I'm Home

My aunt reminded me that it was important for me to write an "I'm home" post, so I think after settling in for week that I can finally write that post. Although, I'll be leaving up this blog because Lora will be in Kenya again. So, I'm home and it feels surprisingly normal. I've spent a lot of time with family and friends and the next thing on my "to do" list is to get a job before heading back to school. It's really hard to be away from my kids and leaving Exodus was really sad. The kids cried and said really sweet goodbyes to me. I cried in front of all of them in my formal goodbye. I feel like there is something missing inside of me when I am away from them, but I've promised to stay in touch and come back when I can. I'm hoping to go back in May, God willing. I am selling earrings from a market in Nairobi to raise money to go back. I am so thankful to God for the opportunity to live in Kenya. I am also thankful for everyone who support me and prayed for me, so thank you to all of you. AND stay tuned cause I'm not done with Kenya...

Pearls Of Wisdom

Hello...
I hope all is well with you. I'm happy to share with you that I am a few days away from officially exiting my "teenagerhood"... okay, as far as the number goes. I'm in Machakos right now about to go pick up some lab results. I've been sick for almost four weeks and cold medicines and antibiotics did not help at all, so I had my lungs x-rayed yesterday and sputum investigations. I hope I'll get better soon!

Otherwise things are okay. I've started working a bit with a guy called Mike Musembi who graduated from Daystar long ago. He has lots of experience in community development and he's a really commendable man. For some time he worked with the resettlement of refugees and he did most of the "Lost Boys of Sudan" profile. He has a project called Pearls of Wisdom in a place called Kamulu, which is outside Nairobi. He has a vision to build housing and a secondary school for girls from the slums who are orphaned or who have been affected by AIDS/HIV. It is basically a rescue center for the very desperate, hopeless and needy young woman. He used to have a small school in the slums, but some logistics fell through and now he is planning to build his own center and school on a piece of land he owns near his home. He has all the planning done and just needs the funds. I met with a couple girls who used to be in the project when it was operating and I was impressed by their school performance at their current schools. I spent time with Musembi and his family last week and I felt so relieved to work with someone who is wise, honest, and focused.

I'm still staying at Exodus because I love those kids and I want to be a part of their lives; however, because of some issues there, God led me to be a part of Pearls of Wisdom as well.

I'm not sure of all of my plans before I head home, but I'll likely spent the first week of July in Kisumu and Lwanda. Be blessed.

He Never Said It Would Be Easy

Hello and Happy World Cup Season!
I hope that all is well and you are enjoying summer weather. Here, we are in the coldest season, but it's not too cold for the most part. I've been sick with a cough for a couple weeks and it's been kind of rough lately at Exodus. I can't get in to all the details, but I can say I've really been challenged lately and I have nothing to relying except God. I've cried and I've felt a lot of deep pain for something that is going on and I ask that you pray for me in this time. Trying to manage the transition home at the same time is also stressful. It's hard to establish an entire life and livelihood and then leave it. Thanks for your support. Be blessed

My latest work of poetry

This poem still needs a title...

Dreading departure,
Fighting time,
Facing reality.
Is this the end?
Or just another beginning?
Explored lands,
Orphaned smiles,
Poured rains.
Are they part of me?
Swimming in my veins,
Reflecting in my eyes,
Tugging on my heart.
Or just packed away in my memory?


I'm at Daystar for a couple nights, just to see friends, use the internet, and take a break from Exodus. Although I am tired, I can say that this is most rewarding work I have ever done in my life. Just a few minutes ago, some kids from Exodus called me to say they missed me and ask when I am coming back. I haven't even been gone for 24 hours! Haha. I miss them too! Last weekend I took part in a medical camp held in a slum outside Nairobi, called Mukuru. Life in the slums is something I don't have the energy to write about right now, but it was an interesting experience to say the least. Otherwise, I spent the week at Exodus as usual. I've been sick the past few days as well and I'm trying to prepare myself mentally to start life again in Michigan. It might seem a bit early, but trust me... it's better I start now.

Multipurpose and Multitasking

These days I've become the the co-director, social worker, computer teacher, english teacher, counselor, and nurse of Exodus... and that's not an exaggeration. Usually I wake up at 6 or 7am and work until 11pm. These kids can really see that the place is making a lot of progress in many areas. I feel so exhausted at times, but the kids give me the strength to press on. Mutua, a 19-year-old who finished highschool and is waiting to study nursing, and I are the two running the children's home. We have a day time house mother who cooks and washing and an intern. We really do our best and we struggle to get support from Elijah. I'm praying that Elijah will step it up and atleast provide financial support, if he can't give his time. The kids have many basic needs that still need to be met. Some things I've done lately include: hanging mosquito nets, organizing and cleaning our storage room, implementing the time and meal schedules, accessing each child's belongs, and making English assignments.

On Sunday, I was really reminded of the vulnerability of each child. I sat in a room of crying orphans for an hour. They have so much pain from their pasts and they still need therapy and healing time. You can try to imagine how crushed my heart felt, but the scene was indescribable.

Kalungu Women's Group

Hello!
I am in a cyber cafe in Machakos town printing a few documents for Exodus that I have been working on with Elijah and our intern, Carol. I made a powerpoint for Exodus and I am still hoping to make a video and set up a website.

CORE VALUES
•Cultivate a spirit of hard work and holistic development
•Empower target groups with technical skills and knowledge of life skills
•Reduce poverty through sustainable methods
•Raise responsible servant leaders
•Respect for positive values, attitude, and behaviour
•Empower women in society
•Promote responsible parenting
•Encourage effective and efficient communication in relationships and for development

MISSION STATEMENT
To nuture poverty reduction strategies and raise the standard of living amoung the people of Africa as reflected through improved health service, food self-sufficiency, education, character building, and positive behaviour change, with an overarching goal of sustainable development

VISION
To develop a new generation of responsible visionary and strategic leaders who will participate in the society to promote effective development through positive transformation of attitude

TARGET GROUPS
•Orphans and vulnerable children
•Youth
•Women seeking empowerment
•Persons affected by AIDS/HIV
•Disabled persons
•Widows

OBJECTIVES
•To raise, mobilize, and disburse funds and other resources to our target group
•To initiate development projects which acknowledge individual and group potential to improve socio-economic status through developed skills
•To build mutually beneficial networks to other partner organisations
•To train in modern farming techniques and assist farmers in agricultural managerial skills
•To establish educational centres which provide a conducive learning environment for both genders

Time Schedule
Monday Through Friday after school
5:00-6:00 Chores/Free Time
6:00-6:30 Bathe
6:30-8:15 Study
8:15-8:30 Fellowship
8:30-9:00 Supper
9:00 Sleep
9:00-10:00 Optional Study Time

Saturday
7:00-8:00 English class
8:00-8:30 Breakfast
8:30-12:30 Chores
12:30-1:00 Lunch
1:00-6:30 Free Time
6:30-8:00 Study Time
8:00-8:30 Fellowship
8:30-9:00 Supper
9:00 Sleep
9:00-10:00 Optional Study Time

Sunday
8:00- 10:00 or 1:00 Church
1:00-1:30 Lunch
1:30-7:00 Event or Free Time
Meetings with kids and staff
7:00-8:00 Bathe and prepare for school
8:00-8:30 Fellowship
8:30-9:00 Supper
9:00 Sleep
9:00-10:00 Optional Study Time

We also made a meal schedule and budget. Also, I am happy to say that we have 32 children's books now and I am still hoping to get more. The kids love reading the story books and I have been giving them English assignments. Carol, a guy called Mutua, and I are the only staff at the Children's Home now, besides the house mom who comes in the day. It is certainly now easy taking care of and managing 23 kids, but at least they are good. I have had to do a lot of care for sick and injured kids and I've managed, but I will need to study more on health when I come back to the U.S.

On Monday, we visited a Women's Self Help Group in a place called Kalungu. It was really inspiring to meet them. This group of women have built a sand dam to benefit the community. They weren't the architects, but they were the construction workers and I can say that if you could see how far they carried bags of cement you wouldn't believe those 29 women accomplished the task. It was a food for work program. They also have dug terraces to help with erosion and dug furrows for irrigation. Their group has been really successful in generating food and income for their families, as some of their husbands stay away in Nairobi.

Everything is going well, despite the usual challenges of co-directing a children's home. Elijah is usually busy with trainings and other projects and he's stays in another home so thats why I say I'm "co-directing."

Feeling Purposeful

My access to internet has been minimal lately and I’m disappointed that I haven’t been journaling frequently either. I have been doing a bit of poetry, but I can’t really share it with you because usually I change between Swahili and English, so it wouldn’t make sense. Just as explaining my experience here is like painting a picture with a pencil, so does translation lose meaning.

I have to admit that here at Exodus I feel so focused. I am sure of my purpose and I forget all the little worries of life. I am constantly thinking about our programs and these kids and how we can continue to improve. I believe that as people we should refuse to live a life that is stagnant. We must constantly be growing and developing individually and in the community. Every week, I make sure that Exodus progresses, whether it be hanging mosquito nets, writing proposals, or teaching kids English. I’ve been emphasizing reading and writing with the kids and they are learning to type on my computer too. They’ve become so comfortable with me and I can’t even express my love for them. This week, I went with Elijah to do two trainings with a few different communities’ “Youth Groups.” These groups of 20 to 30 year olds are writing development project proposals for their community. We work with another organization helping them write action plans and consider development techniques. I’ve also completed a powerpoint about Exodus and who we are. Next, I’d like to make a video about Exodus and set up a website. That’s just the beginning of my list of things to do. Unfortunately, two months is very little time to be here and I am wishing I could extend my stay, as I see the work that I am doing is very meaningful. I’ll still be a staff member from the U.S. though! We are still looking for land and praise God we’ve received a large donation for the land (USD $6500). The remaining amount we are hoping to receive from a grant.

I went to Kisumu and Lwanda this past weekend for the baptism of Steve Otieno Arogo. My parents are his godparents, so I represented them at the baptism. It was so nice to be home, but very rainy and muddy. I only get to go “home” one more time before going home in July, which is quite sad for me. At home I used a lot of Swahili because now that they know I understand and they don’t need to put more effort in speaking English. It’s funny though because I have difficultly saying everything so sometimes my side of the conversation is English and theirs is Swahili but we still understand eachother. I’ll learn Luo and Kikamba at some point. For now, being (almost) trilingual is still a commendable accomplishment.

A Prayer For Land

Elijah and I recently visited two different children's homes. The first was called Uganda Martyrs Children's Home sponsored by the Catholic church. We toured their facilities and spent some time talking with the kids and house mothers. I really enjoyed the day and was encouraged to meet people working in the same field. They had about 75 kids in the home. I took notes on what aspects of the home I liked and which aspects I didn't think were ideal. Friday, we visited Mully Children's Family (MCF) about 100 km from Nairobi. MCF is one of the best children's homes in Kenya and very sustainable. They have 150 acres of land, most of which is used for farming for income. There were over 600 boarding, but in their seven projects around the country they have over 2,000 kids currently in the programs. MCF was very developed as an organization. They had a primary and secondary school, vocational training centre for carpentry and metal work and they had a health clinic open to the community. They also export french beans to Europe. Elijah and I were very inspired by the project and Dr. Mully's story, a man who give up his riches for orphans. Their website is mullychildrensfamily.org. Dr. Mully also wrote a book called "Father to the Fatherless." The one thing I really appreciated about Exodus after visiting Uganda Martyrs and Mully's is that at Exodus we feel like a family more than an institution. Our two rented flats feel like a home, rather than bunks lined up in a large room. I worry about larger childrens homes, that the kids there might lose their sense of belonging and worth as a loved and special individual. The kids at Exodus are absolutely amazing and very positive, which I believe is due to the atmosphere of the home. Because we have fewer kids, we are able to keep a closer watch on each child and give each child attention.

Today I spent the day at Exodus, with the older kids. Every time I am there I am so impressed with them and I grow closer to them. I can say from the bottom of my heart that I love everyone at Exodus and I will continue to stand for our projects. One thing that Elijah and I are focusing on now is looking for land. As I said, we are renting two flats, which hinders us from growing as an organization and from becoming sustainable. Currently we have been offered 10 acres of land, not far from Machakos, for about $13,000. This land is prime and could have piped water and electricity. It is also near a fairly competitive school. The land is very arable and would be a great location for Exodus. With ten acres of land, we'd like build a home that can accommodate up to 50 kids. We'd like to have two fish ponds (raising Tilapia), which we recently researched as a practical and easy source of income. We'd like to raise poultry and keep a few cows for milk, which we can consume, as well as sell for income. On the land, we'd also like to have a health clinic and youth training centre so that we can reach out to the community. Obviously, these are long term plans, but they are not impossible by any means. In fact, I believe that Exodus could be self-sustaining with income from farming and training seminars. Land is essential for sustainable development. Rent costs are just being thrown away, rather than investing in property, which has an increasing value. I don't know how we will come up with the money, and we are negotiating with the seller this week, but I ask that you please pray for us. If you can help in any way, please let me know. USD $13,000 is extremely cheap for 10 acres of arable land and the seller is actually doing us a favor because we are a nonprofit organization. Normally one acre could be around $5000.

A second prayer that I ask from you is for staff members. We recently had two leave Exodus, and we will need someone to manage Exodus from September through December, as Elijah will be in Canada and I'll be home.

Be blessed and remember the orphans who are more vulnerable than I can express in words.

Remember to Dream with the Dreamers

Hello!
I hope all is well. I am doing very well. I feel generally content, satisfied, challenged, and happy. I can say that each week I am becoming more and more of a passionate dreamer. Although, I don't think I'm a dreamer exactly because I am optimistic that any goal we desire to accomplish is possible. It is my understanding that dreams aren't real or possible. I've been dreaming a lot about Exodus lately and today I was given hope when I spent some time talking with Elijah about our future plans to get our own land. There is a U.S. organization called Hope Without Borders, which will be sending some representatives to Kenya for two weeks in May. They want to establish an office in Nairobi and support various projects from there, including Exodus. Elijah and I are looking at land and writing an entire proposal for what we'd like to do on the land and how we'd like to reach out in the community. I'm super excited about the potential of Exodus. Dreaming is much easier when others can dream with you.

As for Liz, she is completely healthy now! Thanks for the prayers. Some of the kids went home the other day because they are on a break from school right now. Most of them will visit grandmothers or aunts and uncles for two weeks, before returning to Exodus. It was so cute to see them off as they all said goodbye to each other and climbed into matatus with their little backpacks. (The older kids are still around Exodus.)

I Trust He is Emmanuel

I was scared out of my mind. I thought Liz, at Exodus, was on the verge of dying at any minute. Saturday she laid on the bed groaning in pain as her body became very weak and she started losing feeling in her extremities. She complained of a really bad pain on her upper chest on the left side and she was alternating between feeling hot and cold. I was very worried, but tried to remain calm as I was in a position where I needed to make a vital decision. I didn't know what to do, but pray. Elijah called a taxi and we brought her to the hospital immediately. At the hospital, I still felt somewhat hopeless and helpless. I didn't really trust the hospital to tell you the truth. Seeing her in the state she was in and hearing the moans as she waited for a pain injection to kick in brought me to tears. I cried for this girl, who is the same age as me. We were able to get medicine the following day, since the pharmacy was closed that night (this took place between 9pm and 2am). She was diagnosed with pneumonia. I hope she gets better and I'm more content knowing that she has medicine now. I'll admit that I can never be a doctor, but I need to read more about community health. Pray for Liz (she's the one who sews uniforms and works at our new dress-making business) as she is struggling with pneumonia and other personal issues.

Otherwise at Exodus, things are going well. Thanks to my parents and some vistors we were able to purchase two bunks and mattresses for the kids, which we'll be getting this week. The girls, especially, are in need of beds. We have about 20 in one room of three bunks. You do the math. I climbed into a bed with three other girls the other night... and this isn't a double bed. (Usually I just share with Jessica in our own room though) We are moving those bunks into another room so that the girls will now be in two rooms. We are also working on getting textbooks and reading books for the kids. Sometimes I find myself dreaming about Exodus and our future potential, but for now, we work on little changes each week since funding is minimal. Last week, we spent a lot of time writing policy and contracts for the Centre; a task that was new to me, but something that is very important. I realized that I have a gift for assessing a whole situation, identifying the problems and dysfunctions, and forming and prioritizing attainable goals in search for a solution. I guess that's why I'm studying social work.

Be blessed.

Pictured above is Liz sewing in Exodus' new uniform and dress-making shop. She is so happy to be doing the work she loves in her own space.

To Paint A Picture With a Pencil

Hi Everyone. Just wanted to tell you that I am still alive and doing very well. I have been communicating through the internet a lot less frequently because I am busy in Machakos when I am not at school for class and soccer. I am becoming consumed with Exodus and I guess I have the title "Assistant Project Coordinator." Probably my first title EVER. I'll be moving to Exodus in about one month, where I'll spend most of the remainder of my time in here in Kenya (which comes to a close on JULY 17TH). I'm learning so much about non-profits and working with orphans. Right now we are working on getting enough beds for the kids, textbooks, and reading books. Here's a poem I wrote a while back. I'm not sure if it's done yet. Let me know what you think...


Painting A Picture With a Pencil

To craft a picture of reality through words
Seems impossible.
Refugees and IDPs, Mau Forest trees,
AIDS orphans, polygamy, corruption,
And poverty in its most absolute manifestation.
Diction fails truth.
Nimeongea, nimeandika, but umesikia kweli?
(I’ve talked, I’ve written, but have you really heard?)

To turn a blank page into a three dimensional exhibit
Seems impossible.
Did the belly bulge into the vision at the mention starvation?
Was rust seizing the house of corrugated metal sheets?
Did dust cloud the page’s emptiness at the mention of drought?
Was odor of burning trash real like a scratch-and-sniff?
Words cannot draw reality
As lead cannot speak colors.

Baby Steve Has More Hair Than My Dad

I’m back at school after spending five full days in Kisumu, Lwanda, and Matongo. I traveled with my good friend and roommate, Raija. Her family stays in Kisumu and in a rural area called Matongo, so I spent a lot of time with her at her home. I also visited Martin and Syprose and baby Stephen Otieno Arogo. Four of their other six kids are living at home at this time, so it was nice to see them too, especially because we are the same age. Steve and Syprose both seem to be doing well. Martin and Syprose are happy parents! They would sometimes call Steve “Lora’s Dad” in Swahili and tell me to greet my “dad.” At home in Lwanda, I spent lots of time talking with George and his new wife Lizzy. I got to spend an afternoon with a good friend of mine called Patrick. It was a relaxing week, filled with lots of laughter and chapati. Raija and I carried back with us sweet potates, avocados, pineapples, and matoke (green bananas, PICTURED ABOVE), which are very cheap and plentiful on that side of Kenya. Fortunetly for me, all of those are my favorite foods, and I don’t know what I’ll do in the U.S. when I have to pay $1.50 for an avocado that I can buy in Kenya for 10 cents.

Here on campus, I washed my clothes this morning, then prepared a nice lunch of rice, vegetables, and green grams (they’re like lentils). I’ll go to soccer this afternoon, and spend time with friends in the evening.

Not Just Another Number 58

Last week Monday I accompanied Jessica and Elijah on a child visit of a six-year-old orphaned boy. I shared with you about our last child analysis far in the mountains; however this visit was almost too much for my heart to handle. I’ll try to describe the situation to the best of my ability.

This child also lives in a beautiful rural area about an hour from Machakos. We arrived at his home, where he stays alone with his grandmother. We came to find out that this boy’s grandmother gave birth to seven children out of wedlock, something very counterculture. All of her children died (likely from AIDS), except one who is alive with a couple kids. The last one to die was this boy’s mother. She had three children, two of who survived her. After the mother’s death, this boy’s older (and only) sister, who was just starting high school, began to spend nights with different men, which resulted in pregnancy. The girl abused the grandmother and even sold her only cow before abandoning her brother and moving to Nairobi.

Arriving at their brick home, the first thing I noticed was the smell of animals: dogs and chickens. The home had a lot of maize stored inside all. The grandmother, looking quite fragile and old, was seated on a sack of maize eating chapati and drinking chai. She had few teeth, no use of her fingers and could barely talk. She said that she was born normal, but suffered from severe malaria, which would cause her to frequently die for a day and then come back to life. I myself could barely understand what she meant, but apparently this sickness caused the disabling of her fingers and tongue. She can barely communicate verbally. She is unable to do almost anything, including cooking. Thankfully, a neighbor (I believe she is actually her only granddaughter from her one living child) who is in high school comes everyday to bring them food. She is the only person providing for this boy and his grandmother, meaning they are completely dependent on her for survival.

To make matters worse, we asked the boy what he owned and about school. He had two usable notebooks for school and a ripped sweater, which is one part of the required uniform. When Jessica asked if he had a pencil, he said yes and returned with a pencil smaller than my pinkie finger. He didn’t have shoes. What made this boy’s vulnerability so real to me was that he is ranked number 58 out of 65 students in his first grade class. In the six tested subject areas, he achieved between 10 and 32 percent in each. This was no surprise considering his conditions. Who is there to help him with school work?

Jessica and Elijah asked that he be tested for HIV/AIDS, a request, which made the grandmother uncomfortable. This boy is very needy and I hope that we can support him from his home for a while and then take him into the Center. However, I don’t know what will happen with him. We have to go back for another assessment after some time. He has the right to an environment that is not only livable, but also healthy. I can’t describe the sick feeling I had inside of me after leaving this child visit. I can’t allow myself to forget that he is still there as I write this, just like millions of other orphans.

Baby Steve

Nowadays, the joy in my heart comes from my little brothers and sisters at Exodus. I spent Sunday evening and Monday at the Home this past weekend. On Sunday, there was a lot of rain, but when I finally reached the centre the kids were so excited to see me. I came in the gate and saw Baraka. He grabbed me by the arm led me inside where all the kids were quietly studying. He stuck his head in the door and said in a soft voice, “Lora’s here.” Immediately all the kids screamed and ran over to mob me! We spent some time around home and then all 25 of us trekked through the mud about 2 kilometers to the “kinyozi” or salon. Can you imagine what we looked like walking down the dirt road? Quite a lively crew… twenty-three kids between ages 4 and 15. It was a fun time though. I am so impressed with the discipline and good manners of each and every child at the Home. There is something about those kids that gives me the driving desire to give them all of my heart and all of the love and affection I could ever offer. Somehow at the end of the day when I think my heart is empty because I gave away everything, I find that it is still full and overflowing with love and satisfaction. As I get to know the kids and their stories, I am moved. Many of them are traumatized and have a lot of pain that requires more healing time; yet they are able to love others, work hard, and carry hope for the future. They are an amazing group of kids and they’re probably all that I’ll be blogging about from now on.

Some news from my OTHER family (the Arogo's): Syprose delivered her seventh child last night, a baby boy. She named him Steve after my dad! Martin sent me a text last night saying that if they have a girl, she'll be named Lora, and if a boy then he'll be named after my father. What a blessing! I didn't know what to say, but I didn't feel worthy to be named after! So, congrats, dad... Martin and Syprose don't even know you, but they respect you so much to name their child after you! I'll head home to Kisumu to visit in about a week and a half.

photos above: my friends at Exodus and the view from my dorm room window (in the self catering dorm I moved into)

Hiking Boots

I’m quite busy these days so I’ve decided to take the day off to catch up on some things and relax. I’d like to share with you about my recent days at Exodus with Elijah and Jessica. I really appreciate them and I am so thankful that they allow me to accompany them wherever they go. This is how an internship should be: completely involved.

Today Elijah and Jessica (at Exodus) are traveling to a place called Kiboko. Kiboko means hippopotamus in Swahili, but they aren’t going there for hippos; they’re going for land. I went with them last week to Kiboko because they’ve leased an acre of land indefinitely to grow crops and raise money for the Center. It is quite far from the Center, but the acre will have irrigation and the soil is good for farming. We are going to raise watermelons (maintained by a garden keeper, not Exodus), which can be sold for up to about 65 cents in Nairobi. Hopefully, one season will yield between $1000 and $3000 profit. I’m excited about this new source of sustainable and practical income for the Exodus because it is vital for the school fee demands.

On Friday, we traveled far again, but this time it was for what we call a child situation analysis. Exodus has many orphans on their waiting list for support or to live in the Center, however currently the Home cannot accommodate any more boarders. We went to visit the home and school of a girl who has been waiting for a year. We talked with the girl, the principal of her school, and her aunt who is the present guardian. We recorded information about the girl’s situation and her needs. We had to “hike” to the home located in beautiful, but steep hills (or mountains? who knows), under the hot afternoon sun. As we walked with the girl to her home, I was thinking about how hiking boots would be more appropriate for the terrain than my Converse All-Stars, but then I looked down and noticed that the girl didn’t even have shoes. I was satisfied to see that the girl at least had a home to stay in, but we came to know that beyond this shelter, the things inside, and food, the girl’s aunt is able to provide little else.

Something that really hit me about the reality of orphans is that they are completely vulnerable. The survival and well-being is left completely in the hands of whichever relative or neighbor is willing or able to take care of her. I tried to imagine being in such an inconsistent environment, where I am dependent on people who have no obligation to my well-being, as parents would. Sometimes family members want nothing to do with the orphans left behind and they chase them away, such as this girl’s other uncle did. There is no such thing as foster care, so when orphans are left, family members usually take care of the helpless and hopeless children. This is the best situation for orphans usually; however in some cases this is not possible and such children end up in children’s homes or on the streets.

All Is Good!

Good afternoon from sunny and hot Kenya!

This week has been going really well and I just wanted to share a bit about my internship with you… Last Monday I went to my internship at Exodus for the first time. My journey to get there involves various modes of transportation. First, I pay about seventy cents for a ride to the main road from campus on a motorbike. Riding a motorbike is certainly a thrilling experience especially when you can see wildebeest in the distance. I’d prefer driving it myself though! Once I reach the main road I stand on the road waiting for a matatu that is heading to Machakos. Sometimes this can take a while, so I have to take any matatu heading in the same direction and then get off at the Machakos junction where I get a second matatu to Machakos (off from the main road). This costs about one dollar. Upon reaching Machakos I take a smaller matatu to another area close to Exodus, where I get out and walk down the road until I finally reach the Centre. What a journey! It’s worth it though and I prefer it to Nairobi because there are no traffic jams. The area is rural, green, and beautiful. Somehow on that side of the mountain they get more rain than the side of the mountain that Athi lies on.

Elijah is the former Daystar student who started Exodus. I guess you could say he is my supervisor for this “internship.” I basically get to shadow him and whatever he does each day. He works with another woman named Jessica and there are two women who take care of meals and other household needs for the children at the home. On Monday, we went to the Centre, which is basically two rented flats with about three rooms each. There is one room for boys and one for girls. The girls are about twenty and they sleep three per bed. I met all the kids from the center who study at the primary school right next to the home. Elijah and I spent some time talking about the mission and vision of centre, the struggles, and about the kids. I was really impressed with how hard he works to make ends meet for these orphans. Even while he was attending Daystar he was taking care of six orphans. On Wednesday, we met with Josephine from an organization called Solution for Nature and Enterprise Programme (SNEP). I was really interested in learning about the organization as they have organized 92 groups (of mostly women) around Kenya who are committed to economic empowerment. The approach to this development has been extremely successful. Simply put, the groups are “group banks.” One group can have up to 40 members, where each member contributes any amount of money each month to the group bank. Those who need loans (to start a business, pay school fees, ect…) are able to take one out with an interest of just 1.5%. They can also take advance with a 10% interest. What is so encouraging about this program is that the groups keep all of the generated interest, rather than large banks taking their money. Also there is lots of accountability and support as members of the group take out money to start a small business, such as raising poultry. This Monday I worked at SNEP helping Josephine to set up some excel charts on the computer they just bought. They have been collecting an analyzing data by hand and want to start using the computer to assist with such tedious work. Josephine knows very little about computers and I had to remember how to use a program I haven’t touched since high school. Computer knowledge is very helpful and needed for the success of non-profits. I was happy that I had something to offer.

Last week Wednesday (After meeting at SNEP) Elijah and I traveled about 45 minutes by matatu to one of the boy’s (from the home) new boarding high school. Elijah was stressed out because this week he had to come up with the money to send three of the kids to boarding high school. He has negotiated with the two schools about bringing payments through out the semester since he doesn’t have the total sum. For the girls, the school gave him an extension. At the boy’s school (he’s called Philip), Elijah was running into some trouble so he traveled there to negotiate a bit. They didn’t allow Philip to be admitted without more money. Philip is one of the first boys that Elijah cared for and he was actually chased out of his home after being stabbed by his aunt. As a total orphan, Elijah found him on the street and Philip has grown into a very mature young man. He is such a dreamer and a very caring boy. He’ll even talk about future plans for the centre and helping more kids. Moved by the character of this new friend of mine, I couldn’t bear to see him denied from high school because of something out of his control: fees. Since I was recently given a donation I decided to share some of that for Philip’s fees, as I realized the money was never mine in the first place. If anyone is able to sponsor the rest of Philip’s fees or the other two girls please don’t hesitate to contact me for more information. These kids should not be denied the opportunity of education, which many people take for granted.

On Saturday I visited the children’s home again. I just can’t stay away! I don’t get to see the kids during the week, unless I spend the night (which I’ll be doing tomorrow). Leaving the Home on Saturday, I felt so blessed. The kids are so special, respectful, loving, fun, and alive for Jesus. I really enjoyed spending time with them. I can't describe what it feels like to work with orphans. My heart feels heavy for their pain while at the same time I feel so much love for them. I see hope in the kids and their futures.

Other sides notes... back at school: We finally have a soccer coach!!! He coaches a premier team in Nairobi and I think he’ll really boost our team moral. Also, I was finally able to move into my room at the self-catering dorm. I even have a hot shower now!!! We have a great view to the west from the fourth floor. Another highlight is that Mary Odhiambo, my best bud, came to Nairobi on Thursday night to visit an eye specialist and get a diagnosis for her very painful condition. I stayed with her in town and I also visited the same eye doctor because I had an infection in my eye.


Grace and peace. Praise God for this internship opportunity.

Oh and pictured above are some kids at the home!

Exodus

Hi again,

I just wanted to briefly share with all of you that I finally have an internship placement! Tomorrow I am heading to "Exodus" in Machakos. There is a children's home and they have many other projects, such as a women's economic empowerment project. The organization was actually started as a children's home by a Daystar student in 2002 and it has grown since then. I'll let you know more details later. I'm really exited and praying that this placement is a valuable experience.

Another highlight this week was receiving a monetary donation in the mail. It came at a very critical time, especially as I will be paying transportation costs to my internship and buying a plane tickets home soon. Thank you to the donor(s).

Other than that, classes are going well, soccer continues (with leg pains again), and the guitar is still on my lap.

Peace and Love.

I Better Be Worth A Lion Or Two

This past weekend I went to a (friend’s) Kikuyu wedding. (Kikuyus are the most populous tribe in Kenya). I have only been to one wedding in the States, so I didn’t really know what to expect, especially being here in Kenya. The ceremony itself was actually not too different from an American wedding other than the language difference. Flowers, worship, bridesmaids, groomsman, music, pastor, kissing, rings, honeymoon ect… were all a part of the ceremony. The cultural traditions surrounding marriage and the family were what made the wedding distinctively African, Kenyan, and Kikuyu. Bride price and dowry are an important part of marriage and my Kenyan friends were surprised when I told them that we don’t have such in the U.S. Most Westerners, like myself, misunderstand this tradition. Fortunately I have some close friends who I can talk to openly about marriage, polygny, divorce, bride price, ect… Bride price always seemed to me like putting a price tag on a woman. I couldn’t quite comprehend how a woman could value eight cows, an animal that people eat. I usually joke that my family better get a lion, an elephant, some camels, and a variety of other animals if I marry a Kenyan man, cause I’m certainly not worth cows. But there is more behind this custom. Yes, in some ways a woman is “bought” from her family. However, traditionally, it is as though a newlywed woman is being adopted into her husband’s family. She takes on the name and in rural areas a home is build for the couple on the husband’s family’s land. The dowry (the amount paid or animals/products given on wedding day or before) and the bride price (the amount that can be paid after the wedding day) are a gift for the parents and other family members who have spent X amount of years raising the woman, feeding her (hopefully) and educating her (hopefully) and now “see her off” into another family. Dowry and bride price are a way for the man to show that he is able and willing to provide for his wife, who was once provided for by the parents and other relatives. It is a somewhat complex custom, so I just accept it as different, not good or bad.

Decision-Maker By Force. Indecisive By Nature.

Hi Everyone!
I'm back at school and things feel "up-in-the-air" again... a feeling I encounter too frequently. This is my life story: I know what is happening today, but ask me about tomorrow or two months from now and I have no idea. Even if I think I have future plans, they are only a temporary comfort cause they end up changing anyways. haha.

At the present moment things feel up in the air because I am not in the self-catering dorm I booked for (should be at least another week), I am working on finding a new internship that is closer to Athi River (the one in Nairobi was just too far), I am deciding classes, and I am trying to decide what I'll do after the semester ends in May and when I'll come home. Sometimes I feel like an adult trying to decipher what I should be doing, then I remember that technically age eighteen is adulthood. What does that make me? A one-year-old adult? Sounds ill-equipped to me. haha.

Anyways, I guess I'm used to this "I'll never know the future" idea, but it isn't exactly the easiest way to live. It forces me to rely on and trust the only Constant. I appreciate the present for what it is and trust that the future will fall into place while at the same time trying to make careful decisions. I'm scared and sad to leave Kenya this year, I can't lie. Some day I'll share a bit more about this, but for now know that it is a struggle of mine.

Two highlights I'd like to share:
I found a church in Nairobi that I like (something I struggled with last semester)and I am attending a friend's wedding this weekend!

I have a few prayer requests:
1) My friend Mary has a serious eye problem and we are trying to find a place that accepts her insurance and will give her the best and needed treatment.
2) Pray that I make the right choices for the next five or six months and regarding my return home.

The photos above were taken at my friends house in Nairobi. They had a mango tree with so many mangoes that the branch broke from the weight. Mangoes are selling for about 10 cents! yum.

A New Year

Now when people ask how long I've been in Kenya, I can happily say "since last year." The only down side of that statement is that I also go home THIS year. Haha. Today someone said in Swahili to me, "karibu Kenya," mesning welcome to Kenya. I looked at my friend and said, "he shoulda said that six months ago." Haha.

Well, it's been a really great Christmas break for the most part. The break started out on kind of a low note. Monica and I were staying in Nairobi for a few days together before she left and Jen arrived. Unfortunately, Monica got really sick with malaria and spent her last two nights in Kenya in Nairobi hospital. I felt really bad and I was doing everything I could for her. She is now back in Vancouver and finishing her last semester at Trinity Western. However she is still recovering from sickness and a semester abroad.

At the same time Monica was in the hospital, Jen was stuck in Europe for two days due to the weather and flight schedules. I was overwhelmed a bit trying to deal with both situations and figure out how Jen and I would travel to Kisumu safely on the 23rd. Thankfully, a friend from the soccer team lives just minutes from my family in Kisumu so he traveled by public van with us.

We spent some days with Mary, Esther and Elisha (their brother) in Kisumu. From the 25th to the 30th, we stayed in Lwanda. Jen really had a great time in Lwanda and connected well with the Odhiambo family. Jen got a really good feel for life in Kenya and not the typical tourist's experience. It was great to catch up with her and hear the updates on everyone back at Hope. Wow, am I really out of touch of life in Michigan! There was LOTS of rain in Lwanda. The mud complimented my shoes well, I must admit.

Christmas was different from what I expected. There is little holiday hype here, which I certainly did not miss. But I did miss being with family and friends and eating a big meal with lots of homemade treats. Here, Christmas felt just like a normal Sunday and many people just spent the day conversing in the markets. Also, it was nice to see the Arogos in Kisumu. Especially my mom, Syprose, who is pregnant. I was shocked that she is due in March and I had to harass her a bit saying, "I thought I was your last born..."

I really enjoyed our time in Kisumu and Lwanda and I didn't want to leave. It was so relaxing and just felt like home. (Don't worry, mom, it's a SECOND home). Upon arriving in Kisumu, Mary, Jen and I went to visit Obama's grandmother at her home in Kogelo. She stays in a very modest home and takes care of widows and orphans. We asked a few questions and took a picture with her.

On New Years Eve, Mary, Jen and I went to hear a live Luo band and dance a bit. Mary is so amazing and I'm so happy to have her as a sister. She is having really bad eye problems, which I think is a bad case of cataracts. Currently we are trying to arrange for her to see a specialist in Nairobi, but it's quite difficult with her insurance situation. She works for the Centre for Disease Control and doesn't even have insurance that is accepted at the eye specialists in Nairobi for her own disease. Something is not right about that.

Jen and I spent her last days here in Nairobi, on a safari in Masai Mara, and a day in Athi River at my school. The safari turned out to be a disappointment, much to my surprise. We had to laugh at the fact that I am the most "anti-tourist-activity" white person in Nairobi and once I finally gave in it turned out to be far below my expectation. I'm not here for animals though, right? What irony. Jen is now back at school in Michigan and hopefully talking non-stop about our adventures. Seeing both Monica and Jen leave was weird for me knowing that my life was continuing on in Kenya, but that some day I, too, would be heading home on a plane.

Right now I am staying with a friend and his family on the outskirts of Nairobi. I have nothing on my agenda, I'm just chillin and it feels good. I am so blessed to be able to stay with them and encouraged by their openness in hospitality. It is nice to have a safe and comfortable place to stay with great company. I'll go back to school this weekend.

Hope all is well. And by the way, I am doing well now after testing positive for malaria, which i was given medication for (so its gone,no worries). Pictures to come. Happy New Year!