Kitale, Kenya

jet plane, anyone?

2011-01-11T15:44:00.000-08:00

Ever have that feeling inside that you just cant talk about something or your gut will explode with grief? So you push it away and think of things that you can manage...

That's me and how I feel about my relationships in Kenya. For almost two years now I've been in Nth America and I've missed my friends and the challenge farm. I've also missed the simplicity of life. To shower or to not? Sadly, for those of you who know me- that was never much of a choice. Not that living in Africa is without challenges; in fact, much of what you "plan" doesn't actually happen. TIA, kids. But isn't that the gift of trusting Christ to come through and "edit" our plans to implement His own? Remembering daily not to lean on my own plans? God's lesson is in the living.

Leaving Kenya did not happen without sadness; However, ironically it would bring much joy. Not long after my return home I married my best friend, whom I met in Kenya years ago. Gods plan is remarkable and timely.

So, sadness is pushed out by the hope and joy of a reunion with those whom I love. Marking my calendar for the 10th of March and starting the packing process early!

Oh, but there's more...remember Rhonda? Whom the street hawkers called Rhoda? (we named our farm calf Rhoda- see older posts if bored); the young lady who was harassed by the pseudo-insane string man?; The girl with whom I trained for the half marathon through the dirt streets of Kitale when I was blindly attacked by the flip flop lady? Well, she'll be picking me up from the airstrip in Kitale as she'll have just arrived a few days before. I'm sure she'll be waiting with a row of kids, and some home-made brownies- much like those that i purchased with the chicken i was given days before I left.

I cant wait to hear my favorite phrase, "Karibu, mzungu!"

wow- its been a while

2010-06-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

So, here is a video I created for an assignment for the Global Mental Health and Trauma Recovery program I was in this past year.

It's a video that is to show "healing spaces" or environments.

I made it myself, so its not professional...but I still love it!

So...What's New in Kitale...

2008-11-15T23:09:00.000-08:00

I'll try and catch up my three fans (i applaud you for your faithfulness) on the happenings of Kitale. However, I fear that one of you actually lives here in Kitale- and blogs daily- so, I might do better to simply put the link to your page as my post!
Regardless, hello- and let me tell you some brief things about the past few weeks.

In October (in honor of Halloween for those in America) I went over to visit my friends Kim and Bud Huffman (check out their blog- on the link to the Left) as they had all of their kids over for a party! So fun. All the kids dressed up and wore costumes that came on the Huffman's container for their new home called Mattaw Children's Village. I love their project and their vision. I think they are an example to others in caring for the orphans and "left behinds" of Kenya. In fact, Kim, a mother of an almost one year old, has so much energy to do all she does! She not only helps manage a brand new children's home (getting it off the ground and running!) but she is a mom, and a hostess! I've never had so many fun nights as i do when i am at their house. They are fantastic friends!

So, the party...for the kids- it had nothing to do with Halloween as they don't know what that is...for them, it was just a party! a time to dress up, play, and do something different!
The kids dressed up in costumes and we played games, jumped on the huge trampoline, sang songs, told stories, and ate amazing popcorn balls and candy. The funniest time was when Kim left to pick up one of her kids- and I was left in charge of the "three legged race" and "freeze tag." You can just imagine how that went.

My great friend Kim. That's her sweet baby's head in the picture.

Ha ha. This picture cracks me up! At the dress up party- we had a bride. She ran around most of the day with the veil on backwards!

Mattaw Children's Village Children playing dress up!

Today (November 15th) we met at their house for a bible study breakfast and then reunited later for a fun day of the slip and slide! lots of dish soap, water, and a plastic tarp = sore muscles, grass burns, and headaches from the somersault that didn't go so well.

Slip and slide!

Oh, also- this is what I've come home to a couple of days.
Beautiful huh? This is in my front yard. 5:00PM has become my favorite time of day. I usually sit on the veranda with my chi and just sit and watch the mountains in the distance "change shape" as the clouds move above them. I love where I live!

Needless to say- Africa is wonderful. I've got amazing friends, a great job, and people around me who keep me "real." Its not without its struggles, if one is honest. But, the love of the people, children, work, and culture far outweigh the challenges. This has been the best year of my life.

So, what are my plans? as much as I'd love to stay forever, I come home in December. BUT I plan to continue making trips to Kitale to be a part of the Network that has just taken off! the Trans-nzoia Children's Service Network.
A group of children's homes got together several months ago and decided to be a support for one another through education, sharing of resources, and supporting one another in a common work in helping the children in the Kitale and surrounding areas. Its amazing what Networking can do!
and get this!...In December- Challenge Farm has two professional counselors coming to do a FREE training on trauma and behavior problems, and how to help children. This is exciting and something we have been waiting for for several months. All homes and children's organizations are invited to send their social workers and care givers in the spirit of networking and sharing of resources! Now tell me that's not just simply amazing!

So- that's all for now. Oh wait! i almost forgot! I have another race i am training for- although this one is nothing to brag about. Its only a 5 miler in Texas at White Rock in December. I am a part of a relay team called "Wazungu Wazungu" (this is what white people are called in Kenya- all but one of the runners have lived in Africa so we felt it fitting). The tricky part will be actually running and not sleeping under a bush somewhere - as i get home just two days before the race. Now, no worries. i wont be running into the naked lady while training. I am more worried of the "sword man," "pant-less man," and "bag man" that we often see around town.

Sometimes we just have to laugh.

From North Carolina to Kenya- and Back Again....But Not Without Some of My Luggage!

2008-10-18T23:53:00.000-07:00

Last friday a group of 13 men and women arrived to Kitale from North Carolina! They were tired and sleepy when they arrived- but full of excitement about their week with our children! I can't blame them as our kids are fantastic! Early (let me repeat, EARLY...as this group was not only jet lagged, but an early rising, talkative bunch) the next morning when we drove to the center to meet the kids- the team was so excited and anticipated meeting the staff and kids in which they had been praying! Little did they know, the kids had been waiting for days for their arrival, and up particularly early on this day to greet them like old friends who had been gone for a while...even though most of them had never met.

It was amazing watching our kids be showered with gifts (needs and wants alike). It is a special thing (I guess much like a parent watching their child on Christmas) to watch a child receive and play with a yo-yo for the first time, put on a new funky colored bandanna, and rock out a pair of sunglasses; but it was even more touching to see them in a new pair of tennis shoes to cover their bare feet, which are surprisingly good at soccer.

Our week was packed full of events and things to do! But one of my favorite days was last Tuesday. The team held an "outreach" for the street kids and street mothers in Kitale. It was such a fun day as kids and mothers living in the slums came off the street to have a day of rest. They were given showers, clean clothes, food, and time to just relax, play, and be kids. Many friends were reunited and you could hear the laughter all around! Believe me, I know, as I was in a Network meeting! (another blog on a different day!) However...right before the meeting I picked up this little tiny girl who had been toddling around after me...then I smelled it. Yep. Urine soaking into my clothing. It's like she picked me. Saved it all just for me.

So here came this team- bringing gifts of toys, shoes, candy, love, and friendship.
Gifts are a funny thing, and this team has taught me something invaluable that I didn't realize I "needed" to know. I guess I had my own ideas of 'receiving' that I held subconsciously. I think the only way to put it is- maybe I have look at gifts as having strings attached-without realizing it. Hmmm, let me try to explain... When someone gives me a gift- I guess I have felt that it needs to be "paid" back. That I need to give in return. They showered me with gifts- knowing that I had little to give back. At first i started to feel overwhelmed thinking "there's just no way to pay this back to them!" But then it hit me...They are not giving to receive, but to give. Just to give. Like the little toddler and her urine.

Some people may "give" with strings attached, but the true meaning of a gift is a selfless act, done out of love, without expecting anything in return. This team knows that none of these children can "pay them back," or give them anything in return. But still they gave. Just in hopes that the kids would be thankful, pleased, and feel loved... not to mention the joy of watching the kids excited and happy faces! They know full well that love doesn't stop the giving no matter the price.
Reminds me of the greatest gift of Jesus.

Okay, stuff is good! Lets admit that we like to get stuff! Nothing wrong with that! I loved getting juicy fruit gum, candy corn, perfumed shampoo, and reeces peanut butter cups...i also LOVED receiving those amazing, cinnamon covered pop-tarts! But, the most special gift this team gave to the children, staff, and to me, was the gift of their time and friendship. Sometimes we take our visitors for granted. As they enter our lives- we forget that they have left theirs behind- and for whatever reason- they are coming to our "home" to give of themselves, sacrifice, and love on those who need it most.

Let me just first say, what an amazing group! I miss those southern accents already! Who knew NC would talk all southern? They took me in as if I had known them for my whole life. Now, believe me, that is friendship! And a gift that I freely, and happily accept. But....I am really, really happy about the left over candy corn too.

The Team at dinner.

After a few hours in town, we took these bikes home!

Outreach day... This young girl is playing with two of our Challenge Farm girls.

Outreach day. One of our older boys playing "net ball" (basketball) with a young street boy.

Young street mothers enjoying the day at the farm.

2008-09-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

This is Anastacia. She wouldnt talk to me for about 7 months.

We are slowly getting to know each other...

Now look at us... two beautiful dresses and just nowhere to go! I think i'm being made fun of here...whatever, rufflels are in. Well, in Africa anything and everything is in.

Arn't we lovely?

A Fantastic Week!

2008-09-13T00:33:00.000-07:00

So, i recognize that i don't blog all the time, but the thing is...in my defense...things move so sloooow around here. However, i'll begin to fill you in now b/c some wonderful things are happening!

After a nice holiday in Tanzania, I returned to Challenge Farm...and was really glad. I loved my holiday, and needed it, but i hate missing out on what goes on around here- the details of the kids lives. Sarah has more teeth, cries less (she's 7), and is finally learning English! Abraham is more likely to want to be around me (i.e., anyone) even if he doesn't say anything...(acts uninterested), and Wilson hasn't gone on any hunger strikes for not getting his way!
The newest boys were circumcised a few weeks ago and are on the mend.

Now, let me first say this is a huge deal for this culture. Not only is it done for medical reasons; but- Its a time where "boys become men" ...where they show their strength and courage by not wincing in pain or crying. Yikes. While Court (my sister) and i were headed to Nakuru one very early morning, we were met with a large group of men and young boys waving palm leaves and singing/chanting. At first, i have to admit, i was afraid as i thought it was a "road block" like those that frequently occurred after the post election violence; I mean, what are you supposed to think when a crowd of people in the road come at traffic waving leaves around- but an old man (Mzee) sitting next to us explained that it was a "celebration" in honor of the month for young men to be circumcised. Now, I don't know what you think... but my western roots make me want to question why we just don't say "oh, super sorry" as opposed to "congratulations." But, I learn something new every day. And i respect it.

Kitale is such a great town, with a ton of children's homes. When i first arrived i thought there were too many, but then i realized, we have too many kids without homes, and my perspective was without education. Remember that Kitale has the largest number of street kids in all of Kenya.
Anyway, something fantastic happened this week! REALLY FANTASTIC! A few of us have had a desire to form a network to pull children homes together for ongoing education, sharing resources, and teaching/supporting one another. My particular vision is to see the social workers and the caregivers come together for the same; This may not seem like such a big deal, but for years these homes have existed without a network between them....each simply does his own work without much connection to the other home.
So, a meeting was hosted at Challenge Farm on Wednesday to see what the social workers and a few other guests from the community thought about this vision. After a couple hours of meeting and discussing, the representatives from the various homes decided to come together and unite in a forum! The meeting took a turn! They not only wanted to unite the social workers and caregivers, but they wanted to unite the children homes in a forum to do more! This is so amazing! Now the homes in Kitale can begin to network in a common cause and assist one another in God's work! This is an answer to prayer for many of the missionaries in Kitale, and also for the those hard working men and women of Kenya who staff the homes!

Now the best part for me??? Challenge Farm is hosting a social work trainer in December from America (who I met about a year ago in Texas at one of his trainings), who will train various staff on the topic of Reactive Attachment Disorder. In the spirit of networking and sharing resources- a representative from each children's home in Kitale will be invited to attend free of charge! The invitation will be shared in the next forum meeting! Now how freakin' amazing is that?!

So, as you can see- it's been a very productive week and such a blessing to be able to witness it happen!

Sara with new teeth!

Ruth, Wilson, Joseph, and me.

Emma, our fantastic Social Worker!

Me and a baboon. Lake Nakuru Game Park. This is the "Baboon lookout point."

Our new calf, Rhodas...named after Rhonda and what the street hawkers call her.

Baptism

2008-08-08T07:56:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago Cheri (Founding Director of CF), talked to some of our kids about their decision to become Christ followers, and the meaning of baptism. Those who felt they were ready to symbolize their faith were extremely excited about this event.

We (staff and kids) left the farm for a short walk down to the stream (nothing "short" about the walk, I might add...). There the kids who have been waiting for this moment (some for a long time), one by one, were baptized and were prayed over.

It was a wonderful day to see some of these kids become so excited about their walk with Christ- and this to them, was setting an example of the change they feel they need to make in their lives.

Everyday, I fall more in love with these children. They are an amazing gift in my life.

Cheri praying with some of our children. This is Paul...he is one of the most changed children we have.

Another one of our children. The water was really shallow today, the kids had to sit down...

Lillian, a bit afraid, but beaming a smile afterwards.

"Pastor," (one of our older kids) as he is called- praying with one of those baptized.

Oh Such Talent!

2008-08-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

So, you can see why I laugh daily...

This is a video of some of our newest kids off the street. It was talent show day at Challenge Farm!

Lewa Half Marathon- JUNE 28th

2008-07-19T11:37:00.001-07:00

I bet you guys are all just dying to know about the run! well, first of all (lets all pat me on the back) I didn't not, i repeat, did NOT come in last! I came in around 489 or something out of 1,000 people...so, I'm not winnin' any prize money, medals, and I haven't been asked to join the Olympic team, but, I'll take mediocre any day, thank you very much!

So, I'll give the highlights, but if you're dying for detail...visit Rhonda's blog for the full story.
Her link is under my friends in Africa blogs.

This race was HARD! In fact, my legs are cramping up just thinking about it! It was hot, dry, sandy, and hilly- quite a difficult terrain. In fact, these conditions make this Lewa race one of the top 10 hardest races in the world. However, i can't complain cause i got to see elephants and have the most beautiful view of Mt. Kenya. I didn't see any lions, rhinos, or leopards...in fact, the scariest thing I saw was just a woman dressed up like a lion as she passed out water during the race. I should have stopped to get my picture taken with her...but there was a little old woman i was trying to catch up to! I'll get to that in a minute...

We stayed two COLD nights in military tents, set up by the British military who resided in the park a few nights, and shared showers and toilets with over 200 people (interesting to say the least) who were located in our camp sight.

The morning of the race quickly heated up, which worried us all, and we watched as the helicopter hovered over the starting line giving the "go ahead" that our path was clear. The helicopter had to fly around the trail to make sure there were no lions, rhinos, buffalo, and other dangerous animals hovering around waiting for a skinny mzungu (white man) breakfast. The start of the race was crowded, but the further we went, the runners on the trail thinned out and you ended up running with those who shared your pace. Rhonda and i ran together and began to notice this tiny, 60 something year old lady ahead of us, running a nice decent, steady pace, and rockin' out to her ipod. We gasped for air, and tried to drag ourselves to her. We'd pass her, only to be passed again at a water stop...it became quite the challenge to see her ahead of us! Needless to say, we passed her near the finish line with what little energy we could muster! Turns out, this was her first half! She did fantastic! Way to go old lady!

We had 10 people on our team, but didn't really meet them the whole time we were there as some of them camped with their own gear. The 6 of us who were together had a great time and took lots of photos. The other's on our team laughed a bit at Rhonda and me as we would stop during the race to take photos...but why not?! How often do you get to run a half marathon through a game park! May i suggest, if you run- and i don't mean to your mailbox on a cold winter morning, or to frantically look for your ringing cell phone...that you consider this run!

The start of the race

I'm pointing to elephants!

The amazing little old lady who almost...ALMOST outran us!

Looking tough. And smelling poorly.

The very next morning on the trail! YIKES!

Kitale Slums- JUNE Visit

2008-07-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

In Mid-June we had a group come from North Carolina. Cheri and her daughter brought with them three others... who helped with art lessons, playing with the kids, and working on administrative needs. It was fun to have some visitors and also fun to realize, Im not so much of a visitor anymore...I've begun to be a part of the kids daily lives and routein, and although we laugh and play daily...I'm not so new. Its kinda nice to feel at home.

While the group was here, we visited the slums in Kitale. We aren't really "allowed" to take photos, but i managed to have this one taken of the kids. That pile behind it is what the houses look like in the slums. they are first made by forming a dome, that is supported by wood. then covering the dome are hundreds of plastic bags and string.

I wanted you to see a glimpse of the worst slums I've seen in my life. I've seen several having traveled around Kenya and having grown up in a third world country. This has been the only place that has turned my stomach and made me feel sick for the rest of the day.

When we arrived we walked through (due to having the right people with us) and were allowed to say hello to the kids and friends who reside in the slums. I will spare you details, but i saw puppies with blood dripping from their bodies and faces (due to scavenging around the butchery), I saw kids playing, people sleeping in their dome trash heaps, and I saw a small animal (a puppy) that had been skinned and was hanging in the butchery. Rhonda and i felt sick and both turned our heads away from the animals hanging and the dripping blood.

Many of our kids come from this very place.
It is not a place for people, and not a place for children. Its almost like its own world. Anything goes.

However, there is a women's group in the slum area that we often work with to help support their business- jewelry making. They are trying hard to make changes for their families and for other families who reside in the slum area. Its seeing hearts like theirs and behavior that matches their words that brings hope.

The Day of the African Child - JUNE 16th

2008-07-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

It's been a month packed with events and I have been super slow to write.

Let me first assure you that there have been no more sighting and/or incidents involving the naked, potato sack, flip flop lady. I am currently breathing a sigh of relief and crossing my fingers that i can say the same tomorrow.
However, i have to say, i thought i saw her at the Day of the African Child...but turns out, those were two other women, who, although clothed, were very much DSM IV material.

BACKTRACKING....

June 16th marked the Day of the African Child! Beginning with a parade through town, it was an event that reminded us of the needs of our children, their personal rights, and reminded us that they too have a voice. Several of our kids at challenge Farm preformed in a poem and song, and then participated in the football (soccer) match against the adults. It was a fun day, full of activity, laughter, and a reminder of just how precious our children are.

These were some of the posters made for the parade.

Challenge Farm Girls performing at the Day of the African Child.

A child who joined in the parade activities.

I was overwhelmed at how many children there were at the parade- children without families and in the care of children’s homes. I was thankful that Challenge Farm is a home where these kids can grow, recover, and obtain guidance and love from their caregivers. Its been amazing to watch these kids change…the newest kids that came just a few short months ago, who were used to life on the street and guiding themselves into drugs, sex, abuse, and heartache, are now changing, growing, and learning how to be children and to let people they are beginning to trust love them.
I am unable to adequately express the change in these kids, but I can show a photo and hope that does it some justice.

Below is a photo of our kids, mixed in with their friends who still reside on the street. It is evidence of how much the kids in our care have changed and continue to grow into healthy children.

I also wanted to add this photo to show the continued poverty in Kenya. Although these kids have schools, and "homes," they are still very much living in poverty, and its heartbreaking.

Rain Boots, Dudu's, and the Run!

2008-06-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

It's rainy season in Kenya and its rather chilly in Kitale. I thought I signed up for sunny and hot??! But here I am in a sweatshirt, sitting under my mosquito net (that I pray protects me from those horrible centipedes that keep getting into my room) and listening to the rain storm that happens every day- around this time. The amazing thing? I'm here in a developing country with a cell phone (everyone has them here) and my amazing computer (I wont go into detail about my computer least a thief residing in Kenya is lurking around my blogspot...)and wondering how is this possible?? Isn't it amazing what all we can do in a country that can barley feed their hungry and house their internal refugees? It makes a person think. Or it should. And it should raise a lot of questions about foreign aid. And for me it has.

Anyway, I really got on blogspot just to talk about my amazing rain boots. Yep. Navy blue with green polka-dots. They are the envy of every flip flop wearer in muddy, wet, rainy Kitale. If you're going to move to Africa- you really should own a pair of rain boots. However, some may argue correctly, that here fashion is not really sooo....well... important. Remember the "flip flop" running lady who hit me? But, if you're going to have to live in rain boots, they should be pleasing to the eye and an accessory.
In fact, these boots are my best friends (so to speak). I wear them every day home from work.
In fact, I have to wear them when I walk out of my room to go wash my face at night. Yep. Mud, mud, mud...and the bathroom is, well, accessible only through the great outdoors. So- as you can see- your wellies (that's what JCrew and the Brits call them) will be a staple in rainy season.

Oh, also...out of all the dudu's (Kiswalhili for insect...haha...right?) that I have chosen to play with has been this huge one in the picture below. Wouldn't you know. I unknowingly chose to play with a crap bug. A dung beetle. You get my drift. It resides in cow manure and apparently (at the proper time) rolls a big ball of poop over to the lady dung beetle he is trying to "woo" in order to show her..."hey lady, look at my big pile of ..." The irony in this mating ritual is priceless.

And lastly, for those of you who keep up with me- the race is in two weeks!! "What race?" you might ask...OH, the fantastic Lewa Half Marathon, just a few hours out of Nairobi...sooo exciting! For great pictures of the race- look at the webpage TUSK.ORG... you'll see just where we will be running! Hopefully you're hear from me when this race is over...if not..well, I'd advise you to chose a different hobby in a different country!

Now, imagine this walk without rain boots.

The bug I chose to play with. Don't judge me. Africa can be lonely.

The dirt road Rhonda and I train on. Rhonda and I agreed that pictures of us running had to be "okayed" by the person in the photo. As you can see, that is some kid. Yes, he is running, but he's not in running spandex.

I'll take..."what sounds like flip flops" for five hundred

2008-06-08T00:42:00.000-07:00

I had to pull myself away from my new favorite TV show in order to write an update on my blog. Ahhh, African Idol. It’s really just so very entertaining. I rarely watch TV here- if ever…however, on a rare occasion, I will join my host and hostess (where I live) and gather around the TV to be entertained by Africa’s newest singing sensations.
I am still waiting to be moved by the experience of beautiful voices- oh, don’t get me wrong…there are a few…really lovely voices- but the reason I watch this show (just as I do at times in the U.S.) is to have that moment of pure embarrassment (you know, the moment where you cringe at the lack of vocal talent) that you feel for the “artist.” I would go on, but my experience last Saturday morning- the one where I got hit in the face by a naked woman with a potato sack- is far more entertaining. AND…yes, it is one of those things that would only happen to me. Ahhh, Africa.

“Whitney! What happened?” Oh, I’m so glad you asked. So let me begin by explaining just why I wake up early to run for 9+ miles. Rhonda (my buddy from Texas) and I are training for a ½ marathon through a game park that happens at the end of this month. Oh yes, if you’ve read my earlier blog, this will not be news to you. But, check out the webpage to see just how cool this run is!

TUSK.ORG.

We will be running through a game park, while being guarded by Masaii Warriors, guards on horseback, and a helicopter. YIKES! And yes, there are lions, cheetahs, elephants, etc. in this crazy race! Well, as long as I can outrun at least ONE person- I’ll be okay (can I get an amen?!)

Rhonda and I woke up this past Saturday for our very early, long run; which is a regular occurrence on Saturday’s. It is the day we start our practice run about the time the race will start in hopes that we get used to the time of the day and the climate for the race. So, this past Saturday was no different. Well, so we thought. We usually take a matatu (public transport) out to our destination to run; however, we decided to take the car out to our kids’ farm and run around this area, in hopes to get home quickly after our run.

We slide out of the car- with our water bottles, stopwatches, and dirty running shoes and head out towards the dirt road, which we walk daily to work. The sun is in my eyes and I cannot look up without being completely blinded. Instead, I choose to look down, at our path, as it is full of holes and patches that can twist your ankles if you aren’t careful…I am hoping that the sun wont be in my eyes for long…

About .4th of a mile after we begin- we see an African in the middle of the road. He or she…I can’t quite tell due to the sun…is waving his or her hips in a dramatic dance, while waving a stick back in forth from one hand to the other. Singing loudly. I notice- as I pass by, this person only has on a poke-a-dot skirt-like cloth wrapped around his/her waist, and has nothing on top. Interesting choice for a Saturday, especially while he/she chooses to dance half naked right in front of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. After we pass I ask Rhonda, “What was that guy doing?” She responds… “Uh, Whit, that wasn’t a guy.” OH. Ha ha…a topless woman, clearly mentally ill…is enjoying a dance on a bright, sunny, Saturday morning. TIA.
(for those of you who haven’t seen blood diamond…TIA= this is Africa).

A few steps after our brief conversation we hear the sound of someone approaching us from behind…and the sound of flip-flops…but wait! I don’t remember her wearing shoes…those feet are making some sound! Well kids, it wasn’t her feet making the slapping noise. It was her bear chest - I will spare you the details in case you are reading this to your kids as a nighttime story. But for two miles we had a running buddy, who wore only a tattered poke-a-dot skirt, and nothing else…who smelled as if she had never bathed a day in her life, and whose breasts beat about carelessly as she ran. She just ran, and sang loudly in the middle of the busy road while cars dogged her…all the while, topless, and apparently enjoying not being a slave to fashion.

The problem was (other than the fact that she was going to get hit by a car; being starred out by every man, woman, and child that passed; and obviously crazy) she was running into us. She would chose to run right beside one of us- pushing us off the road with her lack of spatial distance, and causing breath difficulty for the person who would fall back (usually me) in order to get some fresh air and much needed space.

So, we are already a sight to see! Two wazungu (whites) running down a busy stretch of road- (not a normal occurrence) and we’ve now formed a posse. Yes, the white women and the naked one. Mama- (the polite way of saying middle aged woman in Africa) would fall back, put her hands on her knees to catch her breath, then straighten up once again, start to sing and talk 90 miles an hour (to us I suppose)… and the flip flop sound would start again. We would know she was on her way to join us after just a few very brief moments.

After being run over by mama several times over the course of two miles, I politely asked her to stop. She did. The flip-flops sound stopped and with relief, we were able to continue our run without being pushed off the dirt path.

A couple miles later, Rhonda and I decide to turn around and head back to a turn in the road. The sun is once again in my eyes and I have to watch my steps to avoid twisting my ankle in a pothole (and to avoid the large gifts from cows). I look up to see- mama- dodging Rhonda, and headed straight towards me. “What is she holding?” I ask myself… “A potato sack?” Interesting. So moving out of her way, as she is clearly headed for me, I say “mamma?” and before I can ask “una fanya nini? (what are you doing?) She hits me in the face with a potato sack! All Rhonda hears is me yelling “Mamma!!!” in great surprise. I turn around as I wipe the dirt off my face, to see her walking off, carrying her sack (her weapon)- wearing her poke-a-dot skirt, and nothing else.

I wasn’t sure if I should be upset with mama, or worry that I somehow offended her! Cultural differences can be tricky. Never the less, it was quite funny that she felt she needed to hit me with a dirty potato sack for asking her to stop running us over! And the people hanging around the village got a great laugh.
I’m a bit nervous to go into work these days- because she lives around the area….
I’m easy to spot - and I’m a bit worried I’ll get hit again with another potato sack or that stick she was waving around when I first wondered what that guy/woman was doing when we passed by on the dirt road. Oh, well…what can you do?! TIA.

From Mud Huts to Five Stars!

2008-05-20T01:46:00.000-07:00

Sooo, for my lovely readers- looks like I need to catch up on a months worth of activity!
I’ll try to be better in the future about updates.

A young missionary couple here in Kitale (good friends of mine) received a week at a time-share resort from a couple in the states to use in a seminar. They had an extra apartment with two bedrooms for a few days before the group came…so four of us decided to jump on that and head to Mombasa in order to put that apartment to proper use.

After a bumpy, “hope we make it without tipping over” 8 hour bus ride- on horrible unpaved roads- we made it to exhaust- fume- filled Nairobi. From there we hopped on a night train to make our way to Mombasa… the lovely costal town in southern Kenya. The night train. Lets give it a moment of silence shall we?

Moving on…ahh, the night train…It is a skeleton of what used to be a very posh European railway. They use heavy, needs to be polished, silver and pull out the china for breakfast…but wait…what you can tell was once a fantastic and classy mode of transportation- is now run down, dirty, & unkept- but, its only the lovely price of fifteen dollars…hooray! Its well worth the experience to sleep in a fold down bed, swat at flies as they try eat your breakfast eggs before you do, and to watch the flies land on the unidentified, questionable meat resting on your delicate china plate.

15 hours later (due to a slow paced train….which frequently stops and/or breaks down…) there was touch down in Mombasa!
Mombasa is (as I mentioned above) a historic coastal town in southern Kenya. The air is heavy to breathe, and you sweat simply blinking. But whatever, you can smell the beach…well, not really, but you know its there. Once our train hit the station we loaded in a taxi driven by a mama (a first for me to see in Kenya- a woman taxi driver) and headed down to our resort. The royal safari beach resort. Ahhh, I couldn’t wait!

We traveled through thick bush and far out of the town in order to unpack our bags in a five star resort for three nights! All we had to pay for was food and transportation…
It was AMAZING!!! Lets back up for a moment shall we? Did you catch that it was a FREE (for us) five star resort? We’ve just gone from mud huts to a five star hotel! Watcha mchezo wewe! (stop your games!...my new favorite phrase) And the best part was- it is not tourists season yet, so there weren’t many people there. In fact, I think there were maybe three couples other than our large group. You get my point- basically, the staff would watch you go to your room and call to see if you wanted to attend dinner or the “show.” I think after the fifth time they called in a span of five minutes- we were all pretty irritated. But whatever, FIVE STAR! FREE!

So, what does one do while on the beach at a fancy pants hotel? Well, I decided to make most of my time and complete one of my top ten goals (which I smartly set aside money for a while back when I had a salary)…to get scuba diving certified! Yahoo! I pretty much had a private instructor (remember, its NOT tourist season) who came to the pool at our resort daily for my confined dives. Can I admit I was kinda afraid of him? We practiced diving skills while my buddies played volleyball. They eventually got scolded when they became overly playful and would come float to the bottom of the pool where I was “in class”- just to sit and make faces until they could no longer hold their breath and had to float back to the surface. After the confined dives and a lot of textbook stuff- I got to do my two open water dives in the ocean. And now- yes- thank you…I am a certified diver! I can’t wait to take my newfound hobby to other places along the coast!

So, the next adventure is June 28the- where I run a ½ marathon through a game reserve! YIKES! It is said to be one of the top 10 toughest runs. My team consists of 10 people who are all running the half. However, Rhonda and I are training at 6,200 feet on rough dirt road- and the race is about 5,500 ft…so hopefully we will have some speed and endurance on our side! This is something I can’t wait to do! If your interested in supporting the run (it is a good cause!) check out the link over there on the side of my blog…

Anyway, back to work on Monday and so excited to see our kids after holiday! I miss their hugs….not to mention, I've got to get back into my first grade Kiswahili class!
Oh ya, I was “held back.” So- remember how I was in 4th grade Kiswahili class? Well, I got booted to 1st grade. What can I say. Last week I attended my first day and the kids and I really had fun. I’ve had to make sure I'm not a distraction - but seeing as how I'm becoming a part of the kids daily life- they are less interested in me and other than wanting to sit by me- we pretty much do our work. I can’t wait for this week! I think Rhonda may join in the fun!
Nataka naenda ku eshule ku najewa kiswahli! (I want to go to school to learn Kiswahili) impressive, huh?

The Train ride!

If you can't tell, i was stuck.

oh, the pool dives...

The beautiful, Mombasa resort!

the Mombasa beach...

Mt. Kilimanjaro (spelling provided by Paul) from the airplane...on our way home via Nairobi.

Going on "home" visits

2008-05-20T00:05:00.001-07:00

This past month has gone by quickly, and I feel more a part of Challenge Farm every day. The staff is fantastic and the kids continue to steal my heart. Every morning that I arrive at work I hear them at the gate- making jokes, speaking to me in Kiswahili, and pulling me off to play. The best part is that they teach me Kiswahili (as its really our only language in common), I teach them English, and throughout the day I use my new Kiswahili phrases. You have to watch what you learn from these kids- they’ve been on the street and know some things that if your not careful would be tragic to say to someone! We (staff and kids basically) have had some good laughs as they teach me a lot of “shang,” which is the slang on the street.

For two weeks in April, the kids were out of school on holiday. The social worker and I took advantage of this time and took some of the kids home on “home visits.” So- let me explain a bit about a home visit b/c some of you may have questions about the kids having homes and yet, they are in this children’s home….

As you guys know, Challenge Farm (CF) is a home for street kids. They have come off the street in order to detox from drugs and the potent glue (which they call gum), start school, obtain guidance and counseling from the trauma’s of their histories, and for those who are older, it is a time to learn new skills to begin to integrate back into the community as healthy, productive, young adults.

Some of our kids have homes, but have run away due to abuse, being kicked out by parents or step parents, abandoned on the street by family, a lack of food, etc…the reasons are numerous and cause all sorts of angry and sad feelings in me. I wont go into that now…

Some of our kids are orphaned and have no families, and nowhere to go- so they have little choice but to head to the street. Now it’s getting them off the street that many times is quite challenging. They grow accustomed to their way of life, the drugs, money, etc.

Regardless of their street life- the kids at CF have now chosen to get off the street, have regular meals (but still some of them hoard food), get off drugs, and to go to school (some for the first time).
Our social worker meets with the kids and makes a decision, along with the kid, on who is ready to make a home visit. Some of our kids are willing to make a visit home and some are not. But for those visits that I have gone on- the parents had no idea where the child had been, and some didn’t seem to care. For those who do go on visits- some kids have been away from home for months- and many have been gone for years.

I wanted to go on these visits to get an idea of the environment our kids are from, but most importantly I wanted to support them and be a presence of current love and acceptance. I wont go into detail of the home visits as it feels too personal to the child and to me- but I do want to share a bit of my experience.

I’ve seen a child welcomed home with hugs and screams of excitement. I’ve seen a father look past his child and a step mother who ignored the child she once beat. I’ve seen a child’s face fall when the parent is not at home, and I’ve felt the loss of some children whose parent’s whereabouts are unknown. I’ve felt a child hurt so much that I could feel it in my skin, and I’ve seen the face of loss and rejection. I’ve seen a child begin to feel a sense of “closure,” and a readiness to move forward in healing; and I’ve seen a child who continues to struggle with a depression compounded by loss, death, abandonment, and abuse. But most of all- I see children who look up at me, in the face, and ask the question with their eyes, “am I worthy of love?” And that is why I stay in Kenya. To say “yes” in every part of my actions and words.

Kelvin and Kippto; two of my very funny boys!

This was taken at one of our talent shows...

This is the first day of school! A few of these kids have never even worn a uniform before and are going to school for the first time!

A couple of our beautiful girls!

Lilian is in the pink- read her story on Rhonda's blog

(her link is on my page)

Most of these kids in the photo are our newest off the street. This is their first day of school!

Street Kids in Kitale

2008-04-14T23:48:00.000-07:00

Imagine 10 or more kids rushing up to you in town at one time, crowding around you. They are kids of all ages asking for food and/or money- all while holding a bottle of glue they are inhaling to "cope.” The glue helps the to “forget,” to keep warm in the cold, and to ease the hunger they feel.

At first, (I’m rather embarrassed) I have to admit...my discomfort, fear, anxiety- led me to do my best to ignore, to rush by, hoping to not get caught in a group of kids. I was afraid. Of what I’m not really sure...maybe being pick pocked? Maybe telling one “yes” and setting a standard of being followed and asked for money every day…I don’t know. But my heart ached as I felt this wasn’t the “right” approach for me to take. I just had NO idea what to do.

A few days later something changed in me. I realized that the worst thing in the world (to me) is to be ignored. To be treated as if I don’t exist. If this hurts me, how can I do this to a child? No matter what they have learned on the street (drugs, pick pocketing) they are children. They are in need of love, attention, guidance, friendship, and they must be noticed.

I’ve started getting to know these kids who live on the streets. We’ve talked about who they are, where they are from, their ages, names, why they are on the streets, and their reasons for drug use. I’m trying to begin to build relationships with these kids in hopes that they feel “visible,” noticed, loved- even if in some small way.

Now, when they see me, they recognize me. They are learning my name and learning that I see them. I hope they are learning that to some people they are no longer “invisible;” but have a face, a name, and a presence.

One of my visions for these “lost” kids of Kenya, is to reach out to them on the street. We are not allowed to provide food, or money as this keeps them somewhat “comfortable” (for lack of a better word) where they are. We want them to be motivated to go to children’s homes, to school, and to begin to see a future. One of my thoughts is to start meeting with them (along with a couple other adults) on the street. To begin to offer them a chance to discuss their histories, their motivation for change, and a place to receive some sort of guidance that doesn’t revolve around gangs and dealers.

Here are some pictures of some of our Kitale street kids. They sleep in rice bags, on cardboard boxes, drink from muddy water, and often go without food.

Getting to KNOW my watoto (children)

2008-04-01T00:04:00.000-07:00

This week marks my fourth week here in Kenya! My how the time has flown! Its feeling more and more like home as i can easily argue the "correct" price of the matatu and boda boda (please refer to boda boda blog entry for tips)...and as i have met some new friends to play with who come from all over the world! Not only am i getting to enjoy Kenyan relationships, but i have buddies from Holland, Canada, UK, and most importantly TEXAS!

This week was the first week for our kids to meet for group therapy. Usually, when kids are thrown into a group they have some resistance to it. of course! How very normal! But these kids are dying to be a "part" of something and are enjoying the extra attention. They are really wanting to talk about their histories (even with such a short life- these kids have seen and dealt with things beyond my comprehension). I am continually amazed at their resiliance, strength, and willingness to support one another through common hurts and encourage growth.

They are so much fun! Many of them suffer from withdrawl symptoms from glue; and most have histories of neglect, abuse, and death of loved ones. But i see them laugh and play; and the smilies and hugs i receive are priceless. They are really funny as they have taken me on as their project. they insist i know Kiswahili. So, i have "enrolled" in the fourth grade class in our school. Yes, i hope to pass the fourth grade Kiswhili class.

Here are some pictures of our kids. Those who have been here for a bit will be those in the purple uniforms. THe newest kids will be in tattered clothing as they await the arrival of their uniforms.

Some of our newest kids who arrived a few weeks ago to the Challenge Farm

Ya, they love to have their picture taken!

Three of our new boys, and thats Ruth in the background...not sure what's with the spoon...

the boda boda...a piece of advice

2008-03-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

Boda Boda….

So, a “boda boda” is just a bicycle with a cushion on the back of it. It is a form of Kenyan transportation- and actually a favorite of mine on a sunny day. I ride on the back of the bicycle while the bicyclist takes me to my location for a small fee.
The boda boda got its name a long time ago when people were trying to get to the border of Uganda from Kenya, or visa versa. Who really knows. Anyway, the bicyclists would shout “Border Border” to attract customers, and thus, the Boda Boda was born.

What I learned today about taking the boda boda.
Tuck this in the back of your mind, least you end up desperate for transportation. Two major points I will touch on..

#1 never take a drunk boda boda –
you will end up in the bushes (yes, the bushes), maybe even in the trees; and he will drive ALL over the road, scaring not only other drivers, but you…the innocent, paying customer.

#2 never take a boda boda who is old. Sorry to hint at a bit of ageism here... however, you’d fully agree with me if you paid 20 precious shillings to ride on the back of a bike whose driver would be slower than walking pace. Others just fly right by you; young, able bicyclists who won’t make you get off the bike to walk when a bit of steep hill gets in the way, or a pothole. But, it’s even more frustrating when people pass by you on foot. So, take my advice- concerning boda bodas….
old= not a good idea.

So, what have we learned today?
Drunk boda boda = bushes
Old boda boda = a lot of walking anyways (save your money)

Arrival to Kitale

2008-03-16T03:25:00.001-07:00

This week I arrived in Kitale, where I’ll be working at the Challenge Farm. The CF is a place where kids come off the street, voluntarily, in order to be rehabilitated into the community. They detox off drugs, form relationships other than the gangs they had been in when on the streets, learn vocational skills for future jobs, and attend school. The kids are also provided with counseling and medical services as needed.

Kitale has the largest number of street kids in all of Kenya. They come from the north and form neighboring countries and towns for various reasons. Some come here due to abuse within their families, death of parents, or neglectful living environments. There are many other reasons these kids live on the streets, these are just a few examples.

I’ve asked why they come to Kitale and have gotten several responses, such as, many of the children come from Lodwar (Northwest Kenya), where the Turkana tribe resides. In Lodwar, it is extremely hot, and food and water are scarce. Kitale town has a cooler climate, is relatively close by, and has many ministries in the area to help children. I have seen this to be true in my work in Kenya over the past two years, Kitale has many westerners who come to provide services to this area and are invested in helping the children. If you are like me, this information only raises more questions as to why Kitale, and why westerners. I will leave these questions alone for the time being.

The kids on the streets form gangs in order to protect themselves from larger kids who want to steal the drugs, money, and food from the smaller ones. It is a hierarchy that I hopefully will be able to learn more about in the future and feel more comfortable writing about. But basically, when you give a child on the streets food or money- they many times have to give it up to someone else. There are different types of street kids. Three that I am familiar with are those who are abandoned and orphaned; those who have homes but who have run away for various reasons, and those who are made to beg by their parents. In Kitale town, the kids crowd around the grocery stores and business to beg and to find work. If they receive any money for their labor, they will then purchase food and many times glue. If they don’t work for money, they hope that “well wishers” will provide them with a meal for the day.

The different kinds of drugs are many (marijuana, glue, hallucinogenic and various plants that are chewed, and drugs that are injected. The drug you will most likely see in Kitale is the potent glue used for shoe repair. They inhale the glue in order to numb pain, hunger, and “forget”. The glue is so very dangerous that there is even question as to whether a child can be rehabilitated after a couple years on the drug. It causes so much brain damage.

So, I meet with the Kenyan social workers the week to discuss training and how I can assist them while I am living in Kenya. I will also spend next several weeks continuing to get to know the children, who have taken it upon themselves to teach me proper Kiswahili! Some hug a lot, and want lots of love. Others are weary and need more space. Most have attachment difficulties due to their traumatic experiences.

The last thing I wanted to say was from the end of a movie I caught on my way to London last week. It was a statement made from “The Martian Child.” It was said that many times we look at children and forget that they have only been on this planet for a short period of time. They are like “Martians” who are simply trying to understand this world and where they will go in life. We many times forget that they are relatively new to this thing called life and will need much guidance and love.

Children are resilient. All they have is the future as their past is so short. Through loving on them and teaching them, hopefully we can give them not only hope for a better life, but make this present time a more joyful one.

Nairobi, Kenya

2008-03-12T12:52:00.000-07:00

Exhaust fumes, burning trash, stagnant water, filthy streets, and humid air all greeted me this past Monday when I arrived in Nairobi. After one minute out of the busy …yes, even at 6:30 AM…Nairobi airport (although busy is relative) reminded me of why I feel so at home here. I’m not sure if its because Kenya reminds me so much of the Philippines (where I was born and spent many years of my life), or there is just a special place in my heart for this country- but “Kenya is home.” In fact, usually when you greet your party or meet new friends they say, “Karibu (welcome), Kenya is home.” I have found that to be true in many ways even though I am stretched from my comfort zone. As for now, Kenya is home, and I am comforted yet again to see familiar faces, hear the familiar sounds of the busy street, playful children, and Kenyan salesmen loudly proclaiming the “best deal” on strange items you would never think to purchase on the side of a road walking to your destination (winter gloves to keep you warm in 90 degree heat..i know right?, fingernail clippers, bicycle toys made of wire, tool sets- basically, you dream it- you’ll find it!).

Yesterday was spent doing little things, like setting up my cell phone, attempting to obtain internet access, and running errands that I know I will be unable to do once I reach western Kenya in my town of Kitale.

Today was also spent running errands. In fact, running the very same errands I did yesterday as the services I tried to get …well, were very much …not working. So you learn to deal and let it go remembering that this is a third world country and things don’t run as smooth. The fact that cell phones are everywhere and internet (slow as it may be) is available is amazing; and I am thankful- however slow they may run, or inconsistent they may be.

This morning I arranged to visit the slum areas of Nairobi. Kibera, has approx. 200 schools, and thousands of people living there. As many of you may know, this past December, violence and conflict broke out after the elections for president due to disagreement in whether the election was “fair” or if it had been rigged.
Many parts of Kenya were devastated due to the violence and the aftermath of the trauma has affected all of Kenya. People groups (tribes) began to protest and attack- many times burning the homes and killing those members (men, women and children) of a specific people group. Many business were burned to the ground, homes had to be evacuated, and people had to flee for safety leaving everything behind. In Eldorat, western Kenya, not far from my new home, many people have been displaced, and now are considered refugees. Some are living in camps set up in the area, and Kitale has even seen an increase in street children.

The pictures shown below are that of the Kibera slum area in Nairobi. This area, which had already been known as dangerous- know for crime of many kinds- has only worsened due to the violence that Kenya experienced for the past three months.
Woman and children are raped, crime and violence is the norm, and many families and children suffer from lack of adequate clothing, housing, water, and food.
My escort through the area stated (having lived there approx. a year and a half ago) that many times at night you can hear the crying and screaming of children as they go to bed hungry.

The houses that are near the water (pictured below) are often destroyed when the water level rises and sweeps the homes away. Many times children, men and women are killed. Those who don’t die are left without shelter and having to rebuild what they can.
This is a desperate place. Dirty, impoverished, crime ridden- all things that move any human to a sense of hopelessness and loss. But yet, smiles exist, many people love, share, and try as they can to help one another. It is a place of disaster, violence, and yet hope. Many hope that they will be able to rise above their condition, some have, others don’t. And many never will.

Kikuyu businesses burned due to tribal unrest post election.
In Kibera Slums, Nairobi.

Kibera Slums, Nairobi. Approx. 800,000 people living within 3 square kilometers.

There are approx. 200 schools within the slums. These are the houses within Kibera.

More damaged buildings due to tribal unrest post electsion. Kibera Slums, Nairobi.

Our guide told us this river floods taking the property and lives of many families.

At Long Last!

2008-02-22T11:57:00.000-08:00

FINALLY! AT LONG LAST I head out on the 3rd of March to London and arrive in Nairobi, Kenya on the 10th. I will then travel by a small airplane to my site in Kitale on the 12th.

Why the delay you ask from London to Kenya? Well, for those of you who don't know...or who haven't yet had time to read the blog posting before; or who don't care to read it...I have a sister living in London. She, along with her naughty Great Dane, Henry, (appropriate name for England..yes?) will host me in their very very small, one room flat. Then off to Kenya i go.

SO- this is no pseudo move as some of you may have begun to suspect- OH NO, I'm off. The goal for next week- to pack in two small suitcases and my backpack. Can it be done? We shall see...

Next time I'll post some pictures to show proof of my journey to, and actual arrival in Kenya...

Nail Polish Remover

2008-01-24T20:24:00.001-08:00

So, just a little bit of an update. I wish I had some really fun and exciting things to talk about in this particular blog entry...but alas... I'm still in Texas...-HOWEVER!!! the dates have been set and I leave in early February.

What about safety you ask? yes, thank you for asking. As of now, things are stable enough for me to travel to Nairobi. Once i get there i will go with friends who will escort me to Kitale, in western Kenya. Western Kenya is kinda sad right now, b/c they have taken out the peace corps and moved them to other locations due to the lack of security. Those working in eastern Kenya are still in place, but things are much different due to the political unrest. There are more refugees in western, near my site at this time. which means lots of people my organization can help- and LOTS of work to be done. We can't necessarily save the world, but we can help one person at a time achieve what may be a miracle in their life. And hopefully they pass it on-

On a more serious note...
I'm learning to justify everything that i need to pack- and decide what i can and can't live without. You know, that whole "needs" and "wants" thing? I've never been really good at that, but this- yes, this experience of packing for a potential full year- brings some new challenges.
...hmm, do i want to take my Bon Jovi life size posters, nail polish remover, and amazing shampoo that is supposed to ease the frizz that humidity brings? yes, its true. some things I'm learning to live without. like...showers for instance. Which is why some of my friends say Africa and I were meant to be. Don't get me wrong. Hygiene is a priority in my life. But, ladies, let me be the one to tell you- nail polish remover is a MUST! Bug spray makes the polish on your toes all gummy- and that, my friends, is nasty.

So- I think i will not write again until i am actually IN Africa...or maybe in London-

fyi- for those of you who fell for the Bon Jovi posters- shame shame. i would NEVER leave those behind ; )

Bust...for now...

2008-01-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

So, at the request of, i think the only friend who reads this blog....(my hats off to you Amy), i wanted to give a brief update on my leaving date...

I was scheduled to leave the first week of Feb. However, due to the recent violence over the elections in Kenya, getting to my location is not currently safe- and i am unable to travel from Nairobi to Kitale. so, I will be delayed a few weeks getting to Kenya....

looks like I'm sitting pretty for now in Texas...and praying that all calms down in Kenya- and that my friends, both American and Kenyan are safe.

Africa or bust.

2007-12-26T18:07:00.000-08:00

Guess what time it is? It's time to finally get ready for my LONG AWAITED move to Africa.
Its taken a long time to get things finalized, but ready or not, here it comes!

I move the first week of February to Kitale, where I'll be working as a social worker at a home for street children. Kitale has the largest population of street kids in Kenya- they are often high on drugs (to keep from being hungry) and walk the streets day in and day out for food and money. The Challenge Farm offers them a place to be fed, clothed, loved, and given hope in a future (with future employment skills, education), and in Christ.

I'll be teaching the Kenyan social workers various social work skills- with a focus on therapy, diagnostic (as appropriate), assessment skills, and crisis management etc.

I'll also be able to continue some of my work with Dallas Independent School District- as i currently help them with the refugee population here in Dallas as one of their adolescent and family therapists. I'm going to try to arrange a trip to Kakuma , a refugee camp in Kenya that is one of the oldest and largest refugee camps in the world! I'll be able to give back to Dallas ISD information and pictures about what our kids are experiencing b/f they come to Dallas...in hopes to educate our Dallas ISD staff, and others in the surrounding areas.
http://www.refugeesinternational.org/

After praying for a long time for a friend to rise up in Kenya for me- a woman, someone with whom i can share details of my life, and pray- I got news from one of my best friends,
Rhonda Sue, that her trip to Sudan had been delayed and she was looking for a place to serve. hmm, Rhonda. ... I can't quite think of wher.....(you get the idea!) I was so excited as i realized that God had answered my prayer- once again, above and beyond what i could have even thought of asking for! I didn't just have a "friend" in Kenya- i have a favorite friend in Kenya!

So, this move has been a LONG time prayer- and after two years of praying and asking for guidance and timing- the Lord is moving me. And i am so excited to be a part of His plan.

Lets see- i wont bore you with the details of my move- but i will say that i get to see Courtney on the way as i stop over in London for a "bit" (as they say).

This blog- which i have never done before, (so wish me luck and ignore bad spelling) will have updates and pictures for those of you who are interested in what's going on in Kitale, and in my travels and work.

I'll keep you "posted" no pun intended. well, kinda.