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.