The walk to my volunteer site this morning was as typical as always-except I was a little late...well maybe that is pretty typical...
Anyway while walking down one stretch of road I came upon a little boy walking to school with his mother. He was maybe six or seven years old and adorable and looked very 'smart' in his uniform and cap. As we approached each other I smiled at him and without skipping a beat he winked at me! It was quiet possibly the cutest thing I've ever seen. There is NOTHING like starting off your day with a wink from a cute boy!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
CHEGE
This is Benard Chege. He is 5 years old (we think) He's my little man. Whenever he sees me he gets this huge smile on his face that makes everything in my world ok and comes running at me with arms wide open. I have to kiss him and squeeze him and tickle him. I cant help it, I've tried to stop, but I just cant. His face was made for kissing. And his cheeks are perfect for squeezing and his tummy practically begs to be tickled. I dont know the woman that abandoned him two years ago. I dont know why she did it but when she did she let go of joy and light and precious giggles and everything that is good in this world. I feel sorry for her. She's lost so much. And I'm thankful for Cheryl's and the way that it cares for its children. Chege now has a chance at a happy, normal life. He can pursue his dreams. He is loved and wanted. I cant wait to see what he becomes.
THINGS I'VE LEARNED #6-10
#6 Digestive biscuits sound like food for old people, but really they are deliciousness for all ages.
#7 Given the choice between a hot dog and a mars bar at the movie theater, its always a good idea to
pick the mars bar.
#8 Somehow I bruise easier her than I did in the states....oh wait. No, thats just dirt.
#9 Sidewalks are for walking on AND driving on.
#10 When using a public toilet in Kenya always take TP with you and do not under any circumstances breath through your nose. I'm serious. Don't do it.
#7 Given the choice between a hot dog and a mars bar at the movie theater, its always a good idea to
pick the mars bar.
#8 Somehow I bruise easier her than I did in the states....oh wait. No, thats just dirt.
#9 Sidewalks are for walking on AND driving on.
#10 When using a public toilet in Kenya always take TP with you and do not under any circumstances breath through your nose. I'm serious. Don't do it.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
IDP's part I
2 of October, 2009
The end of 2007 brought with it the re-election of Kenya's president as well as a violence that killed thousands of people and displaced hundreds of thousands more. Homes and villages were burned to the ground as war broke out among the tribes pitting Kenyan against Kenyan. The result of this havoc are the Internationally Displaced Persons Camps. For the last two years over 600,000 men, women, and children have lived in these camps, forgotten by their government, and largely ignored by the global community. Once proud land owners, with homes and business have been reduced to scrapping out a living in Kenya's countryside living in tents provided by the UN refugee services that are now weather worn and falling apart. They are struggling to bring some semblance of normalcy to the lives of their family but without success as promise after promise from their government goes unfulfilled and unheeded.
I had the opportunity of visiting two such camps earlier this month. The two were very different. Mburuku is a small camp of 240 families- approx 1000 people that is in somewhat of a wasteland. It is a place covered in dirt where very little vegetation exists. It is largely untouched by rain, as most of Kenya now is and the winds that sweep across it are harsh making it next to impossible to stand outside let alone play or visit. For this reason, most of the adults stay in their tents. In fact, it seemed to be a community of only children as their parents sought the shelters of their "homes". There is a distinct air of despair through much of the camp, there is literally nothing to do. Men sit outside a tent and do not move all day, unable to work and provide for their families. Children run around bare foot and dusty (the "dust babies" we call them, and for obvious reason) uneducated but sweet in the innocence and naivety of their situation in life. These are the children that we spent the day with. Chasing, laughing, blowing bubbles, handing out stickers and cookies and musical instruments (that I'm sure their parents loved) singing songs and becoming just as dirty as them. The difference was, I would go home and take a hot shower (as long as there was electricity) whereas they would not wash because there was no water for it. I had a fantastic time playing with these fun loving children and am grateful for the opportunity to be able to spend a few hours with them.
The second camp was quite different and miles ahead in progress. Pipeline has a medical clinic, albeit poorly stocked, water tanks, toilets and 5 times as many people. Its amazing what a simple thing like water, something that we take so for granted, can do for a community. The air in Pipline just felt different. There was so much more hope. We didnt stay long as we had a long drive home ahead of us, but were treated to a tour of the camp which is considerably larger and more advanced than mburuku. The people there have all been allotted a plot of land and where theri tents currently are GVN (the organization that i came out with) is providing the materials to build each family a house of stone. The government has promised to provide beams and tin for the roof of each house--so far all of them are roofless. It was good to see that there can be hope in the IDP camps, and that with some help and a lot of hard work the children of Mburuku can have a better life, and return somewhat to normal. I am looking forward to getting to spend more time with them in the future.
The end of 2007 brought with it the re-election of Kenya's president as well as a violence that killed thousands of people and displaced hundreds of thousands more. Homes and villages were burned to the ground as war broke out among the tribes pitting Kenyan against Kenyan. The result of this havoc are the Internationally Displaced Persons Camps. For the last two years over 600,000 men, women, and children have lived in these camps, forgotten by their government, and largely ignored by the global community. Once proud land owners, with homes and business have been reduced to scrapping out a living in Kenya's countryside living in tents provided by the UN refugee services that are now weather worn and falling apart. They are struggling to bring some semblance of normalcy to the lives of their family but without success as promise after promise from their government goes unfulfilled and unheeded.
I had the opportunity of visiting two such camps earlier this month. The two were very different. Mburuku is a small camp of 240 families- approx 1000 people that is in somewhat of a wasteland. It is a place covered in dirt where very little vegetation exists. It is largely untouched by rain, as most of Kenya now is and the winds that sweep across it are harsh making it next to impossible to stand outside let alone play or visit. For this reason, most of the adults stay in their tents. In fact, it seemed to be a community of only children as their parents sought the shelters of their "homes". There is a distinct air of despair through much of the camp, there is literally nothing to do. Men sit outside a tent and do not move all day, unable to work and provide for their families. Children run around bare foot and dusty (the "dust babies" we call them, and for obvious reason) uneducated but sweet in the innocence and naivety of their situation in life. These are the children that we spent the day with. Chasing, laughing, blowing bubbles, handing out stickers and cookies and musical instruments (that I'm sure their parents loved) singing songs and becoming just as dirty as them. The difference was, I would go home and take a hot shower (as long as there was electricity) whereas they would not wash because there was no water for it. I had a fantastic time playing with these fun loving children and am grateful for the opportunity to be able to spend a few hours with them.
The second camp was quite different and miles ahead in progress. Pipeline has a medical clinic, albeit poorly stocked, water tanks, toilets and 5 times as many people. Its amazing what a simple thing like water, something that we take so for granted, can do for a community. The air in Pipline just felt different. There was so much more hope. We didnt stay long as we had a long drive home ahead of us, but were treated to a tour of the camp which is considerably larger and more advanced than mburuku. The people there have all been allotted a plot of land and where theri tents currently are GVN (the organization that i came out with) is providing the materials to build each family a house of stone. The government has promised to provide beams and tin for the roof of each house--so far all of them are roofless. It was good to see that there can be hope in the IDP camps, and that with some help and a lot of hard work the children of Mburuku can have a better life, and return somewhat to normal. I am looking forward to getting to spend more time with them in the future.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Little Boys and Puppy Dog Tales
Their lives are simple, and I'm learning that making them 'better' doesn't necessarily mean giving them more stuff. It is doing my best to make sure that they have everything they need, are given the opportunity to pursue their dreams and simply believing in them. There is a boy in my class, Steven, who is not the easiest child. He has a lot of anger and likes to hit the girls, a behavior that very well may be modeled for him at home. Its frustrating sometimes. It seems like no amount of “we dont hit” really phases him. Today before lunch one of the puppies kept finding his way into our classroom, and I kept picking him up and taking him out again. But he just kept coming back, and he always found his way to Steven. “Teacher” (sounds like teacha) he addressed me, “he keeps coming back!”
“It is because he loves you” I told him. The look he gave me was one of great surprise. “He keeps coming in because he wants to be near you, he loves you.” The smile that broke out on that boys face was dazzling. “yes, he loves me.” He replied thoughtfully, and then “I will take him back out” And this boy, who is sometimes so violent, gingerly scooped up that little puppy and with great care and gentleness carried him outside to the dog house. As we went outside later Steven walked out of the classroom with me, holding my hand. He has never touched me before, or sat next to me, or even really payed much attention to me. And this afternoon, after lunch, I did not tell him “we don't hit” even once.
“It is because he loves you” I told him. The look he gave me was one of great surprise. “He keeps coming in because he wants to be near you, he loves you.” The smile that broke out on that boys face was dazzling. “yes, he loves me.” He replied thoughtfully, and then “I will take him back out” And this boy, who is sometimes so violent, gingerly scooped up that little puppy and with great care and gentleness carried him outside to the dog house. As we went outside later Steven walked out of the classroom with me, holding my hand. He has never touched me before, or sat next to me, or even really payed much attention to me. And this afternoon, after lunch, I did not tell him “we don't hit” even once.
Kelvin's Story
6 of October, 2009
as written by him
“For the teacher Dre”
“Story at English 6/10/2009 Kelvin Mugai”
“Once upon a time There was a very clever little girl. Her mother always told her never to follow strangers, because some of Them Were very bad ogres Everybody konws That ogres like to children For supper!
Mrs ogre Lived near a village she was a bad ogre Every day she went out to look for littlr children to eat But The children were very clever When They saw Mrs Ogre They ran home quickly Mrs oger got very hungry and she got very thin.”
“That is The story Plz don't For Got The story, Good buy Kelvin
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