Habari all,
I have been working on my Swahili! This is day three of my time here in Kenya. These past days have been very busy. We have already visited three churches and a social group meeting. Kenyans really know how to sing and praise.
Yesterday I traveled to Kambi Ya Munyu village and had the honor of touring two schools and a local medical clinic. My favorite moment has been visiting schools and meeting the students. Most of the children have never seen a white man before and just wanted to touch me. They want to see "what white skin feels like".
Although I am slowly picking up Swahili, it really helps that most people speak English. I must brag on my host family, they are the best! Regina and her family make me feel as if I've known them for years.
I was warned that food in Kenya isn't very good and that I might often be hungry. However, I found most food very good. Regina has let me cook American dishes for two days now. We even went to the village welder and I drew plans for him to make a grill so we can BBQ. They loved my fried chicken recipe. Traditionally Kenyas boil chicken, I took boiled chicken and fried it and it was an instant hit. Last night I introduced them to cinnamon, which we add to Chapati (the staple bread here in Kenya) with a hint of sugar.
It's the funniest feeling to walk around with everyone staring at you. I'm told that me being here is just as fun and different for the community as it is for me. I learn every day from the community and the people I am meeting. In the next few days, I will be able to witness the drilling of Juanita's Well, the only source of clean water for the entire community. Wow, I cannot describe what that moment will feel like, and I hope to have some heart warming pictures and stories to share.
Hadi wakati mwingine! (until next time)
Yesterday I went to a primary school in Githima. This school is about three miles from the future site of Juanita's School. What a great place! The school has about 260 children from ages 3 to 8th grade. They currently collect water off the roof of the school and then store the dirty water in containers. Actually, this is a normal way for families to collect water here in Kenya. I am told that the biggest issue for the schools is the student to teacher ratio. An average class size is 50 kids to 1 teacher. Most kids at the school do not eat during the day. Many go hungy throughout the entire day. This primary school will be one of many schools who will be able to send their graduates to our future Juanita's Highschool. The kids will be able to eat directly from the school gardens and bring excess produce back home to their families.
