tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45078653256776280532024-03-05T19:29:04.739-08:00Lauren Goes To AfricaLaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-82085424312290676422010-07-20T19:30:00.000-07:002010-07-25T16:58:35.231-07:00WomenAfrican women are tough! If I had to choose one word to describe the Kenyan women in general, it would definitely be "tough."<br /><br /><br />The status of women depends a lot on which tribe one comes from. I mentioned a lot about the Gabbra women in the desert, who do nearly all the work, yet whom some (generally uneducated) men still consider of a lower status than a camel, but living among the Kikuyu has been a completely different experience.<br /><br /><br /><br />Gender roles are fairly clearly defined. Women are responsible for cooking, washing, and caring for the children (especially babies). Men then typically do the "hard labor." The entire family, works in the shamba (garden). The more rural a place is, the more traditional the roles. A lot of course depends on the family, but men often view themselves as the head of the family. I naturally disagree with this, and once had an animated discussion with the male teachers. When James was recently married, they were talking about how now he would never be late to work, would aways have clean matching clothes etc., so I asked them "How is it that he has been doing all of these things alone for years, and suddenly now that he is married someone else has to do this?" After light prodding, they conceded that yes indeed they all have two very good hands that are capable of doing laundry and dishes. We agreed that it is only fair to share the workload, and there are a lot more dishes than fences that need fixing! One of my favorite excuses as to why I can't marry a random stranger is that "in my culture men and women share the work so if you think I'm going to do all the work while you sit and watch TV you are wrong," although this has been met with the very incorrect answer of "we'll hire a househelp!"<br /><br /><br /><br />While there are no specific laws limiting formal jobs women can have, it is much the same as in the U.S. where women tend to get paid less for equal positions, and hit 'glass ceilings' unfairly. I really have tried to emphasize to my students that girls are equally capable as boys, and that gender stereotypes should not limit the young women from pursuing math and sciences. I do not consider myself a feminist, and wholly believe that men an women are different, but those differences are definitely not in intelligence! Occasionally I will try to prove a point using an extreme "example" such as when asked by a student why men have mammory glands that<br /><br /><br /><br />Occasionally small comments throw me off a bit, such as one older student saying that he "doesn't like to see women riding bicycles because it might spoil something." Not inherently sexist, but something also that I certainly see as a misperception! Also, in the case of an unplanned pregnancy girls and women are often left alone with the baby with absolutely no support, nor responsbility, from the father. There is not really a way of proving who the father is, and denial from the man is enough for him not to be involved.<br /><br /><br /><br />I feel like I am beginning to ramble without making a point, but I think the point is that girls and women do have less opportunities in general, and while there are no specific rules that cause this, it is definitely present. Research proves that education, especially of women, is the number one way to reduce poverty levels, and I wholeheartedly agree. Education empowers women to believe in their own potential, as well as giving practical life skills.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-39582749950281256822010-06-22T08:25:00.000-07:002010-06-22T09:01:08.885-07:0025 Little Things I Love About Kenya1. Little children squeaking “fiti” after you greet them “sasa”<br />2. Swahilized English words: toast = tosti, switch = swichi, freezer = friza, computer = kompyuta, guitar = gitaa, picture = picha etc.<br />3. Random people calling all their friends to see that I can actually respond to greetings in Kikuyu<br />4. Having to hope that I never again see a man peeing on the side of the road<br />5. That fact that peeing on the side of the road (or anywhere for that matter) is called taking a “short call”<br />6. Children continuing to ask if my father is the Prime Minister of America, after seeing a picture of him with President Obama<br />7. Really dramatic Kenyan soap operas such as<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaO7rvQqsUscDprSeChnw6n933iQEzF1Ek0y7Zv6tcSbNRKs_BmCThbJ-CHstgCHA4ORGUJDqIQ5rd2-nAtJsvBM83QU10sOCmQgBBkMAwLzuAepPNgs4xZCXnR6bPbWIka6YiqsGWtE/s1600/tahidi+high.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 124px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 78px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485621231196293746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaO7rvQqsUscDprSeChnw6n933iQEzF1Ek0y7Zv6tcSbNRKs_BmCThbJ-CHstgCHA4ORGUJDqIQ5rd2-nAtJsvBM83QU10sOCmQgBBkMAwLzuAepPNgs4xZCXnR6bPbWIka6YiqsGWtE/s200/tahidi+high.jpg" /></a> “Tahidi High”<br />8. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooS4M3xTOvD6Y5R2IBcYnZ6OXSDho-C-itZoCQw-ly5H1EsVrOPnlqLlzmgGeR-4PI0pBeLCpp8L6ueabHLNrRmdIxdlp6oUclVGvGXCRMVzcAPEGv3pM2v3E0gUQfAVT5_Io2TtjNY0/s1600/chuck+norris.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 100px; HEIGHT: 126px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485626982673466034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooS4M3xTOvD6Y5R2IBcYnZ6OXSDho-C-itZoCQw-ly5H1EsVrOPnlqLlzmgGeR-4PI0pBeLCpp8L6ueabHLNrRmdIxdlp6oUclVGvGXCRMVzcAPEGv3pM2v3E0gUQfAVT5_Io2TtjNY0/s320/chuck+norris.jpg" /></a>How the strangest bits of American culture get here -- such as everyone knowing who Chuck Norris is, and discussions about whether or not WWE is real or fake<br />9, Everyone sings in church<br />10. Children standing near the road pointing , jumping up and down and screaming “Mzungu!” (white person) and their smiles when I greet them<br />11. When <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71GPrtzY8lCmM0D2Y3BReS76o6-xPd9MJX45grStInYfnPXVaktG23VxLbVOcmDy6f7TZW1te07hPYNnUPI4tSI7Kcj74DR9N0CpkLPOh4nYxQkLS_LgyJdCEJP7LP8IICJvup-jB5j4/s1600/bananas.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 101px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485621879761434994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71GPrtzY8lCmM0D2Y3BReS76o6-xPd9MJX45grStInYfnPXVaktG23VxLbVOcmDy6f7TZW1te07hPYNnUPI4tSI7Kcj74DR9N0CpkLPOh4nYxQkLS_LgyJdCEJP7LP8IICJvup-jB5j4/s200/bananas.jpg" /></a>you have to go to bed early because the power goes out.<br />12.Non-sequiturs such as being on a quiet street in Nairobi when a man carrying an armful of bananas walked past me and asked “banana?” and after I said “no” he continued with the bunches of bananas towards wherever he was going<br />13. Matatu rides!!! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 211px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485623710957560962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMevELuUpUqr6dW8X-Fp2-VGiU8Mf_6yt_PhPEybWW8uMAqi3ahoD5DBaQu5a17CREr418_uS60AAYGEoPkkI_66TaHt3Y5NLkGjXE1Oa1dk-wXyhpYqqtYD29LHUB22T9P52DA5Ho598/s320/matatu.jpg" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbdqX4xhVzTDtbZIhzRv5U_M_ikFmp792ZrOpzy6t1TH20w7l9eD5Xvf_CBHVHWAhRgeXmwilNWrD-nmhtjiW8HSFLQ_nU8ZWskWFXPWrF633M7N0-5_FYwWpPAB1JTr_bAUYv14PUQc/s1600/North+Horr+Camp+--+Kenya+130.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485626970172959074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbdqX4xhVzTDtbZIhzRv5U_M_ikFmp792ZrOpzy6t1TH20w7l9eD5Xvf_CBHVHWAhRgeXmwilNWrD-nmhtjiW8HSFLQ_nU8ZWskWFXPWrF633M7N0-5_FYwWpPAB1JTr_bAUYv14PUQc/s320/North+Horr+Camp+--+Kenya+130.jpg" /></a>14. That regardless of how busy a street is there is almost guaranteed to be a goat taking itself on an outing<br />15. Shop names such as “Vatican” (General Store) and “Cougar’s Meating Point” (Butchery -- there are no cougars in Kenya and most don’t know what they are)<br />16. If my hair is greasy people think I applied oil and comment how “smart” it is<br />17. That when you say “good morning” to your class, the students all stand up<br />18. That signs saying “fierce dog” in Kiswahili can roughly literally translate to “hot dog”<br />19. Pre-school children who latch onto you and only let go when you can free a hand to wave goodbye because they love waving goodbye and saying “bye, bye” so much they let go to do so!<br />20. Black Currant Fanta<br />21. Tea cooked over an open fire <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkEmIoCX49JMj6kn9Mr6QUjIhBLG0G7SCtzz7-kykSayBDKWas2TtBybD2wF8kqscSU9pZy5rY-NSC38zLbP_v7GYB0BXyBwFQ9dZVy43J7ESurcxfQozy1gny3kPAzxh-Ry8wOb72NA/s1600/North+Horr+Camp+--+Kenya+470.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485624788355316146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkEmIoCX49JMj6kn9Mr6QUjIhBLG0G7SCtzz7-kykSayBDKWas2TtBybD2wF8kqscSU9pZy5rY-NSC38zLbP_v7GYB0BXyBwFQ9dZVy43J7ESurcxfQozy1gny3kPAzxh-Ry8wOb72NA/s320/North+Horr+Camp+--+Kenya+470.jpg" /></a><br />22. That everyone greets each other with a handshake, sometimes more than once a day. There is no ignoring someone as they pass by.<br />23. Being an hour late is usually acceptable<br />24.Visiting a home is very relaxed and usually lasts all day, with no worries about the guest leaving so they can get other work done<br />25. Fantastic hair styles. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhld9S1DW1_h_uWpVpIQuz10paJHyQlPHaSSAQn7IOZ4_NIG-8vdxc4fLgIxLKyuoptALNfl8y-Co7bKM_ESTaYbc1mCAkHnEISFNochodKcJWvdofk62FZ2WqPniu3mmxQlsEcEpib38s/s1600/P1190216.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 270px; HEIGHT: 181px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485626994266096418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhld9S1DW1_h_uWpVpIQuz10paJHyQlPHaSSAQn7IOZ4_NIG-8vdxc4fLgIxLKyuoptALNfl8y-Co7bKM_ESTaYbc1mCAkHnEISFNochodKcJWvdofk62FZ2WqPniu3mmxQlsEcEpib38s/s320/P1190216.JPG" /></a>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-72411261716808109382010-06-15T12:21:00.001-07:002010-06-19T12:35:39.099-07:00College<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdnynC4BBqNpWIBZlRhsWDJP4zoreMk3PVO8pCxFNYHWBN9N2KlVYoJYpYc2mFIUBreukia8FOy7fcamngXRQ2vy7X4U6UqSqNBNJHV6kPPyKy73hZ_3NXhR-jC-fKoY19R8gNaMnZ0Y/s1600/kenya+college.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 113px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdnynC4BBqNpWIBZlRhsWDJP4zoreMk3PVO8pCxFNYHWBN9N2KlVYoJYpYc2mFIUBreukia8FOy7fcamngXRQ2vy7X4U6UqSqNBNJHV6kPPyKy73hZ_3NXhR-jC-fKoY19R8gNaMnZ0Y/s320/kenya+college.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484570296096252002" /></a><br />There is a VIDES+Kenya volunteer, Joseph who "schools" (as they say here) at a teacher's college about a mile away. I met him while we were animating an Oratory camp, and so the other day went to visit him. I very much enjoyed being around students and seeing a college campus. I'd been there for Mass, in which they have an EXCELLENT choir and a lot of life, but Saturday afternoons provide a different experience. <br />Most of the students are in their 20s, because very few people go straight through all of their studies. Most work in between to save money for school. Murang'a Teachers' Training College is specifically for those who want to teach primary school. That is a 2 year degree here, although there are different "levels" you can move up to with more school - I believe first you get a certificate, then a diploma, then a degree. Secondary school teachers must attend a four year university, and study the subject(s) they want to teach. <br />Many students were out and about as this is everyone's free day. The clothing lines were completely full so many had laid their clothes on the ground to dry. There are no washing machines or dryers, of course. Some students were outside studying, others playing basketball, really what you would expect at college. Even the cows of the college were out and about grazing. The dorms are rather, dorm-like I have to say. Each floor has a common bathroom, and each room, or cube, holds 4 students. The rooms are very simple -- one light hanging from the ceiling, two sets of bunk beds, two chairs, one long desk, one electrical socket, and 4 cabinets that lock. That's it! The students seem happy with their rooms, however, and have some study lounges and common rooms as well. One thing that surprised me is that high school students here often go on strikes. The strikes can become violent and destructive (such as burning buildings etc.) and if students don't participate and students leading the rioting find out, the innocent student gets retribution. When I learned, however, that the issues arising are often things like there has been no water for three weeks so students must walk 1/2 hour to a nearby river for bathing and washing, it begins to make a little more sense. <br />Joseph was having another round of teaching practice (the abbreviation used is TP) the following week, so we sat outside and made teaching aids, (much like dioramas!) of a homestead, including a cattle dip! No, it's not something you eat, but like a swimming pool where cows walk through to get chemicals to kill ticks and the likes. They couldn't believe I had never heard of one before! For their teachi g experiences, everyone has a partner to work with, so many of the students walking by kept asking Joseph "Is this your partner?" <br />Overall, it seems that the life of a college student in Kenya and the US is fairly similar. The standard of living is quite different -- no one here has a TV or mini-fridge in their room, and the cafeteria only serves one option for each meal (and the students don't complain about that either). Also, it seems that discipline is significantly less of a problem. There are people who serve as something like RAs, but few roommate conflicts, and it's easy to switch rooms if there is an issue, alcohol is not a problem it seems, and in general the students know that they are all mature adults and expected to behave as such, and see no reason to cause trouble!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-57319756689181167872010-06-15T11:04:00.001-07:002010-07-01T11:48:47.257-07:00My Students<div align="center"></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXzUPV8fU7kaRmIl9mFcx0tuZlvEt0WgKpYYYp5lOmKQbUyDhBgaVRGxrHhS3R_j7OA5p2uZMfQr2KBdpn7nqrwiT5OqDH_eess7ARfTCudviEeDEJLcGEEZgCwIYw3B6H3RPKZXR2rM/s1600/Classroom1.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488960491807710034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXzUPV8fU7kaRmIl9mFcx0tuZlvEt0WgKpYYYp5lOmKQbUyDhBgaVRGxrHhS3R_j7OA5p2uZMfQr2KBdpn7nqrwiT5OqDH_eess7ARfTCudviEeDEJLcGEEZgCwIYw3B6H3RPKZXR2rM/s320/Classroom1.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left">Here are just a few stories of some of my older students. I really admire many of them, yet am unable to really put myself in their shoes. </div><div align="center"><br /><br />The top picture is of the Form 2 Class I taught during their month long holiday -- very needy students who the Sisters follow. I also taught Form I, and they were a wonderful group of young people! Sister Dionesia keeps them busy during their holiday so they don't "go around" and some are very clever and motivated to study.<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><br /><br /></div><div align="left"><strong>Joseph Njoroge:</strong>* Joseph is now in his freshmen year of high school. He's stayed in the mission since he was in class 5. I met him only recently during revision classes during their holiday. Joseph is very willing to help others and while he is a bit quiet, still has a presence that is felt. Definitely I would say he is a leader by example. He hasn't had a father in his life, and both he and his sister witnessed the shooting murder of their mother. He doesn't have any relatives that were able to care for him, so until this year when he went to boarding school, and now for holidays, he stays in a house in the mission for boys - they are mostly secondary students who take care of themselves. I am constantly amazed at how mature students here are: without supervision these boys cook, study, and generally get along well in their house. The house is only one room, with bunk beds and two picnic tables. </div><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left"><strong>Joyce Njoki:</strong> Joyce only recently came to the mission. She is young -- maybe 15 or 16. She had to drop out of middle school because her mother forced her into prostitution then she became pregnant. After the baby was born, the mother secretly made plans to sell the child. Joyce found out and ran away with the baby. She's now studying knitting (about a 3 month course) in the Girl's Technical. On Saturdays she works for the Sisters in exchange for food, soap etc. The baby, Millicent, is 9 months old or so. She hasn't started crawling yet, so she can sit in the class on the floor while mom learns. I take the baby with me to assistance at lunch time so Joyce can play -- she's still very young! She takes wonderful care of the baby however, and I admire her determination.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488967840759618114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFf4MiAAzHr4OHQXkDcrFk5Seylp_mbLS0dQ35_Fl8CCWESe1Fdk_YlM0EjYt0GDun7oJiHcDXiQiK4emIdm0A7gLNhvlCBk71i182sxptXAftraKvitZxuMFqX6e5xbrVitINBcKj5Ms/s320/P1210865.JPG" />John and I at his home<br /></div><div align="left"><strong>John Karanja:</strong> John is a very special student to me. My family is supporting his secondary school, and I very much enjoyed to visit his home while he was on midterm break. (Most high schools are boarding). John is a FANTASTIC writer, and even hopes to publish a book someday. I first learned of him through reading the compositions of class 8, and noting his talent. But, what really impressed my was that on their "outing" (field trip) during the bus ride he, by his own free will, was explaining to me about the areas we were passing through -- not often done by teenage boys! John placed 1st in his class for the National Exam, and was 10th in the district. He was called to go to Njiiri's School, a very good government school, in the tea-region of Kenya. At the school, the boys work very hard: they go to bed at 10:30 and get up at 4:30AM, have very little free time and are always doing some kind of work -- the students really do learn a lot, but seem to suffer in the process. They get little food, little sleep, and aren't allowed visitors! I went to the school with Sr. Dionisia, and we were allowed to see John for about 15 minutes, and I think only because she is a Sister and I'm a foreigner! The deputy (vice-principal) is fierce!!! I guess the students have nicknamed him "cockroach" (using the Kikuyu word) because he is always scurrying around everywhere after people, and it is like he is always in the shadows looking for people wasting time. The principal is very strict against bullying, however, which is so important in a school of 1000+ students.<br />Within the first month of school, John broke his leg playing soccer . He is now walking without crutches, but the recovery seems to be quite long. Despite this (and missing a week of school) he still was 7th out of 52 students in his stream. He says he is happy at school, despite the hardships, and is really learning a lot and dreams of being a doctor. John's family is needy, in fact he was really worried that he wouldn't be able to attend a trade school, much less high school, because of money. His mother is a prostitute, and I believe has been since she left school in class 4, but it seems she really loves her 3 children. John is the 2nd child and oldest boy. He doesn't know who his father is, but has a close relationship with his mother. The mother only speaks Kikuyu so I couldn't communicate with her much during my visit. She is HIV+ and I have heard (it is not good of course to spread rumors, but if the following is not true for this family it is for another) that after she had a falling out with a man who was somehow supporting her, a judge, as revenge he took the daughter for a week, and the daughter is now also HIV+. Regardless of the home situation, John is working really hard in his studies, and is also very mature for his age, and I have no doubt he will continue to become someone great. </div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488967832398045298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0Pp7fNMlDgDMEi2E9ZyV7EGdS_B31sElWDcUih-DyDGLze08fpmRVTwJuugFB5NAc-Ho1r9Id_j0zgZNhDc3m5h51wXqtqYDfcaMfSvO4DtYXL7fnNxVOins8Ndt1mbvKWvcdTuMRtA/s320/P1210861.JPG" />The family of John: From Left to Right: A cousin, his mother, the child of his cousin, and him<br /><br /></div><strong>Julius</strong> <strong>Kamau:</strong> I've only gotten to know Julius over the past few weeks, but have become very fond of him. A student of the Boy's Technical in printing, he works on weekends as the watchman for the gate that is just outside of my house and helps with general work. The watchmen sit on my porch, and so I pass by often. When Julius was 5, his mother became suddenly ill and passed away. He and his older brother were sent to live with their grandmother, who abused them horribly. When asked what he wanted to do when he grew up, the older brother once replied that he wanted to be rich so he could buy and car and run over the shosho (grandmother). An aunt took them in, but shortly after was married and the husband refused the children. That is how they came to be with the Sisters. The Sisters used to have a mixed children's home, but later switched to only girls. The other boys were sent to a home for street children, but Kamau and his brother did not quite fit there, so they stayed in a room attached to the chicken coop in Makuyu. Julius went to both boarding primary and secondary, as the Sisters are not equipped to care for boys. He passed his exams very well. However, after that he became somehow lost, and turned to drinking as he couldn't find a job. Sr. Dionisia "rescued him" as he says, and he came to work in the shamba (garden) for a couple years, and now has joined the printing trade. Julius is one of the people Sr. Dionisia really trusts, which certainly means something. He is very good in school, and is really trying hard to make a life for himself -- he has even started a club for "good boys" in the town, those who want to stay out of trouble. I very much enjoy just chatting with Julius as he is very open to answering questions about life in Kenya, and straight-forward.<br /><br /><strong>Julius Kariuki: </strong>This Julius is also a student of the printing press. I have come to know him because he is a photographer and takes very nice pictures for many events. I lend him my camera for some occasions. He learned photography from his father, and for a while worked for Kodak (I think?) taking photos around the country. He still uses an old film camera as well.<br />We are "age mates," which means like it sounds, the same age. He has recently become traditionally married, and has a beautiful 3 month old baby. He uses photography to generate some income to care for his family. Julius is also very active in the church, especially the choir.<br /><br /><br />* I didn't use their real names because I know I personally might not want mine used, even if the people reading didn't know meLaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-68150567962056768802010-06-05T23:08:00.001-07:002010-06-06T00:03:32.086-07:00The Wedding<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9LsNea3qjvNB4D76qLe85otgH5EpobzvimRHJaichkvDzY-kdiQlQLk5M_nWLu6MA5Yzjr5YdVp2THAMnZQ2jIsBDOZ58onBxhiiIVs1Aa3En5hCOj-b6JZHcjVUTYpu1YiNrUKHbk8/s1600/P1190918.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9LsNea3qjvNB4D76qLe85otgH5EpobzvimRHJaichkvDzY-kdiQlQLk5M_nWLu6MA5Yzjr5YdVp2THAMnZQ2jIsBDOZ58onBxhiiIVs1Aa3En5hCOj-b6JZHcjVUTYpu1YiNrUKHbk8/s320/P1190918.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479552303807302082" /></a><br /><br /><br />The day before the wedding, or in our case very early the morning of, the bridesmaids go to stay with the bride and help her prepare herself. We had a very interesting matatu ride there! The one we were in got stopped by the police, who were very friendly to us and the little flower girl we were taking as well, but not so to the driver. They wanted a 5,000 Shilling bribe (like $70 -- a lot. The alternative is the vehicle being impounded and a 10,000 Shilling fine) so the driver had to call the owner which was taking a long time etc. I asked the policeman what the problem was, and he listed off so many violations: the driver had no documents/insurance, the conductor wasn't wearing a uniform, no speed governer etc. I tell you, every matatu trip is an exciting one! <br />Anyway, so when we (finally) arrived, everyone enjoyed making last minute preparations -- putting on bright lipstick etc. <br />Then, the bride is locked in her room and the women from the man's village come. There is a traditional Kikuyu song that the women from the bride's village and the groom's village sing to each other -- the groom's side about coming to take the bride, and the bride's side saying they won't let her go! Then, the mother of the groom and some other key women go to break the bride out of her room; in some cases she literally has to be broken out because they might hide the key. If the dowry hasn't been really settled I guess this can be a long process. Once the bride is "free" <em></em>lesos<em></em> are laid on the floor and ground and she is led to the decorated car. On the way, the best man comes and checks under the veil to make sure she is really the right one. <br />Matatus are specially hired for the journey to the church. The church ceremony is somehow similar to ones in the U.S., although it was in Swahili so I'm not entirely certain. A couple differences are that the bride has a long train on her dress that after the exchange of rings is wrapped around the groom as well, showing that they are now connected. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGJP2bC-BGEJaygeta_Pa1ekbZpd4naWs0b3kkyq15Uxk_6W4UQTS7nzPBBDpyr70BZ0fjpCfqgl_n9p76JmWGFZNq73GUSVCZ2Nm_D1UaP7wCYr0D4N0XX9Oj8G6Mfin4H5ZSsE2Q-s/s1600/P1190936.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGJP2bC-BGEJaygeta_Pa1ekbZpd4naWs0b3kkyq15Uxk_6W4UQTS7nzPBBDpyr70BZ0fjpCfqgl_n9p76JmWGFZNq73GUSVCZ2Nm_D1UaP7wCYr0D4N0XX9Oj8G6Mfin4H5ZSsE2Q-s/s320/P1190936.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479549886983577426" /></a><br />Also, there is no smooching! I turned to the bridesmaid next to me and asked her if they were "officially married" when people started clapping and ululating, and she said yes. I asked if they were going to kiss, and she looked at me like I had asked if they were going to run around the church screaming. It was later explained to me that while it is an option, almost no one chooses to include that in their ceremony. <br />One tradition that I would like to adopt is that of having a best couple, instead of maid of honor and best man. The bride and groom choose an already married couple to be their "best couple" who guide them not only through the wedding, but also through the beginning of their marriage. You are to choose people you are very free talking to, so that if you have any conflicts in your marriage, you are able to go to them for advice. <br />After the wedding there is a photoshoot (I've posted pictures on facebook again) then the reception. After the pictures, the bridal party marched behind the school band to the reception which was held in the amphitheater of the primary school.<br />Everyone is given food, and various people provide entertainment. The children of the school danced, others sang, etc. In between acts, people bring up their gifts. The bride's parents traditionally give a bed, and make it in front of everyone. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcCiqn14wJW98jE-jsmOmJL0Hd2PXPF2s12K0h1LrzSNgBdFYR6NYVips6UBDBPNly1RUhLCabDZSKieIuQ7Lm3EP98BHSy6yqWfgkOyVcI-KqJ3rEZ45Zk_AFCi6d2cU58uLIxyh1hM/s1600/P1190988.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcCiqn14wJW98jE-jsmOmJL0Hd2PXPF2s12K0h1LrzSNgBdFYR6NYVips6UBDBPNly1RUhLCabDZSKieIuQ7Lm3EP98BHSy6yqWfgkOyVcI-KqJ3rEZ45Zk_AFCi6d2cU58uLIxyh1hM/s320/P1190988.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479549897170786754" /></a><br />The groom's parents gave a pair of goats. Towards the end the cake is cut, the newlyweds feed it to eachother, and the bridesmaids help to hand out tiny pieces to some of the attendees (usually there is not enough for everyone). <br />In the evening, there is an "evening party" for the bridal party and some of the younger guests. We went to a place called "Traveller's Inn" in the nearby town. There is dinner...we had goat intestine sausage wrapped in the skin of the goat which still had some hair on it, cabbage and ugali. The Kenyans thought this was fantastic, and I tried a couple bites, but couldn't quite stomach it. I was trying to be polite of course as so not to be that obnoxious foreigner who won't even try anything, but perhaps shouldn't have been as I ended up being quite sick the next day probably from that... and my tongue was black. Gross! People then dance, and "take something" (this is the only time I've seen people consuming alcohol) and just enjoy themselves. I had been asking one of the teachers where people meet their spouses as men and women tend to naturally separate themselves at many events, especially in church. The teacher replied, "Oh Lauren, you don't meet your husband at church!" So, I think it is at these evening parties where many people meet their future significant other. I really enjoyed a lot, and we didn't come back until 2 AM. The Sisters were kind enough to give me the gate key so it was no problem. This is the first time I've been out after dark here, as it's not always especially safe. <br />Really, it was such an enjoyable experience. I was so blessed to be really included and have others to translate and explain what was going on.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-66104610405936394072010-06-04T10:41:00.000-07:002010-06-04T11:15:28.040-07:00Wedding PlanningI was so honored to be a bridesmaid in the wedding of one of the teachers in the primary school, James Kariuki. While it was a church wedding, the Kenyans have some beautful unique traditions. <br />Courtship is a relatively private thing: while your "allies" (friends) likely know you have a "friend," the parents generally don't know until things are very serious. There is also such thing as a "Come we stay" marriage, where basically it is exactly as it sounds. You come and you stay with your spouse -- some eventually have an official wedding but it's not required. I guess this kind of marriage happens very quickly; you maybe meet someone in the market and soon after decide to come and stay.<br />There is no big proposal or engagement ring. Instead, when the couple decides they would like to be married, the man goes with some of his close friends and relatives to negotiate the dowry with the bride's parents. A couple weeks after this, the man along with close friends brings the dowry -- goats, chickens, and/or money -- along with soda or beer to the bride's parents, and if they accept, then the wedding is announced. I guess some parents are greedy and so won't agree to the wedding if the bride-price isn't high enough, but nowadays the dowry is becoming less critical and more dependent on individual situations. In my opinion, it doesn't at all seem like the husband is buying a bride. Rather, it is as if the man is proving that he is capable of caring for another person using financial responsibility, as it takes time, and work, to save for a dowry. People are very surprised that a fiancee in the U.S. has to maybe take the Dad of the bride to lunch to ask permission and give a ring. <br />All of this exchange usually happens only about 2 months before the wedding! A wedding committee of about 20 people is then formed, with positions like secretary and chairperson. They meet weekly to plan the wedding. This is mostly the groom's responsibility as well, but the bride is certainly involved (naturally especially in picking colors and outfits for the bridal party! Kenyan men are not afraid to admit they don't know how to match things nicely). People pledge an amount to help to pay for the wedding. A wedding overall costs about 80,000 Kenyan Shillings, or about $1000 US. The very rich spend ridiculous amounts on weddings, but that is generally seen as ridiculous!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-16819628051980927682010-04-28T09:44:00.000-07:002010-04-30T11:16:48.896-07:00Easter Season<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KyypgFwl2oxWrbDBoeNFmeeh33z2pDDuXC7Wwkel_8zkrdOEuJQGPyOYHjHHJkvfP7yod5X3omKV2idoFvop5uXkvDil_Nikt5QiORAF-3SjHagpG-1N0iOphliYkm4azd1yjBXrPWI/s1600/P1190353.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KyypgFwl2oxWrbDBoeNFmeeh33z2pDDuXC7Wwkel_8zkrdOEuJQGPyOYHjHHJkvfP7yod5X3omKV2idoFvop5uXkvDil_Nikt5QiORAF-3SjHagpG-1N0iOphliYkm4azd1yjBXrPWI/s320/P1190353.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465994819153307778" /></a><br />The Stations of the Cross walk -- returning back to the church<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnEnxZ7apiCgCcsNfwSfXVTDF7secYgR0gM8ZVFFI00kyZfMcyr0p-L61eUSVk7OOaPBRc-IT7Rn1rctTO0HqAMAPKgv8inbyRK-0RagVV9TGHKdCHtec8XoQHcSlwi8D2Oc7xNi0AvY/s1600/P1190352.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnEnxZ7apiCgCcsNfwSfXVTDF7secYgR0gM8ZVFFI00kyZfMcyr0p-L61eUSVk7OOaPBRc-IT7Rn1rctTO0HqAMAPKgv8inbyRK-0RagVV9TGHKdCHtec8XoQHcSlwi8D2Oc7xNi0AvY/s320/P1190352.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465994809105683330" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixl86NJeEx2kn3SbcVRKLgry9snwa8OXOTZjl3-NzEJc1dbBCoYJ5R_3Yy7X0jWMtT8jjUtzRXBfYogfnPJCtuAg5fO8xPbWAKD4lf1hwExbZDSRgbukIUz2qkXn6Cs_atdWQpca8py54/s1600/P1190376.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixl86NJeEx2kn3SbcVRKLgry9snwa8OXOTZjl3-NzEJc1dbBCoYJ5R_3Yy7X0jWMtT8jjUtzRXBfYogfnPJCtuAg5fO8xPbWAKD4lf1hwExbZDSRgbukIUz2qkXn6Cs_atdWQpca8py54/s320/P1190376.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465994775589863010" /></a><br />Dancing around the Pascal Fire<br />Easter Season was really beautiful in Kenya. The season here is kind of the end of summer, soalthougthe time does not match up with new growth of plants, it didn't seem to matter. <br />For the "general population" (those who are not Sisters???) the school term finished on Holy Wednesday or Thursday - Easter was early this year otherwise they would have had the whole week. On Good Friday, the Makuyu Parish does a Stations of the Cross walk, or Jia ya Msalaba in Swahili. It was certainly an experience! Around 10 o'clock (African time, so it was a bit later) the people gather at the main parish. Then, following a tractor with a trailer the congregation begins to walk. For each of the stations, there is a certain stop where the Senior Youth act out the event. I was really impressed by their costumes and seriousness. The path goes through several of the outstations/prayer houses, and the whole walk ends around 3 when everyone comes back for the Passion Service. I was very grateful that the weather was not so hot -- although it rained and so at some points the mud almost got your shoes (roads in the bush are definitely not paved). I guess when the weather is really warm by the end some people struggle a lot, especially volunteers who are not used to the event as it is a 5 hours walk! The people sing and pray the Rosary while they walk. It was all in Kikuyu so I couldn't understand much, but really beautiful to see so many parishioners, even the elderly, completing the long journey. <br />The Passion Service was fairly similar to those at home (I think, again it was not in English so I'm not entirely certain). For the Veneration of the Cross, however, all of the people come forward and kiss the cross -- something I hadn't seen before. <br />On Saturday evening, the Vigil is held. It begins outside with the lighting of a bonfire. Some years they even send a ball of flame from the belltower to light the fire! The Pascal candle is then lit, and the children dance around the fire. Then everyone proceeds into the church for the service. It is a "bring your own candle" procession. The Baptism of older children takes place at this time, while babies are baptized on Sunday morning. <br />Sunday morning was certainly a joyful experience! Many people come to the Mass, but it's not a time of wearing fancy clothes and hats -- more a celebration. The Priest saying the Mass was very lively, and turned on a CD player with music so everyone could have a little dance party in their pews. He had a whistle and was right up there blowing it and dancing along with everyone. So lively. <br />In the "Motherhouse" we made decorations and had a beautiful feast after the Mass. The afternoon was relatively quiet as everyone had been up late the night before because of the vigil and being with the young people at their "Easter Experience."<br />The Easter Experience is like a retreat for the senior youth -- they come and stay in the school and have various talks and activities. It's wonderful to walk down to the school at night when they are there and be able to hear singing and clapping and laughing from a distance. Really, if I could sum up Easter here in a phrase it would be "joy in the Risen Christ."Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-35118704106330596982010-04-23T07:44:00.000-07:002010-04-23T08:01:37.796-07:00A Trip to the HospitalToday I needed to run errands with one of the Sisters, and this included taking a young man to the hospital. I have heard what the government hospital in Thika (the nearby town) is like, but it was still not what I was expecting. <br />Apparently this boy, Reuben, broke his leg a month ago, and when he went to the hospital they sent him away without doing anything. It is a fairly severe break -- it looks like right now he has two knees because of how the bone is sticking out. I'm not entirely sure how the Sisters came upon this case, but I guess no one is his village is willing to help him and the parents aren't capable. <br />Reuben is somehow "not okay" -- I believe there is a problem with using glue, but I'm not sure if that started/increased because of the pain he must have in his leg. Regardless, this young man is not capable of telling even exactly how he broke his leg.<br /> The Casualty Section of the hospital (I think it is the equivalent to ER/Walk in Care) is first come first serve. There is a sign posted with the prices, and if you cannot pay they will not treat you. Services like resuscitation, however, are free. Major emergency surgery costs about 5,000 shillings (less than $100 direct equivalent, but a little less than half of a worker's monthly salary). Being in the waiting room made me want to become a doctor just so I could help all of the people. It's really not even a room -- a covered area with benches to sit on. <br />Like the dispensary, there is a lot of waiting involved. When you first arrive they check on you immediately to determine the seriousness of the problem, but then you have to see the doctor/nurse, who sends you to the x-ray, who sends you back to the doctor, who sends you to the place of plastering etc. All of these places have lines. <br />Because it has been so long since the injury, Reuben has to come back for surgery in about 10 days. 10 days! He can barely walk, and judging by the way his leg looks must be in a large amount of pain. <br />What really struck me is the fact that unless you are literally dying, if you don't have money you will not be treated. If you are admitted to the hospital, someone from your family/a person you know, must come to clean you and feed you etc. That means that many people go without treatment for severe injuries. It actually upset my stomach a little to see all the people in pain, and knowing they have to wait hours just to see a doctor. I know the American health care system has a lot of problems, but here not only the quality of treatment you get depends on how much you can pay, but whether you are treated depends on if you can pay at all. The private hospitals are generally much better taken run than the government, but that costs more money. <br />I wonder how the staff of this hospital feels and thinks. Are they so used to seeing all these people that they are "used" to it? I would guess they are given more work than they can reasonably do, but I wonder how much they care. It seems blunt to assume that they are only in it for money, which I'm sure is not exactly the case, but in order to have reasonable service you must really speak with them, for lack of a better way to put it. I know when you are overworked the break you get for lunch is important to take care of yourself, but when the workers leave for an hour for lunch and just leave all the people there to wait for another hour -- without lunch -- I think it must be something that affects a person. <br />So please pray for all the people in Kenya who are sick with no one to take care of them, and also for the health care workers!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-74022579425076233222010-04-21T11:15:00.000-07:002010-04-21T11:35:10.857-07:00A Little Humor<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBY5MGEZxuHbszFsfHNZussYu8xQYoDrsLASNUZGHiPgEetivNvEq5KaZZMpcXsUonejHyCttYMdEd45AyMvnNjPmpsFeGYL4713ZrH_0Muyu6sl4AWeOzk3Qphz5U7moklCBpPcY91U/s1600/P1190178.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBY5MGEZxuHbszFsfHNZussYu8xQYoDrsLASNUZGHiPgEetivNvEq5KaZZMpcXsUonejHyCttYMdEd45AyMvnNjPmpsFeGYL4713ZrH_0Muyu6sl4AWeOzk3Qphz5U7moklCBpPcY91U/s320/P1190178.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462660786268815570" /></a><br />I read a lot of compositions, and as English really is a second language in "the bush," the students make some mistakes that do make me smile. I thought I would share some in hopes of making you smile as well! (I am in no way attempting to make fun of my students, because I know I make equally ridiculous mistakes in Swahili!)Incidentally, I finally made my high school students laugh today by telling them my aspiration to be a matatu conductor (see section on transportation)... I figure I could set a good example by never cheating the people, and being on of the few women conductors, but apparantly it is one of the most stressful jobs in Kenya, but where else to you get to hang out the window of a vehicle driving past the "jam" on the "shoulder" (aka dirt siding, where in areas of construction they show a road sign of cars falling over the edge)???<br /><br />The people started drinking bear. <br /><br />[On using bhang(marijuana)and then being hired to work in someone's garden] If you could have come in front of me I could have even digged you.<br /><br />He went to his bedroom and opened his wadrope.<br /><br />...and took a blood curdling shower.<br /><br />I will be very gland if you understand me.<br /><br />When the boat overslide in the river, a big whale caught my leg.<br /><br />It was a remantic weeding ceremony.<br /><br />We cleaned the clothes and hugged them.<br /><br />A few minutes later the bride and the spinster arrived home from church. <br /><br />The preacher preached the Bible to the people, bride and even the spinster.<br /><br />[From an exam] Define fable: The toilet is clean<br /><br />[From an exam asking to fill in the blanks with the spelling rule 'i' before 'e'] I before pray except after God.<br /><br />For the Greeks were not insane when invented a dage that states: stength is unity.<br /><br />Eventually, let us pull our hands up together and say like Dr. Martin Luther King Juniour "we have a dream that one day Kiswahili will be a language in Kenyan cities, that in the streets of Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, where the young and the old, the Luo and Kikuyu will all humble ourselves and share our experiences -- using the Kiswahili language"Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-69463139194032181522010-04-18T04:48:00.000-07:002010-04-21T11:15:38.302-07:00Angeline Manthi<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbW7OHVIuT7qEJx41LscmGC4J_ZDDRNCsj-KQ00UgeL3zamBoHqMTgG_psW-RDIZOEq3IyvMIaeqlUU_omricecMj6bRxJrLialRYyYWBd1VqC8A3E43rZDBK0bhyphenhyphenxBmUDFybJgQdZ-I/s1600/P1190146.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbW7OHVIuT7qEJx41LscmGC4J_ZDDRNCsj-KQ00UgeL3zamBoHqMTgG_psW-RDIZOEq3IyvMIaeqlUU_omricecMj6bRxJrLialRYyYWBd1VqC8A3E43rZDBK0bhyphenhyphenxBmUDFybJgQdZ-I/s320/P1190146.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462655976933110002" /></a><br />I am just so amazed about one of my friends here, that I wanted to write about the amazing things she is doing! <br />I mentioned Angeline before as the young woman whose family sold all their cows in order to educate her. <br />She is about the same age as me, and trained as a dressmaker. Angeline works for the Sisters at Don Bosco Mission in the production area, and has recently opened her own shop. <br />Late last year, her family's home area was struck very hard by floods, so her parents had to leave their home and go to temporary housing for awhile. After their return, instead of just sending them money, Angeline taught her parents (subsistence farmers) how to sell their extra produce to earn some income. <br />In order to open "fashion store" as they are called here (provides tailoring, stitching, clothes, accessories and toiletries) she took out a large micro-loan of 80,000 shillings -- about $1,000 US, and has rented a store-front just off the main road passing Makuyu. She has hired her younger sister to run the store during the day while she is at work, and has really worked hard to have beautiful things. It has been great to notice the huge increase in the amount of customers in just the couple months she has had it open! <br />I am just amazed that at the same age as me she is already an entrepreneur who basically supports her entire family (she was also helping to pay school fees for her younger siblings) and has such a positive outlook on life and so much wisdom to know how to use money! Imagine being able to not just support your parents financially, but to teach them how to learn to support themselves! As the oldest in her family, she also is an inspiration to the younger siblings -- the sister who works in the shop now aspires to open her own shop someday and has started saving money to do so. <br />In addition to the hard work she does, Angeline has a wonderfully friendly and hospitable personality, and deeply rooted faith (she even attends morning Mass every day!). In my first weeks in Kenya she was kind enough to show me how to take the matatus (crazy method of public transportation) and around the Makuyu area. As they say here, she is my "very nice friend."Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-16433485384409416452010-04-18T04:45:00.000-07:002010-06-15T11:02:50.550-07:00Links to a few photosI haven't been able to put up a ton of pictures due to internet constraints, but in lieu of having them in my blog I have posted some on Facebook. The links are as follows (you shouldn't need an account to view them)<br />Enjoy!<br />Lauren<br /><br />http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2091499&id=32503907&l=594bf295af<br /><br />http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2089045&id=32503907&l=ff4cc63138<br /><br />http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2085714&id=32503907&l=07512bb1e2<br /><br />http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2081939&id=32503907&l=9d43ac21c7Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-65351934566805053782010-02-26T07:17:00.000-08:002010-02-26T07:46:31.958-08:00Birthdays!Birthdays here are not so widely celebrated as they are in the US. If someone asks you your age it is generally okay to ask them in return. There is definitely not the same obsession with looking young. In fact, because of the amount of sun and hard work people do, many of them look much older than their years -- especially young mothers and shoshos (grandmothers)and babus (grandfathers). Anyway, back to the topic at hand.<br />For children, it seems that they have their friends over for the day and the parents make a nice lunch. For adults, I think it is common that the person who's birthday it is brings a cake to work. Sadly, they don't eat frosting here. <br />My birthday was a few weeks ago (eek shows how behind I am on this blog) and it was very nice. In the morning, all the Sisters "greet you" and tell you they are praying for you. They have a special placemat they put out that says "happy birthday" and right away in the morning they sing. In the evening, they made for me my favorite dinner (thin pancakes with lentils), and did the aspirants and postulants did a cute skit about the day I was born "in the hospital of Mary." Then, they came in singing with a cake and candles even! They have so many birthday songs, and even the normal "Happy Birthday" is sung in so many languages, French, Kinyarwanden, Kiswahili etc. Then, the person whose birthday it is cuts the cake -- there is also a song for cutting the cake. It was so nice that they remembered and prepared for me so nicely. Definitely made it a special day.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-2649357974094547872010-02-25T21:15:00.000-08:002010-04-07T03:56:28.801-07:00Did Western Culture Ruin Africa?Now that is a big topic! But, it's been something on my mind since I first came. I somehow had a view of Sub-Saharan Africa as an ideal world, except for huge issues with poverty and exploitation. Yes, there are the enormous problems of poverty and exploitation, but that is not the only thing that harms the people. <br />Tribalism is a major issue. Certain groups marry the outcasts of others, others are in longstanding feuds -- simply because of the tribe. One example is the conflict with the Masaai and some of their neighbors. In Masaai culture, it is believed that cattle were created for them, and for them only. Therefore, if someone else has a cow, it rightfully belongs to the Masaai so it is "okay" for them to steal it back. This obviously causes problems for the original owners of the cattle who then go to steal the cows back etc. The post-election violence in 2007 was fueled especially by tribal groups who believed their leaders should be in power. Today, the government is mainly controlled by Kikuyus, the largest ethnic group. The country is divided into tribal areas, and the people find it very foreign that I don't have a tribe because the U.S. is so mixed. <br />Distribution of wealth is another major issue. While in general the majority of the wealth belongs to outsiders, the Kenyans who are very rich for the most part do not help the poor -- there are few in the middle class. The poor believe that the rich have taken what is rightfully theirs and the high school students jokingly aspire to be Robin Hood-like "international thieves."<br />Speaking of thieves, violent crime is prevalent. While this is most certainly fueled by need, more than one of my students have had a parent killed by robbers, or known someone who has been kidnapped for ransom etc. I used to be worried by the gruesome creative compositions they would write, but have come to learn some of them are their reality. If people catch a thief, the police come to save the thief from being burned alive, rather than just to arrest the person. I definitely don't want to make it sound like everywhere someone is trying to cheat you, but perhaps just to point out that everywhere in the world there are criminals. <br />So, my current conclusion is that colonialism did do harm to the social and economic systems in place in Kenya, and has also left a major British influence in the judicial and educational system. While some of this is good, for example equal education for boys and girls, the effects of the horrible murders against those who opposed colonization and other events that took place still linger. However, before Africa was "discovered" by the West, there were still problems. In literature courses you learn that people are the same everywhere and it is true --in both their assets and faults. Yet, the joy I see the people find in life is something I've found unique to Africa and am blessed to experience their happiness regardless of external circumstances.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-58742524093221292562010-02-20T10:05:00.000-08:002010-02-20T10:39:18.497-08:00Computing by CandlelightI think I've mentioned that the intersection between modern and the, well, not so modern. For example, it's not uncommon, even in Nairobi, to see someone in traditional dress talking on a fancy cell phone.<br /> During the rainy season it is really hard to predict when there the electricity will be turned off. Apparantly the substations aren't "waterproof" or something, so the power gets turned off, or something just goes wrong. Anyway, it's dark by around 7, so as I write this I have a candle lit to see but am using my laptop battery so that's how the computer is working. It just seems really funny to me to be using candlelight to type! <br /> Just a couple other things that struck me as an interesting mix of contemporary and conventional: in the airport bathrooms, three of the stalls are "normal" toilets, while the fourth is a "squat one." (It "flushes," but you don't sit on anything). Last time I was there, there was a line for the bathroom, but I was able to go right to the front because the tourists making up the line didn't want to use the "squatter." I figured I've been in Kenya long enough to be used to interesting bathrooms...<br /> In the staffroom at the school during lunch (so all the teachers were there, eating and doing normal teacher things, schools are somehow similar to the ones in the US), when a man walks in selling bedsheets! The other teachers did not seem phased by this at all, and some even examined the sheets. They thought it was funny I was so shocked by this. <br /> The mission compound has watchmen for safety, and a Sister told me the ones at night keep bows and arrows rather than guns. <br /> I'm sure there are so many other connections I'm missing, but hopefully this gives a bit of an idea of the mix of current and customary.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-10734393031726847782010-02-02T09:27:00.000-08:002010-02-02T09:56:57.649-08:00A Brief HolidaySince the children don't have school in December, after Christmas I was able to take a short holiday with my friend Serena who I met on the airplane coming here. We went up to Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha to be tourists. <br /> Serena is a "black American," a concept people here are fascinated with! Since everyone thinks she is Kenyan, however, this can definitely work to our advantage in terms of pricing! For example, we went to the market because I needed to get something for a host family I was staying with, so she pretended to be my "Kenyan friend" and give me advice as to what things should cost, but quietly because generally speaking if she talks it gives away the fact her knowledge of Swahili is limited! It was quite funny walking down the street and everyone coming up to me trying to sell things (one man said "Hello. My name is Mr. Cheap - o") and basically leaving her alone. When I would even just say "hapana" [no] the vendors would be so shocked. One even echoed it back to his friends, as in disbelief I had just said that. But, if I wouldn't buy something from them they would then make fun of the way I attempted to speak Kiswahili, as if that would make me then buy their product!<br /> We went to Lake Nakuru National Park for a morning to look for animals. Our driver-guide spotted a leopard, which is funny because I thought they came that way! Seriously though, there are thousands of flamingoes in the lake which was neat to see. We also saw rhinos, giraffes, zebras etc. It was definitely cool! Fun fact: Baby zebras have brown stripes. They are not to be mistaken for "mzungu zebras" which stay brown. <br /> We also visited Hyrax Hill, a prehistoric site initially developed by Richard and Mary Leakey, and the Menengai crater. Both very beautiful! I have put some photos on facebook if you would like to see them. <br /> The next night was New Years Eve, and Serena and I decided to stay in an actual hotel. We were so excited to have toilet seats and mosquito nets without giant holes! The hotel had a nice celebration with live music. At midnight, the tradition is to burst balloons and cut a cake. It was fun to experience that and also be completely amazed at how well the people here dance. They were trying to teach us, but...<br /> We then headed to Lake Naivasha where all the flamingoes used to be, but due to water fluctuations the lake has either been too salty or alkaline for them. We went on a boat ride across the lake to a game sanctuary where you could walk around amidst the giraffes and zebra, and on the way back we stopped to see the hippos in the water. There were also people poaching fish. They were standing in the water (brave!) I think each holding a part of a large net. The legal fisherman use boats, so that is how the guide knew the difference. <br /> In the evening we had a bottle that needed opening, and no bottle opener. Previously Serena was very creative and somehow used to windowsill to open them. With only wooden windows this time, I ventured out to the nearest campfire I could see to ask the people there. I was taught how to use a car door to open the bottle. They were very friendly and I chatted with themfor quite some time -- people from Nairobi who come out to get away from the city for a bit. For some it was their first time camping. <br /> The next day, Saturday, Serena and I took the matatu (mini bus) back to Nairobi. We were coming a day earlier than initially planned, but this was quite fortunate as we discovered upon return that the matatus were going on strike Monday. Sunday the prices were ridiculously high as many people were travelling back for work and school. I was lucky enough to get a ride with one of the sisters back to Makuyu. She pointed out to me that lining the roads were people who just looked like anybody out, but were really the drivers and conductors of the matatus looking for anyone who would be trying to pick up passengers. In the newspaper that week there was an article abotu how hearses were serving as public transportation, but you had to pay double to sit where the coffins usually go! There was also a picture of a burned matatu that was trying to run during the strike, and some drivers/conductors posing as passengers boarded and beat up the other passengers and then burned the vehicle. Eek!<br /> On a lighter note, it was wonderful to have some "time away" to rest a bit and see new things. I'm so lucky I met Serena on the plane coming! We both had a nice time using our new "alien cards" for discounted rates and exploring Kenya for a couple days.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-68258120144816600662010-01-08T21:52:00.000-08:002010-01-08T22:13:13.802-08:00EntitlementWhat do people deserve? Not so much what are the basic needs (physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual), but what do you DESERVE? One of the things that has taken me the most adjusting is getting used to how people ask, and a sense of entitlement they seem to have. <br />Please and thank you are not words frequently used in most people's vocabularies, partly I believe because in Kiswahili and the tribal languages here "please" is used only in the most formal situations. <br />Still, it is really off-putting when the school children (or the sho-shos [grandmothers] come up to you and say "give me sweet." When you say "no" they question "why." These statements are not phrased as questions, but as demands. I have even had children literally tell me to give them the clothes I am wearing! White people are associated with pockets full of money, and I think they are used to the ones they see handing out candy etc. I purposely do not carry things like that with me for the sole purpose of trying to break that association. <br />Appreciation is something usually only shown in business deals (if you buy from someone they will say "thank you thank you thank you about a million times), and a lot of times it feels that when you do something nice for someone they "expect" it. <br />I taught an English lesson to the aspirants and postulants on manners, and came at it from the angle of "English is a different language than the others here, in English it sounds really harsh if you don't use please/pleasant tone of voice/etc. During class the students looked bored, but afterward I was surprised how many came and said it was a beautiful lesson -- they must also notice! <br />I know I cannot force people to be appreciative of others, but the primary school children are catching on to saying "thank you" when they are served in the lunch line. Mostly this is just an observation I have made that is one of the main places my culture clashes with the one here.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-71968836210912549552009-12-20T09:30:00.000-08:002009-12-20T10:28:22.380-08:00DagorettiThis past week I stayed in the community of Dagoretti. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go, as I was feeling as if I had many things to do at home, but once again by the end I did not want to leave! Dago is a slum area of Nairobi -- it is the setting for 'The Constant Gardener'. The trains only come on the weekends, so mostly the track is used for walking. I often wonder where all the people are walking to! We arrived towards evening, and driving through the market place felt so "African." People walking home from work, dogs running around, vendors selling charcoal, glowing of bare bulbs in the shops that were still open...<br />Sister Eleanor (aka the awesome Scottish Sister) is the Superior there, and also runs the VIDES Kenya (I'm in VIDES US) program. There was a catechism camp this week with VIDES Kenya volunteers and also one VIDES UK member who had come for weddings. <br />In the morning the children had catechism classes, so the VIDES UK member, Darrin, and I were able to go to the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) Forum at Bosco Boystown (nearby community of Salesian Fathers). I had actuallywanted to go to it, but by the time I realized it was too late to sign up, so I was really lucky that Sr. Eleanor was the organizer! The SYM was very well planned, and tons of fun. It is for secondary students and some college students, so I could really participate in and get something from the sessions. There was tons of energy and singing (my new favorite: Glory Train) and since the participants are leaders in their parishes everyone really joined in fully. It's so wonderful when you don't have to push for participation. The theme was "Be a hero, shine" so there was a lot about discovering your inner hero (one presenter played the Enrique Iglesias song...hmmm). I think it has renewed the Spirit in the young people to bring back to their youth groups, and also the spirit of giving rather than receiving. <br />The catechism camp was also very fun! This was more for the younger children (ages 4 - 14, mostly around 10 years I would say). In the afternoon they had games and activities. I taught them the Bugaloo (anyone who has been to Girl Scout Camp likely knows that one). On the last afternoon they had something a bit like a carnival, and the games were fun and the children who won games got a ticket to receive a prize (some got a pencil, others toy cars, some clothing; they were all donated prizes -- although someone had given a toothbrush that you get on the airplane, and it wasn't in it's original packaging...) The next morning many were looking smart in the shirts they had won!<br />The children in Dagoretti are very friendly and loving. I had such a wonderful moment with one 10 year old, John, who is "not quite normal." We went to the church basketball courtish thing while they prepared the games for the carnival, and John was throwing rocks at the other children and at the kennel of what sounded like a very large dog (it kept jumping at the roof which did not look nailed on so tightly!). I was with a lot of small children, and keeping them all occupied was definitely a test of my skills (I was running out of songs to sing) so I did not have a lot of time for discipline. Warnings didn't help, so I made John my "friend" and had him come stand next to me etc. The next morning, when he walked into camp he came straight over and sat by me (I wasn't even sitting with his group) and the whole time he kept looking at me and smiling this beautiful smile and holding my hand. I could not believe the change from the day before. <br />The closing Mass was also a neat experience -- there were baptisms and first communions. The best part was after each baptism the clapping and cheering and ululating! People are so involved in Mass here -- when they sing they are really singing. The whole church seems to sway with the beat. <br />It was also really nice to meet other volunteers! Darrin was great to work with, and really knew how to work with the children. I got many ideas from him. The Kenyan volunteers are mostly university students, and they come back year after year mostly to do the big camp in August, but some were helping out now this year. It was fun to live with them and in general talk to them -- and of course to make new friends!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-83106949666424982062009-12-20T09:11:00.000-08:002009-12-20T09:37:20.167-08:00EmbuI have been able to visit a couple nearby communities in the last few weeks. Even though they are both less than two hours from here (in opposite directions, however) they are quite different than Makuyu.<br />In Embu, the Sisters run a girl's boarding secondary school and a boarding technical (dressmaking and hair) school. The students come from various parts of Kenya, and even a couple from Tanzania. I went to help with the closing of the school. Since the students stay there, it gives it a different atmosphere than the high schools I'm used to. Closing time is fun, because while the teachers are given time to correct exams, the students get to do fun things. We played games, watched movies, had competitions, sang Christmas carols (I taught them "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas") and since there is a keyboard there I was able to play along to many of them. I am learning "Silent Night" in Kiswahili! They also have many Christmas songs in their mothertongues and Kiswahili. Each evening there was a program where the girls could perform. One night was "gospel" and the last night Christmas themed (including dramas which included a dancing pregnant Mary!) The Sisters prepared a surprise for them, and dressed up as the three kings and led them around eventually to the dining hall where they had little cakes and hot chocolate. <br />The dorms the students stay in are divided into "cubes" of 12 beds, there are pit latrines for bathrooms and each week the students get 1 egg and one meal there is meat. Otherwise, they have porridge for breakfast every day, and alternate ugali, githere and sometimes rice for the other meals. Definitely not luxurious!<br />The mission is on the outskirts of town, so there is a beautiful field, and even cows! 2 evenings in a row there were rainbows in the sky. I had a lot of fun being there -- the Mother Superior is a delightful woman who is very welcoming! I even got to bake a cake for my departure :) <br /> I helped with various projects there, and of course assisting in the activities for the students. I really enjoyed talking with the girls who were very curious about how we dance and sing (they find it strange Americans don't have many song and dance numbers), and American culture in general. They are wonderful dancers! In the evenings it was so fun because they would turn on music while waiting for the program and just dance outside! <br />It was really interesting to see how different the school was from ours, however. Very structured timetable (they get up before 6 am to have study time! Required Mass isn't even until 6:30) and regulations, but it does not feel stifled. There is a great sense of community and comraderie. For example, when they performed at the programs, they would cheer loudly for EVERYONE, not just the popular students, and even the mediocre acts were rewarded with clapping just for getting up there. It was interestin however, that right at the end of the song or dance or skit they would run off "stage" (they have stairs outside they sit on and an open space at the bottom where performers stand) practically while still finishing their number. <br />Overall, I definitely had fun, and the 5 days went by so quickly!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-32220071561960663592009-12-11T22:31:00.000-08:002009-12-11T22:33:28.029-08:00A couple things...First, if you should be so inclined to write me a letter, my address is Lauren Dwyer<br />C.O. Salesian Sisters, Don Bosco Catholic Mission<br />P.O. Box 231 -- 01020<br />Kenol, Makuyu, Kenya<br /><br />I love to get mail -- it takes about 20 days to get to me. <br /><br />Second, my family is coming at the end of March to visit!!! If anyone is interested in also coming, let me know!!!!<br /><br />Third, if you have any topics or anything you want me to write about -- just post a comment and I will definitely answer. <br /><br />Thanks for your interest!<br />--LaurenLaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-33856563759920297882009-12-04T03:36:00.000-08:002009-12-11T22:30:46.981-08:00ReligionPerhaps a better title for this would be faith. The people of Kenya have such a great faith! When the future is tentative, everybody says "We'll do this, God willing." If bad things happen to a family, they don't seem to question, but again consider it "God's will." <br />A large part of the population is Christian, and another large part Muslim. The two do not seem to get along with each other. I get really frustrated when I hear people say "those Muslims" because they think that every one of them is radical. However, the radical Muslims preach openly against Christianity in an attempt to spread hatred towards them. Really it goes both ways. Before I left I met with a Sister, Sr. Toni Rausch who lived in Tanzania for many years and she gave me a brochure on Christian/Muslim relations. As you may know, I am "pro-love-and-acceptance" and don't understand all the animosity as they are worshiping the same God. <br />Catholicism is the most prominent Christian Religions, but I am still surprised at the number of Kingdom Hall's of Jehovah's Witnesses. In the north, there was one non-denominational church that was gaining followers by promising camels if you became baptized. In the Catholic church, at least, there is a lack of priests. The parish here has 16 "outstations" where the priests rotate between. The outstations have Mass 2x per month and otherwise have a prayer service. Each one has a trained Catechist who leads this. There is one Mwalimu (teacher) in the primary school here who walks 45 to Mass each day (and when there is no school 45 minutes back as well). Sisters and Fathers are generally well respected. <br />It is interesting the combination of traditional African customs and traditional Christianity. For example, at the moment there are about 40 boys young teenage secluded in the school who have just been circumcised and are basically having their initiation time. (They knew what they were coming for, but they didn't know when the actual circumcision would happen -- how weird is it to know when someone will be circumcised before they do! ) <br />Some of the elderly still follow traditional Kenyan religion -- mostly believing that God lives on Mount Kenya. I think I mentioned that in the desert we encountered people who believe the devil lives inside of them, which keeps them from going to Christian church. In the day time the Fathers go and visit them and take tea in their houses (they are not bad people) but at night when they drum is when the ceremonies happen and people will even swallow hot coals. Really interesting.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-3389770935466664332009-11-29T10:55:00.000-08:002009-11-29T11:38:13.088-08:00Is Ignorance Bliss?My answer? Maybe, but it's not a bliss I want. I was very surprised one day when I was about the difficulty of a visit I just made to a very poor family to hear the superior of the community say "Sometimes it's better not to see." She's from Colombia and has been a missionary for many years, and if you don't want to be with the needy why become a Sister? Anyway, that's not the point of this. I wonder what it would be like to live in a bubble and have no idea the world has problems. I feel like a sense of something bigger would still be there. Plus, regardless of social status everyone experiences difficulties, so there is no such thing as a perfect bubble world. Much better to live in the real world and worry about things that matter more than whether a pair of shoes matches a handbag.<br />I often hear about people who "left their heart in Africa." I don't think I'll know where mine is staying until I leave, but it has been broken into a million pieces so many times that I can't imagine some little piece hasn't fallen out. Just the other day a woman came to the mission carrying a beautiful 4 month old baby. However, the child was born without arms or legs. The woman had come from a decent distance because she was told one of the Fathers could help her. Her husband refused to accept the child, and since she would not abandon her baby he and his family kicked her out. This woman had so much love for her little girl, it was beautiful and heart wrenching at the same time. <br />I get bits and pieces of the story of the student I work with from the orphanage, Millicent. She is 20 years old, but a freshman in high school. She came to the Sisters when she was in class 6. Before, she was basically like a Cinderella in her brother-in-law's home. Even for holidays she stays with a host family or the Sisters because she has no relatives that can provide a safe situation for her. It is likely she was abused in the past. Despite this, she has a wonderful spirit, an it honestly is the highlight of my day spending time with her. She is trying hard in school, but was so sad after she got her exam grades from this term and had failed most of the subjects. It is not that she is unintelligent, it is because she does not have the proper knowledge base. To me she is like a toolbox that is ready to be filled, but so far is missing most of the tools. Millicent is worried that her sponsors will no longer pay for her to go to school, and even seems to be losing hope. <br />The little girls in the childrens home mostly have situations that are somehow similar. Yet they show so much love. When I greet them I always give them hugs and kisses. At first they were a bit hesitant, but now they have started giving me kisses when I am holding their hand or they are sitting on my lap. <br />One of the students in the techincal school was hit by a bicycle, and after being inintensive care for many days he passed away. The hospital would not release the body until the bill of 300,000 shillings was paid. The mother is aging and on her own with no way of getting that amount of money. A "harambee" was held, and the members of the community all came together to raise enough funds. <br />So, yes, these situations are hard to see, and they don't happen just in Africa. But, in each one there is something incredible also, a sense of tenacity, or love, or support. Despite the hardship of these, and even the hardship of observing them and feeling so powerless to remedy the situations (a lot of times what I can do seems like putting a band-aid on broken arm -- although it really is true that every drop creates a ripple), you can see so much good in the people who are enduring bad things, and it is beautiful and heart-breaking at the same time. Would I rather be ignorant and not know that these things happen? No! I want to be here and share my blessings and in turn learn so much about the big world which may be small after all.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-82431947793021914962009-11-15T21:42:00.000-08:002009-11-15T22:01:48.391-08:00My name is not "Mzungu""Mzungu" is the East African equivalent of "Gringo." Depending on the context, it can be either neutral or negative. Regardless, I don't like to be called "mzungu." When the children in the school address me as such, I either ignore them, or ask them "What is my name?" They are starting to learn that, especially when they are angry, pleading with "mzungu" will get them absolutely nothing. <br />While the word is not always meant to be used in a derogatory manner, I feel it takes away my individuality. I am not all white people -- nor are all white people the same. This seems to be something that happens everywhere: people who come from a different culture are thought to be just like everybody else from their home. <br />Also, if you are white, many things are assumed about you. Mainly that you have money flowing out of your pockets. Anyone who has been a volunteer certainly understands that this is not the case!<br />Basically, the point is that my name is Lauren, and I preferred to be called by my name, and not anything else --- I think most people would agree with me.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-50725893842217397452009-11-12T03:02:00.000-08:002009-11-12T03:30:34.335-08:00What do I do?I realized I haven't really given a description of what I do here!<br /><br />On weekdays, in the morning, I teach an English class to the Aspirants and Postulants (Sisters-in-Training). I then go to the Primary school and help the teachers mark English compositions, or make teaching aids. I come back to the "Mother house" and teach a piano lesson. We eat an early lunch, and then I go to assistance at either the technical, secondary or primary school -- I have a rotation set up. Basically we talk to the students while they eat, and in the primary then we go to play. In the afternoon, I go back to the school to help out. I teach another piano lesson, and by that time the day is ending. At night, I go to the orphanage to tutor. This is my favorite part of the day! I love the student I work with most, Millicent, and all the little girls also. They run up to me and I give them hugs and kisses -- something they don't get enough of!<br />On Sunday, I go to "Oratory" with the Postulants and Aspirants. They are assigned to three different places, so rotate among the three. This is sort of like Sunday school -- we arrive and attend Mass, have organized games, then the children have a lesson, they eat porridge, and then have time to play.<br />I of course help to do dishes and other general things. I type documents on the computer, help the Sisters with e-mail, and search for information. I occasionally will cook (see the section on Banana cake). I also sometimes "guest teach" primary school classes, and am hoping next term to have a class of my own there.<br />The days go by very quickly running back and forth between the school and the house!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-70065705622887582212009-11-03T07:35:00.000-08:002009-11-03T07:45:22.182-08:00A Trip to the DispensaryI will never again complain about waiting at the doctor's office!<br />My stomach had been bothering me for a few days, so I decided it would be best to go to the dispensary (clinic) to make sure I didn't have amoeba or something of that nature. It was quite a different experience from going in the U.S.<br /> When you first arrive, you wait in line to see the doctor/nurse. Because I live with the Sisters I did not have to wait in this line. I felt bad going ahead of people, but the workers were the ones who brought me to the front. It is "first come first served." When the person in front of you comes out of the office, you go in. The doctor/nurse asks you about your problem, and writes this in a notepad that you bring containing your medical records, basically (for me they used a piece of paper). There is no form about history or anything like that. The doctor/nurse then gives you your notebook to take to the lab. You wait until the lab techs are handing out testing equipment. For sample that are "self-collected" you take the container, and then bring it back. Then you wait for the test to be finished. The lab techs write the result in your notebook, and then you wait in line again to see the doctor/nurse. When you see the doctor/nurse, they write in your notepad the medicine you are to get. You then pay and wait in line at the pharmacy window. As you can tell, it takes a long time to go through this entire process, and when most people go to the doctor here they are quite sick. Also, the total cost of my visit, including the lab test, was about $3. Cheap by U.S. standards, but quite difficult for many of the people here. You do not pay to see the doctor, just for tests or medicines. Some families who cannot afford medicine come to the Sisters for assistance, but the medical care you receive, especially in Nairobi, really depends on how much you can pay.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507865325677628053.post-19322988424430701442009-11-01T09:13:00.000-08:002009-11-01T09:43:03.795-08:00UpdateI know it's been a long time since I last wrote -- but I've had a busy couple weeks. Last Saturday I went on a field trip with the 8th graders to Nairobi (the class's first field trip ever). We went to the of the Kenyatta International Conference Center, a circular building with an open top. The strangest thing happened; there was another school group there, and one of the students asked if he could take a picture with me. Of course I said yes, and so they took a picture of me shaking his hand. Immediately after all the other students also wanted a picture with me. I had to take on many poses, and now somewhere in rural Kenya there are about fifty pictures of me with students! My sister says this will look good if I ever run for president. We also went to the "SafariWalk" (a bit like a zoo but you get closer to the animals). For the life of me I could not see the leopard, no matter how much people pointed. I did see a "muzungu" zebra -- one that is tan and white instead of black and white. We had lunch of a mini loaf of plain bread each, which wasactually quite good (sandwiches are not really made). We also visited a public park where the children could watch small airplanes land and take off. Finally, we went to Bomas Kenya, where traditional dances are performed. It was neat to see, even if it is a bit touristy. I am excited that soon I will have my residency card so I will be able to go places without paying a fortune (the tourist price can be 16X as expensive as the locals!) On the bus ride home I had an intense discussion with one of the teachers about the capabilities of women in science, and this also turned into talking about the roles of men and women in society. He was telling me that culturally there are jobs for men, and jobs for women, and that if the sink is leaking some women will wait two weeks for the husband to come home instead of fixing it themselves, because that is a job "for a man." Very interesting. When I was mentioning some of the things I had heard about how Kenyan men often times poorly treat their wives, the female teachers were non-verbally encouraging me -- it was almost as if this is something people know, but are not allowed to say. Of course the teachers in the school are very good people who believe moreso in equality, but just watching the reactions of the female teachers versus the male teacher was fascinating. <br />The next day I had to come back to Nairobi in order to renew my visa on Monday. I was able to meet up with a volunteer, Serena, who I met on the airplane coming here. She lives in Nairobi and is pretty much on her own, so it is nice for both of us to have company. Her office happens to be in the area where the sisters' house is, so she showed my around. Monday morning I renewed my visa without any problems (I was very blessed that the sister who is a secretary came with me since she knows all about these things). They took all 10 of my fingerprints, some twice! After, I took a bus and matatu home all by myself. I was very proud. As you wait for the matatu to fill up, people walk by the windows trying to sell you things. The first time I waited, I ended up buying a really cool tool set (if you are wondering why, so am I)(in my defense the things are quite cheap) and this time I "ended up" with a calculator. The students don't have them, and the one I use in the school is breaking, so it is something useful. I am just worried what I may come home with next time! A side note, I am comfortable calling Makuyu my home now. <br />Thursday I went to the town of Isiolo, towards the north of Kenya. Sister Pat had to go to help another Sister with a grant proposal, and since it's about a four hour drive it is better to have company. Also, I have some experience in writing projects, so I was able to offer assistance. The day before, the people had burned the marketplace in Isiolo (we confirmed it was safe before going, of course). It appears to be tribal conflict from the outside, but in reality I've been told that it's being spurred by the government wanting certain pieces of land to make Isiolo into a resort town. While we were meeting with the Sister, the nurse came in to tell her that one of the students was quite sick and needed to go to the hospital. The hospital in Isiolo has no ultrasound machine so she could not go there. The nearest town, Meru, is about an hour away. The girl ended up having to take a matatu to the hospital because the school has no vehicles.<br />So that's a little bit of the extra things I've been up to latey. More to come soon!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248003429977857187noreply@blogger.com0