Sunday

Feb 27

Sunday and went to the English service at AIC church. Good sermon. Then after I came home because I really didn’t want to sit through the Swahili service. So I came home and now I’m here alone. It’s really nice not to have anyone else in the house right now. So often the house has other people in it and there is always a lot of noise. People talking, a baby crying, and the ever present talk radio blaring away.

I want to go into town and go to the coffee shop. I hear it’s where all of us white folk go to have a taste of home. So I’m wondering if I’ll be able to go. I’ll only get on a motorcycle with Michael and there’s no way I’ll get in a Matado. HUM I wonder...

MAX

Max is a puppy here on the farm. He's adorable and all puppy. For the past week I've seen very little of him, and I began to wonder if someone took him or if someone sold him here on the farm. That happens here in Kenya, people will take animals and sell them.  The kittens were taken and the poor Momma cat went a little nuts looking for her babies.

Anyway, tonight after walking home from Silas house, there was Max on the side of the house. He started to slink away, but once I said his name he came running up to me all happy to see me. I got to pet him but when he starts to bite I stop and stand up. Then he stops and I pet him again, and we go on like this for a bit. He's getting better I think but he needs work. The Kenyan's really don't treat their dogs all that well. Well in fact they treat them like shit! I can't seem to get through anyone's head that if you treat your dogs better they will be better guard dogs and protect you better. Will anyone listen? NO. Apparently when the bible says to cast the dogs in the street, they take it literally. When in fact that's not the context of the verse at all. OH well, some will never learn that God's creation includes dogs and puppies.

I MISS YOU ROCKY AND BRODIE

Widow's Meeting

Today I went to a widows meeting on the other side of Kitale. I must admit I didn't want to go at all today. HEY I'm being honest here OK.  I didn't want to go because I'm a little pissed off.  I won't go into why, but just know that I am and I just don't understand how people can say they are a believer when they sure don't act like it.


Anyway, at the meeting I was the speaker, be that as it may. All I did was share my testimony on what happened after Robb was killed and how I handled life. Pastor Achoki spoke before me and I swear that man loves to hear himself talk. Most of you who know me know that I'm really not all that excited about the Pentacostle church. Well Pastor Achoki is a preacher from that denom., and to be honest I just really can't get into all of the yelling. You don't have to yell, for cryin' out loud. I can hear you just fine. It's like if they don't yell, you don't get the message. YIKES give me a break. Anyway he referred to me as being cast off because I'm a widow. Honestly I take offense to that. I don't consider myself cast off in any way shape or form. In fact I'd like to see the man who can cast me off LOL.  God didn't cast me aside when Robb was killed. If that were true, I wouldn't have anything to do with God. Then Pastor Achoki compared us widows to Moses being put in the reed basket and set in the Nile. Personally, I thought that was a bit of a stretch.  I guess it had to do with being cast off.  Well, I know for a fact I didn't float down any river by God's design.  Maybe by Steve's but not God. LOL  (if only you knew)  It's amazing how scripture is interpreted in other cultures.  How can you link widows and Moses I'll never know but Pastor Achoki seemed to think it was a good way to describe widows. Maybe it has something to do with Kenyan culture, maybe not. I don't know, but all I know is that I am by far not any where near being cast off. 

Parent's Day

Parent’s Day

Feb 25

OK, so I went to Parent’s day at Legacy Schools. Alice went as well and we arrived at school a little after 9am. I just got home at it’s 4:15pm. A very long day. All I can say is some of these Kenyan’s love hearing themselves talk. A member of the Board of Trustee’s of the school spoke for over 45 minutes. I mean, come on now, enough is enough!  What makes it so hard for me is the guy spoke in Swahili and then when the pastor spoke he spoke in Swahili as well.  I’m understanding more words but it’s still really hard to get the jist of what is being said. I did, however, had a good time talking with all of the kids. I tell ya, my kids from 8West are great!

I handed out awards for the non-teaching staff, essentially it was the accounting department, grounds maintenance, and the security team. Here in Kenya teachers are awarded money for the scores their student’s receive. Then they get an award if the scores are the highest in that subject. It’s a big deal too, especially when the teachers only make ksh5000 a month and the award is around ksh3000. It makes a huge difference in what is brought home that month. Anyway, Simon, whom I teach with, got the award for the English dept. He can really use the extra money too. The man has 2 wives and 11 kids. He also happens to be a heck of an English teacher too! 

Once I got home, Nelson was hooking the plow to the tractor and they are right this minute plowing the field for maize. I don’t know when they will plant, but I suspect it will be within the next 30- 45 days. Alice is off with Mary Muttai doing something, I have no idea, and Edna is here doing chores. I think it’s time I go and iron my pants. LOL

The Nature Perserve

Nature Preserve 

Feb 24

Today I went with the Pre-Unit and Grade 1 to the Nature Preserve here in Kitale. Now I know what Kenyan’s think of a perserve. What this place had was deformed animals, a cow with 3 eyes 4 horns and 2 mouths, sheep 3 or 2 legs, and other various odd looking animals. They even have a bull that’s short! I mean short, that sucker was so short he was adorable. I wasn’t that impressed with the nature preserve. I was hoping to see some animals that were endangered or something, but there was only deformed animals. Poor things.

I have an iPod Nano here with me and I’m having a difficult time with it. It won’t turn off. I charge it and the next morning it’s almost out of power. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong with it. UGGGG it’s driving me a little nuts.

Frank

Frank, the Bull

Feb 23

Here on the farm there is this bull and I’ve named him Frank. Since I name all of the animals I figure Frank was a good name for this onery bull. Frank is about 4 years old and I tell ya, he makes some funky noises. I’m not sure exactly why he makes these noises, but I have an idea at least. (no I won’t go into it LOL)

Anyway, so Frank is roaming around the farm and he sometimes ends up in the yard. Now he’s suppose to stay in the pasture away from the house, but he’s a tricky fellow and manages to get in places where I happen to run across him. The other day as I was walking back to the house, Frank was on the side of the driveway munching on some green leaves. Now Frank isn’t suppose to be there and he’s the last thing I would have even thought to be there. The babies, calves, yes I expect them to be in the yard, but Frank, um NO. So here I am just walking down the driveway not really paying any attention to what’s going on around me, and then I hear this noise, like a snort, but uglier.  Well to my surprise Frank is right there about 10 yards from me.  So what do I do? I stand there and ask him, “what the hell are you doing there?” Like Frank is going to answer me. Like an idiot I’m talking to a bull. How stupid is that? 

So then I hear Alice’s voice and she’s talking to one of the guys who works here on the farm. So I tell here that Frank is right around the corner, she doesn’t listen until she see’s him. So there she says, “lets go this way.” Funny, Alice knows enough not to talk to the Bull, but me NOPE.  I think I now know why I was raised in the city. 

Tuesday

Tuesday Feb 22

Today I woke up on time but didn’t get out of bed right away. Sometimes just listening to the sounds of the farm early in the morning is so comforting I just can’t get up and leave those sounds behind. I hear that stupid bull making noises on the other side of the fence and then the rooster crows every 5 minutes. Then I can hear Christie as she is sweeping the yard out front, and the voices of the people who work on the farm as well as Nelson telling someone to do something. 

I shouldn’t have stayed in bed as long as I did because Tuesday is my early day at Legacy and I have a class at 9am.  As it was I made it to class on time only to find out they were taking an exam. I swear these kids take more exams than Carter’s got Pills!!

So I went to talk to Mama Steve (Mary Muttai) and when I got there her son Steve was in the office talking to her. After Steve left Mama Steve and I talked about different stuff and I told her that last week was hard because I was so homesick. She understood, and told me that it is OK to be homesick. This woman works so hard for the school and it’s been 2 years since her husband died suddenly and she does all of the school administrative stuff. She is an amazing woman. 

After I left school I came home and made my bed because Christie took the sheets off to wash. Then I ironed a bunch of my clothes. Here in Kenya you iron everything. UGG It doesn’t matter what it is, you iron it PERIOD. Well there are a few things I will not iron, one being my tank tops that I wear to bed. NOPE I will not iron one. Edna insists that they should be ironed but I tell here I’m not wearing it outside the house so what purpose does ironing it have? HA she didn’t have a good answer for that one. 

At 3pm I headed over to the secondary school to teach the form 1 students. I read to them a short story because they don’t have the book. Next time I think I’ll copy the story and then print off 30 copies and they can share. I think it will be easier for the kids to understand the story and me. 

OH and I used my umbrella for the first time today. The rainy season is almost upon us and I’ll be using my umbrella a lot in the near future.

Monday Morning, Who Knew

Monday Morning

Feb 21

This morning I needed to go into town to get my modem loaded up with airtime so I can get online.  Edna called a friend from church, Mike, to come and take me to town and back. Mike has a motorcycle so we hopped on and drove into town to the Orange store. Mike was the second person to ask me if where I was from if we had motorcycles. I guess he hasn’t heard of Harley Davidson. 

Got to town in one piece (Alice told Mike not to go fast, darn it) and came back and finally got online. WOW it’s been awhile and now I know I’m addicted to the Internet! OH brother just what I need, a fix with a computer. LOL

Went to Legacy schools today and taught 8th grade English, then I walked back up to Kiboment AIC Secondary school where I taught my first class there. I have 60 student’s in one classroom. I’m teaching Literature and Composition right now and we just began a essay.  I am reading the first assignment, a paragraph on a contemporary Kenyan issue, that will eventually lead to a 5 paragraph essay. I think I’m nuts!  The classroom was packed today. and I only have 40 minutes with all of them. Should be an interesting time until the quarter ends. One guy in class looks about 20, but he said he was 18. He’s 18 and he’s in the 9th grade or Form 1 in Kenyan educational system. OH and he’s writing about cattle stealing. Apparently it’s common here in this area and it greatly affects the economy. Who knew? Not me. lol

Shelling Maize

Shelling Maize, 

The other day Alice and the crew were shelling maize, well getting it off of the husk.  There’s a think cloud of white dust everywhere and people hauling maize to the guys to bag it. It’s like clock work here.  Alice is supervising the whole process.  Women are in the pole barn getting the husks into large bags so the men can put it threw the machine.  So I go to take a picture of the women and there are 4 butts in the air.  Finally they realize what I’m doing and they all begin to laugh.  I laugh myself and walk back to Alice. She wants to know why are they laughing, so I tell her what happened. The whole maize thing has been going on all day and it’s almost 3pm. There are about 40 huge sacks of maize ready to go to market and they are still shelling. 

After a while I go into the house and change out of my long pants and put on a cool pair of shorts so I can just hand out and do nothing for a while.  Well guess what happens? It starts to sprinkle. So I go outside and think nothing of a few rain drops, and everyone is still working away. I pet Simba and Max and then come inside the house. Some time passes and then I hear this loud noise which sounds like rocks hitting the roof.  It’s not rocks, it’s rain! It’s pouring outside, literally raining so hard you can’t see. 

Then Edna comes running in the house and she’s soaking wet, literally from head to toe she soaked. Then unknownst to me, Alice went somewhere with some other ladies and they drive up in a pick up with 5 ladies in the back of the truck. Well, they were soaking wet too. And the rain is still coming down in buckets.  All of the ladies run to Alice’s front porch to get out of the rain. I have no idea where they went or what they were doing, although I have my own ideas. So we all stand out on the porch until the rain stops, and it does after about 45 minutes. Then the ladies all take off except Alice. 

Here in Kitale, it rains like this often, well all the time from what I understand. It’s not the rainy season yet, not really but it’s rained pretty good twice in the last couple of weeks. I’m wondering what it’s going to be like when the rainy season starts. I have a feeling it will be very muddy and I’m sure one of my shirts will turn into a “red dirt shirt.”

Sunday English Service

Sunday English Service Feb 20

It’s almost time to go to church for the early service where it is entirely in English.  Which means I get up before 7am and get ready.  I know what you’re thinking, but wait a minute let me explain.  This house is a little loud in the late evening, and dinner isn’t eaten until 9-9:30pm (I know late). So after dinner Alice goes over money with the two that sell the chips and yogurt. So something is going on in the house until 11 or 11:30pm. And then I can get to sleep.  So getting up a little before 7am is acceptable in my eyes.

So I’ll be leaving in a little bit to go to church.  Last week the attendance wasn’t really high, but Pastor Kibet was happy with the turnout.  Today I don’t know if I’ll stay for the Swahili service or not.  Edna wants me to stay, but I’m not sure if I will. What I’d really like to do is go into town and hit the coffee shop and have a brownie. I hear they are heavenly.

Right now, I’m sitting at the dinning table drinking my coffee. Edna has come by several times telling me I need to eat, and frankly bread and jam just doesn’t cut it for me today. Alice,  Edna, Christie, and Charity will all go to the Swahili service, and Edna wants me to come with them. If I do, then I get absolutely nothing out of the service, well not nothing but very little. So in a minute I’ll be off to church. I hope Sunday is as good for you as it is for me.

Ok went to church. I stayed for the Swahili service. I got to church at 8:30am and I didn’t leave until 12:45pm. 4 hours of church is a lot especially when it’s warm outside and there is no air conditioning inside the church building. Reminds me of Liberia, except Liberia was really humid, and thank the good Lord it’s not humid here in Kitale!!

Later that same day:  Alice tells me we are to go to a woman’s house whose son died about 2 months ago. This is the first I’ve heard about this, so I told her that she didn’t tell me. She said sorry, but we need to go after lunch. So after lunch we walked down to the woman’s house. Esther is her name. I thought it was just going to be me and Alice, but there were a whole slew of women there from the church. They sang songs or praise, in Swahili of course, and prayed. Then a few women gave Esther some encouraging words.  I told Alice that I have something I wanted to tell Esther, so she told another lady who gave me the floor. Basically I told Esther that it’s OK to be mad at God. It’s OK to still be upset and pissed off. I told her that no matter how angry you might get, God can handle it and He expects us to get angry at times. I also told her that no matter what anyone tells you, you don’t have to “get over” her son’s death. It’s OK not to get over it, but you must continue to live and follow Jesus. After that someone prayed a very long prayer and a mini sermon was given again in Swahili, which I wasn’t able to follow. Then we had tea and bread. After that we got in Mary Muttai’s little tiny van, which I call the loaf of bread cause that’s what it looks like, and we came home. 

All in all a good day. I’m glad it’s over and I can now sit back and watch the news, Nairobi news. 

Saturday in the Park

Saturday in the Park, Feb 19

No I didn’t go to a park today. We went to the market and picked up groceries. Not all that exciting day really but I picked up an ironing board so I don’t have to rely on Edna to iron my clothes. 

Then later we, Edna, Sarah, Eunice, and myself went to the Muttai’s home for Jonathan’s 3rd Birthday party.  Birthday’s here in Kenya aren’t at all like ours in the states. Very few families make a big deal about a birthday, but I think they make up for it with weddings because that is an all day event.  Anyway, I picked up Jonathan a police car that made noise when it rolled. He loved it!  And I loved the reaction he gave when he opened it. Priceless!

Today I finally got some hooks to hang my hats on and some masking tape so I can put my pictures up on my wall. I decided I needed to make the room my own and put some reminders up on the wall. I’m glad I finally got that done.

Kitale Museum

Kitale Museum  Feb 18

120 3 and 4 year olds traveled to Kitale to visit the museum today, and I went with them. I couldn’t believe 120 kids could fit into that bus, but they all got in and we went to town. I wasn’t sure we would actually make it there and back without a emergency.  Not only did we go, no one was lost, no one got hurt, no one started any arguments, and all 120 kids got back to Legacy Schools in one piece. We saw tortoise’s, 2 crocodiles (Nile River no less) and artifacts from Kenya’s history. The kids even got to go into a traditional home of 1st wife and 2nd wife. For lunch they all got to drink a soda, Fanta Orange (yuck) and 3 slices of bread (doesn’t that sound yummy?) Me, I drank a coke. 

The museum itself is part of the national Kenyan museum, but it’s not all that great of a museum. I do realize that my idea of a museum comes from being exposed to the museums in the Bay Area in California as a kid and a young adult, so my expectations of a visit to a museum is quite high. I did have a good time.  I got so close to a crocodile I was literally a foot from it. Now that was cool.  I got to hold one of the tortoises and I saw with my own eyes a black mamba snake. One bit from it and you die in 3 minutes, so they say. Some cool stuff there.  Next week on Friday I’m off to the Kitale Nature Reserve with the pre-unit and grade 1. Should be fun. (pre unit is basically Kindergarten).

Changing Weather

Feb 17

I do believe the weather here in Kenya is changing, or at least the summer is leaving and the fall is almost upon us. Well as far as fall can go this close to the equator. The equator is about 100km from here, so I’m not sure what the weather is suppose to be like in the fall here in Kitale.

Today I did some of my own wash. I just brought it all inside the house, and I asked Edna where the rest of my clothes are. She told me they are waiting to be ironed so I will look smart. I told her I wanted to Iron my clothes and she just flat out told me no. She actually told me no. I can’t believe it. I mean she told me no. I want to get it done so I have clothes to wear tomorrow, and we have power right now. Tomorrow night, Friday, I can guarantee that we won’t have power for a couple of hours if not more. 

I wish I had a gun cause I’d shoot those birds that make all the noise. Ibis I think they are called. All I know for sure is that they are extremely loud when they fly. Kenyan’s ask me if we have that same bird in America and I tell them NO Thank God! Then they laugh. 

Tomorrow is my visit to the Kitale Museum with the Baby Class. Not sure how many little ones will be going but I’m looking forward to the trip into town. 

From Where I Sit

Feb 16

From where I sit

Well, I’ve been in Kenya for almost 7 weeks. But I don’t think I’ve told anyone back home about where I am actually living.  Kitale Town is situated in north western Kenya.  It’s relatively small town compared to Eldoret and Nairobi. It’s basically a farming community where just about everyone has a few cows, chickens, and sheep. Charangany Hills are east of town and I can see them when I get up on the main road, I think it’s R-48 on maps, but the Kenyan’s call it Charangany Road.  Alice’s house is 3km from town. The property is about 60-70 acres in size and both Silas and Nelson live with their families. Nelson is married to Sarah and they have two boys, Owen and Ammon. Silas is married to Eunice and they have one boy Shannel.  There are other people living on the property and they rent some houses. I’m not sure how many people actually work for Alice.  

Christie is the maid in the house. She’s 23 and an Ugandan. She works hard here washing clothes, mopping floors, washing dishes, and everyone under the sun that needs to be done here. She’s a very sweet young woman. Edna is Alice’s daughter and she has a daughter, Michelle, who is most likely the most adorable little girl in Kenya. 

Between Christie and Edna I don’t need to do anything around the house. My clothes are washed and put back in my room. Everything here that is washed is ironed. I keep telling Edna and Christie not to iron my clothes, but they keep telling me I must look SMART, meaning neat. (when have I ever been neat?)  Now you’re thinking I’m getting off scott free. WRONG.  I pay Alice 4000ksh a month and I buy groceries at the market twice a month. It works out to be 10000ksh a month I think. Basically I pay out about $150.00 a month to be here. Not bad considering I don’t do my own laundry. When I leave to come back to the states, I’ll leave my MP3 player here and some clothes, mostly shoes I think, and I’ve purchased some things that Alice and Edna can use here in the house.

I work, well I can’t really call it working hehe at Legacy Schools teaching one English class a day and now I’m teaching literature at Kibomet Secondary School across the road from where I live.  I walk about one Kilometer to Legacy schools every morning and back. It’s funny too, because a lot of the time I come in contact with student’s from the public school as they are coming home or going to school. A lot of the time I end up with a dozen or so kids walking with me for a while. They all practice their English on me and I’m trying to get them to expand their vocabulary.

At Legacy school, the kids are great. Very respectful and smart. They are just like kids everywhere except here in Kenya they are very obedient and they do what they are told.  It’s so different from the States.

Evening without Power

Feb 15 Evening without Power

About every 2 days the power goes out here in Kenya, well in Kitale at least. You can just about set your clock to it too. I’m getting a little frusterated with the power issues because it just interfers with living life. Life here is difficult enough and then to have power issues just makes it more difficult. I don’t know how the Kenyan’s continue to deal with issues with things that should be no brainers. We just had problems with the water on this side of the road, whereas the north side of the road had no problems. Something is funny somewhere but I just don’t know where. 

This afternoon I went over to the high school and talked to the student’s for 90 minutes. I had a lot of fun and I think the kids did as well. They had some good questions and I think I gave them good answers, well my opinions at least.  I was honest with them as well, if I didn’t know the answer I told them so but I would try and find the answer out. I was even asked if I agreed with gay marriage, which totally surprised me to be asked that question. Anyway, I told them that personally I don’t care if a gay couple wants to marry.  The issue isn’t between me and them, but rather it’s between them and God! If the government can state that a gay couple can’t marry, what is to stop the same government from saying baptists can’t marry methodist or an Irishman can’t marry a German? Where does it stop? I think I answered it well and I think they understood. They also asked what country I liked better, America or Kenya. Today I honestly answered that I didn’t know. I miss home, my family, my friends, my dog (Kenyan’s really don’t get the whole pet thing) and my normal way of life. But on the other hand I love Kenya. It’s beautiful here. So I think it was a good turnout at the school and good questions were asked.

I was then asked if I would be willing to teach English at the high school. I said yes, but I don’t want to teach grammar.  I told them that if I student doesn’t have the whole grammar thing down by 9th grade, then they better start all over.  Besides I can’t stand grammar, it drives me nuts. So it looks like I’ll be teaching some literature and composition classes.  COOL I told them when I was available to teach and I’ll be meeting with the vice principle tomorrow at 10am.

One thing here in Kenya that I miss from home is a bookstore to go shop in. I’m not sure exactly what Kenyan’s do for reading for pleasure, but finding fiction around here is almost impossible. I wonder if there is a real book store in Nairobi someplace. There’s got to be, PLEASE LORD there has to be something. I believe I’m having Barnes and Noble withdraw symptons. 

I’ve decided that I’m definitely going on a Safari in April. I mean, I’m here in Kenya, there is no school in April so I’m making use of the opportunity and going on something I’ve dreamed about my whole life. Thank you Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.  I’m doing it!!! 

Tuesday Feb 15

Feb 15, 

Today is the funeral for the young man who died by being crushed by a tractor. I decided not to go to the funeral. Alice said that was OK and not to worry about it. Thank goodness I don’t have to go. It’s not something I really wanted to do today. 

Some historic stuff is happening here in East Africa. Southern Sudan became a seperate country from Sudan without a war which is amazing in itself. Then Uganda is in the middle of counting the election results and more than likely there will be a war but I’m told it won’t last long. The Kenyan government has told all Kenyan’s living in Uganda to return home until everything in Uganda settles down. Then I’ve heard that the border of Kenya and Uganda is being guarded by the Kenyan military. Apparently Ugandan’s are attempting to cross the border illegally, and Kenya doesn’t want them unless they have the proper papers. THEN Ethiopia is another problem and Ethiopian’s are crossing the border illegally and causing problems up near that border. Aren’t you all glad you live in the USofA? Can you imagine living in fear that a riot will break out in front of your house because of some idiot that gets elected. Yikes.

Today for breakfast we had mandazi which is basically a donut like thing that’s totally yummy.  With my usual 2 cups of Kenyan coffee breakfast was yummy, but then it usually is yummy. At least mandazi is way better than goat! I ate goat last night for dinner and I decided that I don’t like it at all. Not sure if it was the way it was cooked or what but I don’t like it. Then when I was on my way to school another shirt got caught in the barbed wire. UGGG  So far that’s 2 shirts caught on barbed wire and my Foxcroft pink shirt caught on the door handle and ripped the sleeve. UGG.  I tell ya, Kenya is hard on clothes.

In class today 2 boys were talking in the back, and I had previously told the class that I will embarrass whoever continues to talk.  Well, these boys pushed the wrong button today so I put both of them in seperate corners, nose and toes in corner, in front of the class. I figured it was better than caning them. Then after a bit and the class was working well on the assignment, I took both boys outside and spoke to them about being respectful to me.  I asked them am I disrepectful to them? They said no, so then I said then why are you being disrespectul to me.  They didn’t have an answer, which I didn’t think they would. So hopefully the class learned that when I say no talking, I mean it. 

Sunday after the Wedding

Feb 13 Sunday after the wedding

The wedding itself was very nice. Very different from the weddings I’ve seen in the States, but there are a few similarities. The wedding dress was like ours and the groom’s tux was basically the same, and the bridal party looked like they were all at an American wedding. That’s about it for the similarities. The differences are in the actual time that the ceremony took and the reception activities. The ceremony took about 2 hours 30 min. Little did I know that would be nothing compared to the reception. 

During the ceremony the same things happened, just in a different way. 

The Bridal Party was able to sit through most of the ceremony, and the Bride and Groom were able to sit after a bit as well. The ring ceremony was different. Both held up each others hand and put rings on the left hand, but what they said was different from “with this ring...” The candle lighting ceremony was done with both mothers lighting the smaller candles and then the groom and bride lit the unity candle. But they all went up together to light the candles at the same time. Right after that, the bride and groom signed the necessary documents and then the groom held the document up to show to everyone its the real deal. Then the pastor had his little sermon, but it lasted longer than I expected. OH and remember this was all in Swahili so I didn’t understand much at all. LOL.

I dodged that Bullet

Feb 11 pm

I dodged that bullet

I managed to not witness the butchering of the bull!! YEAH.... I just didn’t want to see it and I’m glad I missed it.  What I did today was take pictures of what was going on. What amazes me is the size of the knives the women use to peel potatoes, onions, and garlic.  They don’t use paring knives at all. They use big knives used for cutting up veggies or meat, and yet not one finger was cut today. Either the knives are dull as a door knob, or the women are very efficient in using the knives.

The Day Before

Feb 11

the Day Before

8:35am and all is well, sorta.  Turns out we have no water here at the farm. For some reason the water has been cut off for everyone on this side of the road. The water we have left is in the tank that comes directly into the house, so I’m not sure how much longer it will last. I just pray that I’ll be able to take a shower tomorrow. There is an upside to this, at least we have power, for the time being. 

We are getting ready for tomorrow and the big event of the summer season. We need to be at Muttai’s at 2pm and then we start peeling potatoes, and preparing the vegetables, and the men will butcher the chickens and the bull. I’m in charge of the gift tent, so for today I’ll be peeling potatoes and helping prepare the veggies. Tomorrow after the ceremony, I’ll be in the gift tent for most of the time. I’ll also be taking photos of the wedding. I want to put an album together for Sammy and Eve after I get home and then send it to them.

Here in Kenya there is an abundant supply of fresh fruit. Mango’s, papaya, and bananas are readily available and taste better than anything I’ve ever had in the states before. OH and I can’t forget avacados either.  They are served along with most meals and boy are they yummy. 

Well it’s time I get busy. I need to wash some clothes.  Here I go.

Crazy Busy Totally Awesome Day

Feb 10 am

Spaghetti Night

I was homesick so last night I cooked spaghetti with meat sauce. AH it tasted like home to me. YUMMY

Before we sat down to eat Alice was talking to a woman who lives on the property. The house in which she lives in isn’t suitable for humans but the lady has stayed even though Alice has told her the house isn’t safe. Now from what I understand the woman has been “selling” her daughters for mens entertainment. So last night Alice told the woman she has to leave. The woman told Alice she has no where else to go, and Alice said she has to leave, where it’s not her concern. I told Alice one way in which to get the lady to leave was to tear the house down. Take a tractor and bulldoze it to the ground. But I think Alice will go to the police and have them take the lady off of the land and then the house will be bulldozed. 

Later that same day.

After Alice and I got ready for our day:  We needed to go into town to pick up a few things and Alice needed to get her hair done for the wedding. Now we were going into town with Mary Muttai, but she got hung up at school and Rosalee wasn’t ready to go when we were, so Alice and I did the next best thing. We hitched a ride on motorbikes into town. For 50 bob each of us rode on the back of a motorbike down Cherangany Road. OH and NO we didn’t have helmets on or jackets.  But it was a great way to get into town quickly instead of waiting around for others to pick us up. 

Then today I had 2 marriage proposals!! Not to worry, I turned both of them down FLAT!  

We went to town to look for a basket, now it shouldn’t be difficult to find a basket, but apparently baskets aren’t a huge demand here in Kitale. It took us a while but we finally found one that suited me. We walked through an open air market, much like Saturday Market in Portland, only this one didn’t smell so nice. But it was definitely an interesting experience to say the least. I’ll never forget the tiny dried fishes laying on a mat on the ground. After the market, Alice went to get her hair done and I went as well so I could see where Alice would be, not that I really needed to see but it pleased her so I followed. After a while Rosalee and me left and went over to the GigaMart to see if they had a 3V CR2032 battery, which they didn’t. So there we walked to the GUAM Market where I knew I could get the battery. Once there I picked up 4 so I would have enough for my book like. When the power goes out I use it to get around the house, so I thought it important to have backup batteries. 

Once that was accomplished we met with Rosalee’s husband, whom I called Mr. Bishop, when in fact he’s not MR Bishop, he’s a BISHOP in the AIC church here in Kenya. Silly me.  Anyway he bought Rosalee and me lunch (Alice was still getting her hair done) While we were sitting up on the terrace a truck drove by and it had guys dress in stripped shirts and pants, black and while stripes too!! YES, prisoners being transported to somewhere to do something, and I didn’t have my camera. DARN.

Then it was time to head back towards home and to Muttai’s place.  The tents are almost all set up and we had a big ole meeting. The men were there this time as well, and they were discussing who is butchering the bull, chickens, and etc. I have no idea what was said during the meeting since it was again in Swahili and no one translated for me. But I think I got the gist of what is going on. 

After the meeting ended, I ended up talking to 7 guys. Only one of them was married.  hehe. Anyway here these guys are all single, elligable and simply adorable and here I am 52 over the hill.. RATS!! OH well it was fun talking to them. Then they escorted me up to the kitchen at school so I could meet up with Alice. It was really nice to have 6 single adorable guys walk me up to the kitchen. That has never happened to me before. Here in Kenya, it’s the right thing to do to escort a woman to a place.  Then when I got to the kitchen I couldn’t find Alice so I went back down to the tents, then Alice called me and said she was at the kitchen where I just was. UGG. So I walked back up and a young man walked with me. I tell ya, these guys are so darn nice. Well I finally found Alice and Mary Muttai and they talked for a bit and then Silas (Alice’s son) came and picked us up with the car.

Finally got home and I’m ready to hit the hay!!!

Saddnes

Feb 9

A Sad Day

Today is a sad day for this community. A young man was driving a tractor and it began to flip over, he tried to jump free, but he was caught by the left rear wheel. He was crushed and died instantly.  Tractors are constantly driving up and down the roads, it’s a wonder more people aren’t hurt or killed around here. Safety seems to be of no concern either, especially when you see guys riding on the tongue of the tractor that’s pulling a huge trailer. Today I saw a large Lorry (18 wheeler truck) barreling down the road and in the trailer there were about 10 guys and all I thought was how dangerous that is. But then again it is Kenya and safety isn’t the first thought on the minds of Kenyan’s.

On to other things. I found out today that there is no school on Friday because of the wedding. I believe the bride has arrived today or will shortly, and the groom will arrive tomorrow sometime in the afternoon. The chairs arrived this morning and were being cleaned all afternoon by a small army of men. The tents will be here tomorrow and will get put up on Friday morning. The florist will then start to decorate the church, reception areas, and the cars. YES it’s a huge deal here in Kenya.  I’m not exactly sure what I’ll be doing Friday, but I know I’ll be busy. I just need to get stuff done for my classes tomorrow and then I’m free to work on the wedding. 

I’ll be honest here. I’m homesick. I miss home, I miss my bed, I miss my pillow, I miss my 50” TV, I miss my truck, I miss hanging with Vee and laughing together, I miss Brodie and Rocky, I miss my neighbors and the conversations I have with them. I miss the way the sun looks at sunset on Mt Hood in the winter.  I miss going out to eat dinner or lunch, I miss taking a long hot shower and not worrying about whether or not I’m using up the hot water. I miss coffee milkshakes from Baskin Robbin’s, and Fred Meyers (I always find everything at Fred Meyers). Man I miss home, but mostly I miss my family, Robi, Drew, Jocelyn, Madelyn, and Miles. YEP I’m homesick.

Form 1-4

Feb 8

AIC Secondary School (Form 1-4)

Today after I taught my 7th graders I walked back home and then went over to the high school that is attached to the church. I went over to check out the school and to see what was going on over there. Well, I was impressed at the school, teachers, and the students. I spoke with the principle and he’s going to arrange for me to come and speak with the student’s and maybe even teach a little bit.  I told him to work out a schedule that would work for the school and not infringe on any quality teaching time with the student’s.  I can’t wait to visit the school again and speak to the student’s. OH Form 1-4 is basically high school like grades 9-12.  This school has a chemistry lab of all things! That I didn’t expect at all. I was shocked and extremely pleased with the level of teaching going on there. Just goes to show you how much I don’t know about education in Kenya. LOL

I tried to find Pastor Kibet, but I couldn’t find him anywhere around. I guess I’ll just have to connect with him another time. In the mean time I’ll try and contact Kent and see if he can help me out. I’m sure he can, if anyone knows music it’s Kent.

Preperations continue as the big day approaches

Feb 7

Prep goes on

Today we continued with preperations for the wedding. Women all gathered at the Muttai’s home, and today there were a lot of them there. I have absolutely no idea what was decided because the entire conversation was in Swahili and I only understand a handful of phrases and words. So basically I’m in the cold as to what was decided. I know some money changed hands and I think it’s for a gift for the couple, but please don’t quote me on that until I confirm this information. Alice was at the meeting but she left to go gather more cooking pots from people around the community. She went with Steve Muttai and when the meeting was over I told Mary Muttai that I was going to walk home. Well, apparently walking home alone is not something that is done in Kenya if you can help it. So I walked home with a few other women.  Two of them have been to America several times, so we had something to talk about. 

The sunset today was spectacular. All different shades of red, orange and a hint of purple. Totally magnificiant. I’m so glad I was able to see it tonight. I wish I had my camera, but I left it at home when I left the house this morning.

One thing about Kenya I’m not sure many people know, and that is the night sky is so awesome.  Stars just litter the sky and last night I could see part of the Milkyway. I was simply amazed. With no city lights and being about 5km from town makes the sky pop out at night. I only wish I knew the stars and which was what. 

Another thing about Kenya is the whole power thing.  The power goes out for a few hours almost everyday. Not actually every darn day but close enough.  Next time I go to town I’ll be purchasing a battery powered lantern that I saw on Saturday. I know there must be oil lanterns around somewhere but I haven’t seen them in the store.

Other than the power going out, life here in Kenya continues to roll on down the road. Tomorrow after I teach I’m going to go talk to Pastor Fred Kibet. I want to talk to him about worship and if I could get some music and lyrics maybe we could sing some of the songs I’m familiar with sometime.  I think he’ll go for it because he now has an English speaking service at 8am. Wish me luck.

A Celebration for Silas

A Celebration

Feb 6

Last night we all went over to Silas and Eunice’s house to celebrate Silas’s new full time job with Kenya Power.  Silas was a casual employee for 5 years and he finally received his papers for full time employment. Now in order to celebrate the occasion the family and others gathered to celebrate a thanksgiving for God’s unfailing provision.  We all came together and a praise song was sung in Swahili, and then we all spoke to Silas and Eunice about our hopes for them. I told them that the first thing they needed to do was to find a place to live and to find a church where they can fellowship.  After everyone spoke we finally ate dinner, now mind you it was 10pm when we dug into the food. AND yes the food was really good, although I didn’t eat a lot. 

Before we went over to Silas’s place I had no idea why we were going. When I saw Beatrice drive up, I was shocked because I know she’s busy working on her Master’s degree and spare time isn’t something she has a lot of.  That was when I thought something is up, but I didn’t know what it was. It was only after we were all sitting in the tiny living room that I was told why we were all there. I should get used to this or at least ask why we do something. Often I have no idea what we are doing, but there is a purpose or reason and I just haven’t been told. I’m beginning to think it’s just how Kenyan’s do things. I imagine that I’ll get used to it eventually, and then I’ll come home.LOL.

Sick in Kitale

Sunday Feb 6,

Sick in Kitale

Saturday began like I thought it would. Isaac came and took me into town and found a bookshop that had all sorts of books, and then we went to the market to get groceries. Then I wanted to get a basket for the wedding gift. You would think I could find a basket in Africa, right?  UMM NO there are no baskets to be found here in Kitale. I think it’s rather ODD but then again nothing should surprise me here in Kenya. Hopefully I’ll find one before Saturday.  After we got home I put stuff away and then Edna fixed lunch for us. 

Well, we had kadari which is basically maize and beans.  2 hours later I was wishing for either death or the pain in my stomach to go away.  Turns out after puking 5 times, and feeling the side effects of being sick, Alice wanted to take me to the hospital.  I didn’t want to go simply because of how much would it cost me etc. Needless to say I didn’t go and waited the illness to pass. Thankfully it did and Sunday morning I woke up feeling a lot better. This is a first for me, being sick in a foreign country. Alice, Edna, and Christie took very good care of me. I’ll not be eating Kadari again for a long time. LOL

I didn’t go to church today either and I found out that everyone was asking where the mzungo was. (where was the white person) It’s nice having people ask about you when you aren’t at church. Then at Lunch time, Pastor came over, as he usually does, and he inquired about if I was feeling better. Thankfully I am and we had a wonderful conversation. I truly admire this young man.  He’s a man of God and wants nothing more than to serve the people of this community. You can’t ask for a better pastor than that, now could you?

Cane

Feb 4, 2011

Cane

Today I got to school later than I hoped but I was on time for my class. But what bothered me today about school is that a couple of boys were caned, meaning they got their butts wacked with a stick. I’m not exactly sure what they did that got them in trouble, but it must have been good because this isn’t something that happens a lot here at the school.  I must admit it really bothered me. I almost left the classroom and went to see why it was happening. I know it’s a cultural thing here and obedience is a must but for the life of me I don’t know if anything is worth being caned for. I’m going to try and find out what really happened next week. I’ll ask Richard, the man I co-teach with, and see if he knows what happened.

Well that being said, before school I was hungry so I went to Alice’s shop and bought some chips and a soda. Now so you know, Chips are french fries. I don’t know about anyone else but I like to have Ketchup with my chips, however the ketchup here is not ketchup at all. Here they consider tomato sauce ketchup. Frankly it’s discusting and it has no flavor except for tomato. So the first time I went to the market, I saw Heines Katchup on the shelf, needless to say I bought it right away. I am so glad I did. Not that I have chips everyday, but when I do at least they taste somewhat like home. 

OH I found a TV station that has some American shows on at various times during the day. Unfortunately none of the shows are what I watch regularly so that sucks, but at least I can view American TV when I want.

School DAZE Feb 4th

School DAZE

Yesterday at school they read the marks of the students and the student’s who received marks above 400 came to the front of the dinning hall and stood before the 4th - 8th graders. At the end I got to address the student’s and I basically told them that I thought that Legacy Schools could be one of the top schools in Kenya, not just the district. I felt odd being asked to speak. I’m just a teacher there and I’m having a lot of fun doing what I’m doing. Today I had my student’s do a Quick Write in both 7th and 8th grades. At first they did not understand what I wanted them to do. But after I did it they got it. Then I had them read what they wrote out-loud to the class. My goal is getting their speaking efficientcy higher. Not sure how this will work, but it’s worth the try.

Today in school I met a parent of 2 student’s one in 3rd grade and one in 6th grade. When ever a parent comes the staff wants me to greet them.  I think I’m a novelity at the school. I’m not sure how many teachers the school has had from America. 

OH today at lunch we had one of my favorites. Rice with a meat stew. Now here in Kenya it’s not exactly what you might think.  When they cook the meat they first cut it up, but they also cut the bones and the bones cook with the meat. Many Kenyan’s like the bone and they chew the meat off of it. Me I like my meat boneless, but when you eat it you need to be careful because there are bone fragments in the stew and if you bite hard enough you can break a tooth. I’m praying I don’t do that.

After school I went over to Legacy station (gas station) and bought a soda. Here in Africa, Coca Cola makes a drink called Stoney and it’s like a ginger ale but stronger. It’s really good and it has a peppery after taste to it. Definitely very different, but I like it. There is also a drink called Krest and it’s a bitter lemon type drink that I really like as well.  So today I bought a Krest and sat in the Gazebo and drank my Krest. There was a couple of men there, Paul who I met yesterday and a neighbor of Alice’s and for the life of me I can’t remember his name. Both men were very nice and the other guy asked me all kinds of questions about where I live, where I’ve been, what my degree was, and everything in between. I had a great conversation with both guys. 

On the way home it started to rain, but fortunately it didn’t rain hard, just a light sprinkling so I didn’t get wet. When I got home, no one was here which isn’t unusual. I got inside the house, unlocked my door and took off my socks. I had already taken my shoes off before I entered the house. I took some time to kick back and then Edna came home and we made tea together. We had a guest too. Her name is Nelly and she’s probably 8 or 9. Shy as all get out. But she sat there with us and drank her tea and ate grilled tomato and cheese sandwich pieces. She didn’t say a word, but she ate and when she came back I said Hi Nelly and she smiled. YEP made my day!

WOW this is so cool!! Silas Kosgei just stopped by. Now he doesn’t do that often and he has some awesome news.  He is now a full time employee of Kenya Power!!! He has been transferred to Mombassa on the coast and he’ll be moving soon.  His wife Eunice is in school, so she’ll stay here and finish the semester and then move to Mombassa to be with Silas. This is so great. Silas has been a casual employee for 5 years so this promotion is a huge blessing.  YEAH

Confrontation

The confrontation with the Idiot

Well it happened yesterday. I was on my out the door to go to school and he came walking up to me smiling like he was the Prince of Theives (I’m funny). So I said to him, “What the hell do you want?” He just stood there and didn’t say a word. Then I asked him, “Why did you steal from me? Why? You took KSH 1000 from me.” He immediately denied it.  Then I told him, “you are a lying thief, nothing but a scum-bucket.” He said again he didn’t do it and then I hit him with a big one (no not literally). 

I then told him, “OH then how can you explain that you were seen walking down the hall and enter my room and seen coming out? Then how can you explain where you got a KSH1000 note to exchange down at Legacy Service station?” And then I said, “I can’t believe it, you said you were my friend! Friends don’t steal from friends! What did I do to you? I was nice to you and talked to you like I do everybody else, and yet you go and steal from me!” And then I said, “well you are no friend of mine, you are nothing but a lousy thief, and you aren’t even good at it.  I want nothing to do with you ever again.” Then he said he was sorry, and please forgive him. OK this is where I had to draw a distinct line. I told him NO I will not forgive him. I wanted my money back and then I’ll think about forgiving him! Now I know you all will think I didn’t show him any grace and well that’s true. However, there is a reason to my madness. 

This young man has been stealing from others for a long time, and this is what Alice said. She also told me he’s taken money from Edna (KSH3000) and Timothy. He’s taken shoes and socks without asking and then he lies about having permission. When the owner of the shoes and socks is asked, “did you give him permission to take those items?” Then answer is NO.  Up until this point this young man has basically gotten away with stealing from the hands that give him a place to live and food to eat. He gets paid from Alice for working for her, and he continues to steal from others. 

For me to confront him and rightfully accuse him told him that he can no longer steal from others without consequences. Now he has to face the consequences of his actions. He now knows if he steals he’ll get caught and then he’ll really suffer for his actions. Alice was going to take him to the police station across the road, but I don’t think she did that yet. Last night she basically told him to leave and never come back, he is not wanted here any more! 

Is he still here on the farm? I have no clue. He probably still is, but I know he’s leaving because Alice has had it with him. Edna heard every word I said to him yesterday, and she said I did the right thing when it came to him. She said that he needs to learn that people will no longer put up with a thief.

So there you have it. I believe I did the right thing, Nelson, Alice, and Edna believe I did the right thing. But you know what’s funny, well not funny really, but sad. He can’t read, he never went to school because his mother never bothered to send him. I was willing to teach him to read, and I told him that about a week after I got here. Now he’ll never get that chance because of his stealing. That’s why I call him an Idiot. Not because he can’t read, but because he threw away his chance to learn to read. Only an idiot would do that!

The Idiot is Back

The Idiot

Well I found out this am that the idiot is back. OH wait you might not know who that is. Well, the Idiot is the guy who took 1000 KSH from me out of my room while I was not at home. I haven’t seen him yet, but then again I don’t need to be at school until 2pm.  OH and no one needs to be worried that I might be to hard on him. This guy needs to fear Alice way more than me. 

Gifts Feb 2

Gifts

   The whole idea of gifts here in Kenya is so different than America. In America when we think of a gift we think about things you could use but not necessarily use. You know what I mean? Things like glasses, a pot or pan, stacking baskets, or even a plastic chair aren’t something we, as American’s don’t think of when we want to give a gift. BUT here in Africa people just think differently. At a recent gathering of the teachers at Legacy Schools there were gifts given to all of the staff. Now I had no idea what to expect, but I knew the gifts weren’t going to be gift cards to Olive Garden. The gifts were everyday items that are constantly needed in the African home. Sets of glasses, pots for cooking, stacking baskets, blankets, coffee mugs, and a chair were the gifts and everyone was glad to get something. 

  African’s aren’t a group of people who even try to keep up with the Jones’. They aren’t concerned what they might have, but rather they are thankful for what they do have. I think that’s something we American’s are lacking in. Many of us want to keep up with our neighbors, friends, and relatives. We want the nice car, furniture, house, clothes, and lets not forget the ability to go out to eat whenever we want. That is so NOT how the Kenyan’s think here in Kitale.  Just having a roof over their heads is something that many many Kenyan’s are thankful for. There are people here who live in mud houses, but it’s not what you might think either. Don’t think a mud house is dirty, but it’s far from the truth. Everything is in it’s place and everything has a place to be. From what I’ve seen firsthand is awe inspiring. And to look at many Kenyan’s here you would think they live in a very nice environment simply because how they dress. People here dress very well. Everything is clean and ironed. To look at them you would not even guess they live in a mud house. Can you imagine being content in your life that not having a car or brick house doesn’t matter to you? As American’s I think often we lack in the contentment catagory in our lives. OH we say we are content, but if that is so, why do we look at the ads and gaze over the 52” TV’s? Then why do we always want the new model of our favorite car, or even wish we had that brand spankin’ new 2011 Chevy Camaro with a manual transmission, and loaded to the gills. I hate to admit it but I’m guilty of that one. 

  When you think about getting a wedding gift for a couple what do you think about? China, stemware, items for the kitchen or household. Well the same is almost true here in Kenya, except for the China and stemware. So as the wedding of Sammy and Eve approaches I know I need to get a gift, but what? That’s my problem. What do I get them? I’ve thought about it and contemplated what would be appropriate and yet also needed in their home. So here’s my idea. I personally think it’s a great idea and I don’t think it’s ever been done here in Kenya or Africa for that matter. I’m going to buy a beautiful basket and then fill that basket with stuff Sammy and Eve can use, like tea, instant coffee, salt, sugar, rice, beans, oven mitts, glasses, a small tea pot, sugar bowl, and misc stuff that would fit in the basket. All the stuff that a couple can use in their home. I think it’s a great idea, and Alice tells me she’s never seen anything like it in Kenya before. So this Saturday I’m off to Kitale Town to purchase the items for the wedding gift for Sammy and Eve.