the Church. As for next semester, I'll likely spend most of my days interning/volunteering at an organization in Athi River or Nairobi to get some practical experience and break out of the campus life a bit. I'll probably just take two classes here.

This evening I am leaving for the coast of Kenya! I have never been there, and I've never been to the Indian Ocean. Monica and I are traveling by bus, and in a couple days we'll meet up with two friends from school, Raija and Alyssa. My "sister" Lissen Arogo lives there too, so it will be nice to reconnect after three and a half years! So as it snows, just remember I am laying on the beach.

Oh What The Rain Can Do

Hello from sunny Athi River,

As I was heading to Nairobi yesterday with the soccer team, I was thinking about what I should write in my next blog. Looking out the window, I noticed that the river I've always looked for in Athi River had finally appeared! This area is incredibly dry and dusty, but recently we've had some rain, which has proved to be such a blessing. People really suffer without water out here, and a lot of our water is actually brought in with a truck that reads "clean water." But, since it's rained a little, people are able to at least get some water and the area even has a tint of green from the sprouting grass. Our soccer field, which has been completely dirt, is now half-covered with grass. It seems like such a basic concept, but rain can mean life or death.

Another thing I have been thinking about lately is how my concept of "my belongings" and "my belonging" has been transformed. I guess this kind of gets at the idea of living simply and sharing, since we are all valuable members of the community. What I have, I use. What I am blessed to have, such as a guitar and computer, I share on a daily basis. I don't feel so driven to have my own things, my own space or home, and my own little bubble. In fact, I feel at home (away from home), but I just can't identify a physical space where that home exists. I know it's there, it's probably just wherever my friends are or where I feel at peace. I especially enjoy spending time outside playing guitar, soccer, walking, ect... so I assume my home is somewhere outside with the monkeys and zebras, but far from the hyenas.

Speaking of soccer, I have been playing more lately. The pain is still there, but not so unbearably present. I recently recieved in-sole supports from my mom, which I am trying out.

Take care and stay in touch.

Defying Gravity

I can hardly believe that it is almost November! Wow. I’ve been gone for three months and I’m still going strong. Actually, it’s the everyday adventures and opportunities that remind me to appreciate my present home. I’ve had countless experiences during the past three months that are unique to my location and I cannot go a single day without feeling grateful to be in Kenya.

Yesterday, I witnessed something so unreal. In fact, I’d be surprised if you actually believe me, because I had to see it to believe it. I went on a field trip to Machakos yesterday with my Intro to Community Development class to a visit an organization working in development in Kenya. Afterwards, we drove up the side of a mountain to a location that some call “the magic spot.” Sounds interesting, right? The rumors in the area are that in this spot water actually flows uphill, but few people have actually gone there to witness such a phenomenon. Our bus comes around a bend and stops so that we can all get out (or alight, as Kenyan would say). The road is at an obvious incline, but not too steep. We take some water and pour it onto the road assuming that they water will flow down the hill, as it has always done for the past 19 years of my life. Sure enough, the water splats on the asphalt and streams uphill! What was more unbelievable was when our bus driver drove up the hill, turned around and came slowly down the hill to this “spot.” When he got there, he put the bus in neutral and it went backwards up the hill. No joke. I wish I had a video camera. Some guys rode a bike and said it was harder to go downhill than uphill.

Anyways, I’d like to know where Newton is now. Haha. Can one of you science geeks explain this to me??? Or is it a product of the area’s witchcraft? Apparently anything is possible, even gravity that pulls uphill.

A Weekend In Kisumu and Lwanda

Hello!
I hope all is well back at home. We just had our "fall break" this past weekend, so I used the four days as wisely as possible and went back "home." Monica came with me and thoroughly enjoyed her first experience in rural Kenya. We traveled overnight by bus from Nairobi to Kisumu, where Fred picked us up on Saturday morning. We spent the day with Mary and Esther while Fred went home for a funeral.

Mary and I have become really good friends. We can laugh about anything, and I love that she is so open when it comes to talking about Kenya. We had a really interesting conversation about polygamy and women in the marriage context. In the West, we hear very little about the reality, functions, and negative outcomes of polygamy, so it is a blessing to be able to learn from someone I really look up to. Monica also enjoyed getting to know Mary and she became friends with the Odhiambos.

On Sunday we went to church, visited Syprose and Elisha in Kisumu, and cooked chapati with Mary in the evening. Next time I am preparing the chapati alone as a test of my ability, haha. I'll be making them in the U.S.

On Monday we traveled to Lwanda and stayed in George's house for the night. Monica and I couldn't believe how green that side of Kenya was. It was such an incredible contrast to the dust bowl where I stay in Athi River. The farmers are happy because they will likely get a second harvest. It was nice to see streams, rivers, red clay, and fields. What a beautiful area. In the afternoon we met with some teachers at the school to discuss the feasibility of electricity or solar power for Lwanda school. It was the beginning of my research for my final paper for my Appropriate Technology class, where I hope to conclude whether or not solar panels are ideal for Lwanda.

On Tuesday, we had a wonderful lunch: chapati and lentils, and headed back to Kisumu. Upon arriving at the market near Fred's home, Monica injured her foot as we were getting out of the matatu. We aren't sure exactly what is wrong, because we haven't recieved the x-ray results, but I wouldn't be surprised if it is fractured. It might be a sprain, although she is still in a LOT of pain, even after taking lots of pain medication. We got a ride from someone to a hospital in Kisumu, but they really did nothing for her and she continued to feel pain. Wednesday morning, we came back to Nairobi on an eight hour bus ride and got a taxi to a better hospital here. My poor friend is mostly just in her room and I've been taking good care of her and doing everything I can for her. The school had a crappy wheelchair, but this campus is barely wheelchair accessible and she was given the wrong type of crutches (not the armpit ones), so those are dysfunctional as well. Pray for her. Thanks to Fred and Mary for their hospitality and support for Monica.

Take care. More photos on facebook.

Pictured above:
1)The fig tree
2)Martin and sister-in-law Naomi and her daughter Mazi
3)A green view, however it doesn't show the mountains and hills
4)Martin's father's first wife outside her home

Are We Merely Seeds?

Some thoughts from a very powerful conversation that my close friend, Christian, and I shared. (He is a community development major from the Democratic Republic of Congo):

As social workers, community development facilitators, and non-governmental organization's we are trapped under the systems of society, which hold influential power much larger than that of our sphere of influence. We sweat below the heirarchy, which, if pursued, has the ability to make drastic changes to benefit the people with who we work. The system is corrupt. The system is unjust. However, the system defines societal development.

We work for justice. We work to meet the basic needs of all, but yet we feel alone. We work under the system and the reality appears to be that all our service is in vain. Let's take water, for example. There are a countless number of water sanitation initiatives, clean water education projects, filtering projects, and well drillings that are in progress. On a small-scale, some communities needs are being met, but what would the global crisis of clean water look like if the leaders of today mandated and provided access to clean water for every single person? What if the social workers, community developers, and NGO's were able to lead governments in an outline for solving the clean water crisis so that the "powers" can use their power effectively and for the benefit of the suffering?

Unfortunetly, this is all idealistic, at least presently speaking. The "systems" have always been in place, and sadly they will probably remain in their positions. So what do we make of this pessimistic outlook towards the role of such social advocates? Is our work making a difference? Are we just playing into the schemes of the system and perpetuating injustice?

It is as though we are just seeds. But am I forfeiting to the system if I call myself "just a seed"? Or is there honor in being a seed? Not only am I a seed, but it feels like my seed is blowing around the dry sand of the desert hoping that somehow, someway, it might be watered and grow into a fruit-producing tree.

I suppose this opportunity to live life as a seed wasn't mine in the first place. It was given to me by God. So why not give everything to the world around me? Why not surrender to this idea of life as not merely a seed, but of life as a seed that has a lot of potential to bear fruit? I trust that I'll be watered by God and not by the system.

Some people die before their death while others die at the time of their death. And some great people, such as Mother Teresa or Martin Luther King, died after their death because of the fruits left behind. But is it possible for me to change the world in a way where I will never die after my death?

I want to hear fruits of the seed dropping onto the ground after my death.

The Mystery Injury

I just wanted to give a quick update on my visit to the hospital on Tuesday. First of all, I went to a much much much nicer hospital called Aga Khan. I barely had to wait to see the doctor too. I first talked with a senior doctor, who referred me to a physiotherapist. She didn't think that I have a vascular problem, but wasn't exactly sure why I am having the pain. The physiotherapist used a machine to calm the nerves near the bottom of my tibia, gave me a painful calf massage, and did an ultrasound on my calves. She told me to do some stretches on my toes and heels also. I will be going back to see her a few times, including this friday. Today I am still having pain, especially on the inside on the bottom of my tibia, but I am hoping for the best. I won't be able to play for a while...

Patience For The Patient

Thursday was probably the worst day I’ve had here yet. I traveled alone to Nairobi West Hospital to see the specific doctor to whom I was referred. I was supposed to see her between nine and ten in the morning and the hospital administration kept telling me that the doctor was on her way from another hospital. I sat in the waiting room for over four hours before I was told that the doctor was not coming. I was really disappointed since I had to go through a lot to get there and I was hoping for nothing more than a solution to this leg pain. I was told that I could come back on Saturday at nine and meet with the doctor, so I gave them another chance… only to be disappointed again. After traveling all the way from Athi River again, the doctor wasn’t there, so I left.

I decided to go downtown to the University of Nairobi to relax and watch the guy’s soccer game. On the way there I asked a man a question about directions to the campus. It turned out that he was also headed there, so we walked together. After a horrible start to the morning it nice to talk with Bernard. Raised Muslim, at the age of 18 he became a Christian, a conversion that is almost unheard of. He now has a small church in the slums of Kibera and he runs a Christian school in a Muslim Somali community on the other side of Nairobi. He told me about the challenges of the school, the progress church and about his young family. We exchanged contact information and he invited me for a visit some time. What a blessing.

I’m just around campus now, getting ready for another week of classes. I talked with one of the soccer captains and he suggested a different hospital for me to go to in Nairobi, which is very nice and actually treats their patients well. I’ll go there on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Hope all is well back at home. Stay in touch. Peace and love.

The Gate of Hell

My lack of posting makes me wonder if I'm lazy, busy, or intimidated by this blog. Haha. Actually, I am quite busy and this past weekend I traveled to Naivasha. On Saturday I went there by public bus, which is about four hours from school, with Monica and our two friends Nelson and Reagan. We stayed with some of Reagan's friends for the night. During the day we visited Hell's Gate National Park and hiked through the deep gorge, that was formed mostly by intrusive rocks (as a result of volcanic activity). Luckily, I took geology last year and had to memorize a zillion rocks, so I was able to identify the common obsidian and pumice rocks. (What a nerd?) Eventually we arrived at hot water springs, mostly flowing from the sides of the gorge and through the middle. The volcanic activity, and hot water is where Hell's Gate got it's name. Afterwards, we climbed to the very top and had a view of the entire area, which reminded me of the time I awed at the Grand Canyon. On our way out, we drove through the game area of the park and saw buffalo, warthogs, a young giraffe, zebra, and antelope. You know, the usual. Haha.

Back at school, this week has been going okay. On Tuesday Monica and I went to Nairobi to meet with Wiclif, our friend from Kito International with whom we are volunteering. Since the organization is still in the very early stages, we are hoping to help him with some research on micro enterprise and youth-friendly loans. Also, he is looking for an office space, so we will help him set that up too. Next Tuesday when we meet, Wiclif is going to take us around the slums where he lives and works: Kangware. Kito's programs will target rehabilitated street boys/men. Beginning with a smaller group of men, they will spend one year taking classes on life skills and entrepreneurship, working in a business (which funds the organization), and giving back to the community by working with other street boys. Upon completing the year, the men will ideally take out a low-interest loan (which we are researching) and start their own business. Wiclif currently works alone in Nairobi as program director (well, now he has me and Monica) and partners with others in California, such as Maria who we met at the brunch. I'm excited to see what is to come.

Last night I left soccer early due to unbearable shin-splint and calf muscle pain that has been progressively getting worse. I went to the school health clinic and talked with the doctor. He thinks that the calf muscle isn't getting enough oxygen and isn't removing the lactic acid efficiently. He referred me to a cardiovascular doctor in Nairobi. If all goes as planned, I'll be going to see him tomorrow. I hope it isn't too serious.

Well, I'm off to my African Literature class. Enjoy the photos of this weekend. There are more on facebook.

Scenes From The City

It’s easy for me to write about the similarities between Kenya and the United States, but when it comes to the differences and everyday adventures, I struggle to blog. I have to admit that I am envious of skillful artists and writers. What they possess, that I don’t, is the ability to recapture images and describe experiences respecting their deserved value. I feel practically mute with my inexpressive record keeping. I hope to work towards a voice that accurately conveys what I’ve seen and expresses what I’ve felt.

I’d like to share some stories and images from Nairobi, which seem impossible to describe to someone who has never been here. (“We” refers to Monica and I, as we shared many of these experiences) Here is my attempt…

1) I touched an elephant foot that a man had in his home. It was hairy.

2) The street boy begged with glowing eyes, torn clothes, and dirty hands. I gave him a mango.

3) Two Saturdays ago, we spent the day at a children’s home. I was very impressed with the arrangements: two house mothers and a social workers for fourteen children under the age of fifteen. It seems that this home, sponsored by a church, was sufficiently providing for the children. They were well behaved, friendly, and happy. One nine-year-old boy, Lawrence, organized a time of prayer for all the children. He asked them to sit down with their legs crossed and hands folded. Each child genuinely prayed and thanked God for the individuals in the home.

4) We couldn’t understand the words of the man in the street who was high on glue.

5) Just a mile from the largest slum in Africa, I enjoyed a cup of almond flavored steamed milk in a coffee shop/cafe that was equivalent to a Starbucks in America. During that hour, I forgot I was even in Kenya. Sick reality of unequal distribution of wealth.

6) We met Wiclif, a former street-boy, who is developing a nonprofit organization that helps rehabilitated street boys start businesses. Internship for Monica and I.

7) I frequently enjoy a huge and very delicious fruit salad with mango, papaya, watermelon, pineapple, avocado, and banana for just one dollar.

8) The absolutely pathetic library in Nairobi contained very few books, most of which from the 60’s.

9) Three times in one day, we were called “brown skin,” by men in town… and I’m not even noticeably tan.

10) We found a small art museum, which displayed portrait photography from Nairobi through the decades. How interesting.

11) We saw a restaurant called "Wimpy Burger." Appetizing. Notice, I only SAW the restaurant.

12) I always look the wrong way when crossing the street... they drive on the left side of the road. Fortunetly for me I have been lucky to not get run over by one of the thousands of public buses that drive like maniacs.


Stay tuned for more.

Pictured above: Half-time photo from our game in Nairobi on Saturday, Goodness and I, and Kibera slums outside of Nairobi

"I Thought You Had A Skin Condition," She Told Me.

My fingers look pathetic. I would take a photo, but I'll spare your eyes. No, I don't have a disease, just scabs and that kind of cool stuff on the tops of my fingers. It's called: handwashing my clothes. Haha... I don't mind hand washing, but it is time-consuming and since my hands aren't used to the wear and tear, they bleed if I wash too much. Now, this wouldn't be such an issue if I didn't have to wash white socks covered in red dirt from soccer. I will be solving this complaint by buying black soccer socks asap.

I want to share a little bit of my Sunday with you. Monica, my good Canadian friend, and I were invited to Paula and Kurt Tjossem's home in Nairobi for brunch with some of their other friends. I didn't know Paula and Kurt, but I was connected to them through a friend-of-a-friend kind of deal, which was really random. Monica and I matatu-ed (public transportation buses for 14 passengers are called matatu's) our way to their home for an afternoon that proved to be a very unique and exciting opportunity for us. Let me describe some of the people we met: Kurt is the regional director for International Rescue Committee; Maria is working with a developing organization in Nairobi, which helps street boys start businesses; Kelly works with Nobel Peace Prize winners to raise funds for an NGO that promotes women's development; Another woman was the director of the World Bank in East Africa. Get the idea? How did Lora and Monica manage to end up there? Haha, only through the grace of God, I'd say. Everyone at this small gathering was friendly and very experienced in his or her field.

This networking will hopefully open some doors for Monica and I as we continue searching for internship/volunteer opportunities. We are hoping to meet with Maria and her Kenyan friend, Wycliffe (?), this week to talk about the possibility of helping with the street boy outreach that they are launching. I am overwhelmed with the opportunities before me. It would be a shame to come all the way to Kenya for a year and just stay on the university campus, especially as a Social Work major.

Six Giraffes Later

I can officially say that I've seen a family of giraffes... and they weren't in the zoo. In fact, they were about a half mile outside of the entrance to Daystar. I was on the bus heading back from Nairobi as the sun was setting. We turned off from the main road onto the dusty dirt road towards Daystar and saw lots of zebra and wildebeest, which wasn't unusual. Then I saw a giraffe near the road followed by a group of them and I was so excited because my friends and I like joke about seeing a giraffe, and finally we did. Besides the cats wandering around campus, there are monkeys and other rodents, both of which I do not know the specific name. One day I was reading a book in the middle of campus and little fruits kept falling from the tree above me. I couldn't figure out what was knocking them off (and practically chucking them at me), until I saw the monkey leave the tree. Haha.

Enough of the animals... and now to a real topic: soccer. haha. okay, so Goodness and I are on Daystar mens soccer team. They didn't really have cuts (at least not yet) but surprisingly we are really well respected and welcomed by the coaches, captains, and players. We attend practice and we will be at the games too. Obviously, we are not as strong or as fast as the others, but we work hard and most importantly enjoy it. I am enjoying getting fit again, although I am sore.

Here is my address in Athi River, if anyone ever decides that snail mail still exists. The other address I posted earlier can still work, but this one is better.

Daystar University
Lukenya Hills
PO BOX 17-90145 Daystar
Machakos, Kenya

PEACE AND LOVE! Loraaaaaaa

Photos

the center of campus

some of my friends

Goodness and Raphael, who I play soccer with. They are from Cameroon. And that isn't my hat. haha. i am just posing.


Hello! I just wanted to let you know that I put a bunch of photos on facebook, but for those of you who don't have facebook, I'll put a few here. Peace.

Peace Wanted Alive

Greetings from cold Athi River

I hope that all of you are doing well as the summer winds down and everyone is heading back to school.  Sorry for delaying on this update.

Classes are now beginning, but I’ve had to make a few adjustments to my schedule because of class cancellations due to the few students who signed up for those classes.  So… instead of taking Community Health, I will be taking Introduction to the Old Testament.   Instead of Kiswahili, I will be taking Integrated Appropriate Technology.  Now I’m sure I lost a few (or all) of you with the title of that last class.  Well, the class is split between lecture and workshop.  It’s a practical hands-on class where we will learn how low and intermediate technology ideas can be applied to solve problems in communities, such as bio-sand water filters, solar panels, irrigation foot pumps, and  constructing a facility for raising poultry.  Should be interesting, right?  So when you see the photos of me running around with a table-saw you’ll know what that’s about.

Besides attending class, I have been playing soccer almost every week night.  One of my close friends here, Goodness (from Cameroon), and I play together with a group of guys.  We don’t think that there will be enough interest for a women’s soccer team, which is really too bad… so for now we are playing with the men’s team.  Obviously, we won’t compete with them, but they welcomed us to join them at practice.  I’ll say one thing: it’s true that Kenyans are fast runners.

Last weekend I went to Nairobi to visit my lovely sister, Mary.  She was attending a public health training in Nairobi to complement her work with the CDC (Center for Disease Control) near Kisumu.  On Saturday, we spent some time together and she introduced me to her co-worker, Asman, who trains people in community health in the slums outside of Nairobi.  He works specifically in Kibera, which has about 600,000 inhabitants.  During the post election violence, this area was a disaster.  Asman showed us areas that were burned and never rebuilt.  Someone had spray painted on walls and fences the following: “PEACE WANTED ALIVE.” Asman lives on the fringes of Kibera (which is near to the Daystar Nairobi campus), and he brought us to his home where we spent time with his four beautiful children and wife.   The view of the slums was incredible, indescribable, and sad really.   Try to imagine over half a million people living in rows of rusted metal sheets nailed together. Large extended families live in just one room as they struggle to survive.  I think his work is very practical and meaningful to the slum-dwellers.

That's all I have to share for now.  Peace to you.

Overwhelmed With Friendliness

Jambo! Hope all is well with you. I am doing great. I have just been thinking the past couple days about the friendliness of the Kenyans. I feel so welcome here. Everyday I meet sooo many people. There is no hesitation to say hi, shake hands, introduce yourself, and have a conversation. This attitude towards foreigners is such a contrast to the usual American perception of foreigners. Not always, but many times in the U.S. we don't welcome or fully accept people from outside or people who are different from us. I can't take this friendliness for granted and I am also becoming a very friendly and open person. I am very content and looking forward to classes beginning this week. Tomorrow I will move into my actual room, and meet even more people.

One more thing that I would like to mention is the water shortage. Sometimes we don't have water here due to the fact that there is simply no water in the area. It doesn't last for very long, maybe a few hours, but it is an issue. There is always drinking water available, which is a blessing and a necessity.

Take care. Love always, Lora

My address:
Daystar University
P.O. BOX 44400-00100
Nairobi, Kenya

(indicate Athi River Student)

Settling In

I haven't taken any photos of campus yet, but here are some from the first couple weeks...


These are the very fine desks at Lwanda Secondary School, which were donated by Trinity members. They were very thankful. Eighty chairs and desks were made.

These are three of the eight new classrooms. You can see one of the older classrooms in the background. What an improvement.

Me and Esther in Kisumu

Syprose, Martin, Jacob, Elisha, and I playing pick-up-sticks at their home in Kisumu.

Me and my parsley, with Mary, who is preparing chapati. (my favorite!) this is at the house in Kisumu.

Well... I am finally here at Daystar. Orientation week is coming to a close and classes begin on Tuesday. I have selected my courses (totaling 18 credits), however they are not final until Monday. I am really excited, so I'll share them with you:

Mon: 8:45-11:45 SWK 213/DEV211 Community Development and the Church
12:30-3:30 DEV 111 Intro to Community Development
Tue: nothing. Woot. Chapel. Wash clothes, Study, guitar, volunteer somewhere
Wed: 8:45-11:45 RUD 312/SWK312 Community Health
12:30-3:30 KIS 111 Beginning Kiswahili
Thurs: 1:50-4:50 ENG 211 African Literature
Fri: 8:45-11:45 PEA 365 Intro to Refugee Studies

This week we don't have a lot going on. We've spent some time with our orientation groups, had informational seminars, and had fun programs in the evenings. We are not yet in the specific dorm rooms where we will be staying, but I'm sure I'll be in the same hall, just in another room.

In my dorm, called Patience, the rooms are pretty small, with four girls in each.

My first day here, I wasn’t really “feelin’” the school. I don’t know what it was and I don't really know how to describe it, but I just didn’t feel like I would like it. The people didn’t seem that open, there wasn’t a lot of direction and organization, and I was just generally not so excited. I even started thinking about how I could leave after the first semester. The whole day I wanted to feel super excited and happy and like it was “home” but I guess I just didn’t… until the evening. We had a program in the evening, which consisted of worshipping and some funny skits from a student group called Doulos. I felt really relieved and encouraged to be happy and make the best of this experience. The night programs are a highlight.

Since the first day, my entire attitude has changed. I really like it here. I think the reason I felt like I did at first was because of the issue of comfort. It is difficult to feel comfortable and connected in a country that is so different from my own. My skin color makes me stand out, there is somewhat of a language barrier, and I have to observe the culture before I can fully walk in it. But I can say that I feel great and even comfortable. I’ve met a lot of friendly and fun people and I am excited for the year to come.

Just some side things... The food is pretty good. I like Kenyan food, and we even had fries at lunch yesterday. Chai tea and hot chocolate are served twice per day as well! mmm.

Its cold here! Who would have thought?!? During the day time it is warm and sunny, but not unbearably hot. Nights and mornings are really cold though. People mostly wear pants and long sleeves in the morning.

The campus is really nice! I like it a lot. There are lots of trees and flowers. Buildings are in good condition and they are spread out (kind of over a hill). At night from the highest point of campus, where the library is, we can see the lights of Nairobi, Athi River, and another smaller city. Pictures to come...

That's all for now. Peace and Love.

One Week Until Daystar

Greetings everyone from Kisumu!
I am doing well here and enjoying each day.

Some quick info: When I went to Lwanda three years ago I lived with Martin and Syprose Arogo and I was also good friends with Fred Odhiambo and his family. Since my arrival, I've mostly been staying with Fred and his sisters, Mary and Esther, at their home in Kisumu. Kisumu is a large city about an hour and a half drive away from Lwanda. Fred is a teacher here, Esther attends school, and Mary works. They travel home to Lwanda about every two weeks.

Martin and Syprose Arogo also live most of the time in Kisumu, where Martin works at ATP Technical Training College. They live on ATP's campus with two of their sons, one of who ( Elisha) is my age. Their other children are spread around at schools and working in other cities. With that background information, I can tell you what I have been up to the past week.

Early this week, I stayed with my parents (Martin and Syprose) at their home at ATP for three days. They were very happy to have their daughter back and I really enjoyed being with them. They are so sweet, loving, friendly, and laid-back. Syprose is always smiling and laughing and I enjoyed cooking with her and just sitting on the back stairs with her. Martin is a really loving father to his whole family... he even hugs me. I enjoyed spending time with Elisha. He taught me a lot of Swahili and even gave me a quiz, which I did well on, by the way. Jacob, their youngest son, is shy; but not too shy to stay out of the game of "pick-up-sticks" that we played together as a family. On Sunday, I met one of their daughters (Helen, age 18)have never met before. We went to visit her at her boarding school near Lwanda. Helen was super excited to meet me and we connected right from the beginning of the visit.

On Saturday I went with Fred to Lwanda. I can't even think of words to describe what it felt like to be back. It was refreshing and just the way I remembered it. I reconnected with friends and the Odhiambo family. I played soccer, visited Martin and Syprose and the compound where I lived, and visited the school. I was really shocked when I arrived at Lwanda Primary and Secondary school and found that the size had almost doubled!! There were about eight new classrooms added to the existing 8 or 9. I was really impressed with the new classrooms. They were so beautiful compared to the older rooms, which didn't even have windows or doors. (I will post pictures when I get to Daystar.) ATP was responsible for the metal windows and doors on the new rooms. I saw the 80 desks and chairs which were donated (financially) by members of Trinity Lutheran Church over a year and a half ago. They were very beautiful and well built- enough for two of the new classrooms. I greeted the teachers and students, and they send thanks to those who sponsored the purchase of the much needed textbooks, desks (lockers), and chairs.

So, I am back in Kisumu until I head to the much-awaited Daystar on Monday. Also, I have some very good, and some very bad news that I just read in my email. First, my friend Jen from Hope College is going to be visiting me for three weeks during our Christmas breaks!!! The unfortunate news from home is that my good friend, Burt, was in a very serious car accident this weekend. Prayers for him, as he remains in a drug-induced coma. There is news that he is doing better, but I wish I could be there for him.

Take care. Blessings.

I'm here, safe, and loving it.

I suppose the title says it all. I just wanted to let you all know that I am in Kisumu now, staying with three friends from Lwanda: Fred, Mary, and Esther. Traveling here was a long journey, but last night I was finally able to sleep a full night in a bed. I can't write much now because I am in a cybercafe (where you pay to use internet), but I will definitely write more when I arrive at Daystar. Take care.

Leap And The Net Will Appear

A few weeks ago I was teaching English in Mexico, but now here I am preparing to spend one year studying at Daystar University in Kenya.  I can hardly believe that I am actually stepping on to a plane on Thursday evening without even having a scheduled return date.  (No worries though, I'm aiming for next July. haha)  Surprisingly, as I sit in my dining room at 2:00 am, I don't feel anxious or scared; rather quite relaxed and content.   I've really learned how to live in the present during the past few months and I try not to worry about the future because usually it doesn't work out as expected.  Yes, I am going to Kenya in a day and a half, but I'm still going about my daily life in Grand Rapids until BAM... I will soon realize I am an ocean away from home.  What a weird feeling.

Of course, I am very very very excited to have this opportunity to live and study in Kenya for an entire year.   I can't wait to be immersed in culture very different from my own and take away as much as I can from this experience.  I'll be able to study topics that I would have never been able to in the U.S., such as Swahili.  I hope to make good friends, play lots of guitar and soccer, and volunteer in the community.  I don't know what to expect, other than joys and challenges... and those are enough expectations for me.   

Thanks for following my blog as I embark on this journey.  I don't know when I will be able to blog next because I will be in the village of Lwanda for the next two weeks, where there is little internet access.  However, on August 10th I will arrive at Daystar in Nairobi.

Take care.  Blessings to you all.