ABO, Avacados, and Running Shoes

I am sorry that it has been so long since my last blog. The internet here in Machakos is really slow and as I type, its 10:40pm. That is the best time to do internet because all of the sane people are sleeping. However, I am not here alone, there are a few others that have bit the bullet with me and drudged over here to be faithful in emails and blogs.

This time at ABO, I've been having an awesome time with the kids and with fellow AIMers. I haven't been sick once-- praise God-- and I have been running almost everyday and I finally got my stride back (runners know what I'm taking about). For the past year, I have felt like my stride disappeared and the one of an old man took its place, but here in Machakos (with high elevation), I have regained my running stride! Yay! Also, it helps that my new found friend Erica is running with me faithfuly everyday and hasn't quit on me yet when I sneak in a few extra steps to our routine. ;)

Here, I have made new friends and hate to leave them. I know that my friends and family at home are anxiously awaiting my arrival, but its hard to think that in a week, I will be back in the U.S. and starting my new life in grad school. The thought of starting a new/old life does not sound appealing now that I have just got in my groove here. I can possibly see Nairobi as a valid plan for after grad school, counseling at Tumaini. My thoughts on training nationals with counseling skills to counsel their own people within their cultural context is also a future plan that would coincide with counseling missionaries. I have seen how both are vital.

Also at this ABO, I have been able to participate in some things that I didn't do last time. For example, I was invited to give the sermon at an all boys school last sunday and I rapped at the beginning of the sermon-- completely impromptu-- because all the boys had just finished rapping. So I thought the best way to get them to listen would be to start off rapping (to the tune of "ice,ice, baby" by Vanilla Ice), and then I gave a talk about being salt and light and not losing your saltiness. The boys loved it and all cheered at the end (of the rap). I have it on video and will upload it to this posting in a week or so when the internet is better. I also hope to put some great pics on here too, but the internet will not allow for that right now. Maybe when I get back to Nairobi.

Today, I went on a scavenger hunt with fellow AIMers. We had to get to Machakos town by boda (bicycle taxi), tuk tuk (3-wheeled golf cart-like taxi), or by foot, and then answer questions on a list by building relational skills with the local people. My group members and I, Erica and Sarah (my other new-found friend)went around town and had a lot of fun getting to know people. We even filmed a video of us dancing with an old Bebe(grandma) and a mama whom I bought baskets from. Erica saw this random wasboard-like instrument at their stand and asked how to use it, and the next thing you know 2 of us have tamorines, Sarah has maracas, and Erica is going to town playing the wooden washboard/shaker combo. Hopefully, that video will also be uploaded soon. One of the prizes for the contest was most relational-- I'm pretty sure we will win that one!

Well, that is all for now and I hope to add lots of fun pictures from all the adventures I've had here in Machakos this ABO. I will leave you with one fun story though:

Today Sarah, Erica, and I were laying in the grass outside the kitchen window when suddenly something flew from the sky, denting Erica's head. At first we looked up and saw a German woman peering out the window and blamed her, but then our DIRECTOR, Loren Fast, looking sheepishly out the window,admitted to the attack. Erica looked around for the blunt object. It was an overly ripe AVACADO! Qucikly, Erica picked it up and hurled it towards the kitchen window. Loren grabbed its remains and through it towards the unsuspecting ME still laying on the blanket in the grass. I was GUACAMOLED!! My entire jacket was covered in green avacodo-e slime and so was my kanga (blanket/wrap). Sarah got a bit on her but was no worse for the wear. We laughed like crazy as I layed there trying not to spread the mess any further as my friends came to my side. Loren came out of the bulding laughing and offered to pay for my laundry, but I refused. Anyway, fun was had by all and now I have a great story for my blog and a picture to boot.

This ABO time has been a great ending to my year in Africa.
Take care until next time.

Nairobi safari and Giraffe park

Last Saturday my bowie-friend, Sybilla, her husband Vic, and I went to the Nairobi National Park for a game drive. They picked me up in a SUV stocked with American potato chips and grahm crackers-- yum. Nothing says safari-drive like munchin' on some salt n' vinegar chips and looking at a herd of zebra. heh
At the park, we saw zebra, wildebeest, eland, t.Gazelle, giraffe, baboons, and vervit monkeys. One of the best events of the park was when we stopped for a toilet break and two baboons and their baby (hooked to the mamma)were right outside the vehicle. Sybilla had already gone outside the vehicle when Vic spotted the primate couple. .

Vic tried to keep the baboons on one side of the vehicle using carrots so that they would not attack Sybilla. At one point the male baboon charged us and jumped up into the window sill. He was hanging on by his hands and Vic started yelling random noises at it until it backed down. It was pretty scary-- and funny. Then I gave Vic his asp from the front seat so he could show the baboons who's king of the jungle. However, at one point the male jumped onto the hood of the car and then onto the roof. We could see his feet and bum walking over the sun roof. Fortunately I caught that moment on camera. When the baboon jumped off the vehicle, we kept it at bay until Sybilla could make a sprint for the vehicle and get in safely. (For those who don't realize this, but baboons have very sharp teeth and are agressive).
We laughed about that for a bit as we drove on to see the alleged hippos in the hippo pool. There, at the entrance to the hippo pool, there were the cutest vervit monkeys and some of them had little babies attached to their bellies.
We took an armed guide along the trail to the hippo pool, but none were to be seen that day. It was a nice walk though and we were able to see some hippo dung as evidence of their existence.

After driving around a bit more and seeing the above mentioned animals, we left the park and went out to Karen for lunch. We ate at a place called Talisman, which I totally recommend if you are in Nairobi because the place is beautiful and the food is excellent. They even served me my coffee in a french press with steamed milk on the side. Now, that is a good place when they know how to make good coffee!

After lunch we went to the Giraffe Park to feed them. There, they give you food and the giraffe roll out their long slimy tongues and take their food from you. Its really fun and cute, but also pretty gross. Your hand is left all slimy and sticky at the end of it all. My coordinator told me that some people put the food pellet in their lips and make the giraffe kiss them. EWW GROSS! I did not see anyone do that and I am better for it! All in all, the giraffe park was nice to enjoy. For those who are visiting Nairobi, one can stay in the Giraffe Manor where the giraffe peek their long neck and head into your bedroom window as a morning wake-up call. I have only seen the brochures, but it looks like fun.

So last weekend was fun and all week I have been helping Carolyn with the preparation for ABO (orientation). Except for Monday, when I had to go to the doctors because I had the worst night ever and woke up sick as a dog. I had been sorta sick since Friday (probably picked up the bacteria in Nakuru), but the worst of it all was Monday. I had to drop off a little **cough** sample and get it tested.
So, in the end, I found out that I had some bad strain for a bacterial infection and they gave me an injection in my rear for the horrible, skull-bashing pain I had in my head, and another injection for the bacteria. Then, on top of the doctor's bill and lab fee, I had to pay $50 in meds to fight this sucker off.

Now I feel great and hope not to have a repeat during ABO for the next 3 weeks. I promised Carolyn that I would not get sick this time. We have 9 kids to entertain with Africa trivia and 1 man down could be disasterous. Please pray that none of us gets sick while in Machakos. I will be posting from there.

HIV and Children's Conference in Nakuru

Well I am back from Nakuru safe and sound. The conference was interesting and I was able to network with people who work in children's ministries and AIDS ministries.
While I was there, I also continued helping Carolyn as her personal assistant. Anything that needed to be done, I was there. Right down to using my running hat as the staff tip jar at the end of the conference.

At the conference we visited Hope For Life , which is a center for people who are affected by HIV, that was started by a Kenyan woman named Josephine, and is assisted by 2 AIM missionaries-- Josephine is one of the most dedicated and hard-working women I have met. Most of the people there are moms, and grandmas who are the caretakers of children who have lost their parents to HIV. Some of the women are also infected with HIV. At the center, the women are taught practical skills such as sewing, painting, and beading (jewelry, key chains, etc.).

The children who come to the center, come for lunch in between the school day.
They also have Bible teaching while they are there and learn fun songs and dances.
While we were there, we saw the different crafts and also watched the women sing and
dance, while we ate the lunch they prepared; and then the children sang and danced for us-- first the older kids, and then the younger ones. They were, of course, so cute!

Now that I am back in Nairobi, Carolyn and I will get cracking on preparing for the July orientation school. We have a busy couple of weeks ahead of us! However, I am taking a little break tomorrow, as my fellow Bowieite, her husband, and I will be driving through the National Park to see some animals, and then on to the Giraffe Park, where you get to feed the giraffes while standing on a high platform.

By the way, the Scotlands, who I was with in Ikotos, gave birth to their second son, Aiden Lawrence, on Father's Day (last Sunday)! Mom and baby are doing well, and Calum is said to be helping as much as he can.

Nairobi

It has been about two weeks since my last blog, so I thought I'd update you on the goings-on of me in Nairobi. As of Monday morning, before the crack of dawn, Veronica, my sister left Kenyatta airport after spending a week with me.
We went to the elephant orphanage where she was so in love with the baby elephants that she adopted one--some people adopt Kenyan children, and others-- elephants. geesh. The elephants were orphaned due to ivory poachers who have killed the mother. A team goes out into the bush looking for these abandoned baby elephants and brings them to Nairobi to restore their health and eventually ease them back into the wild.
We also went on a Safari walk (others call it a zoo) where we saw pygmy hippos, leopards, and got to pet a cheetah!

Today I received word that Veronica is safe back in Bowie after her long European/Nairobi tour. It was great having her here-- in the Motherland. :)

Yesterday I met with a fellow Bowie-ite who works in Nairobi. We have a mutual friend from Trinity Lutheran and weird enough, my mattress is currently residing in her house with the church members who are renting the place. We also have a marathon connection, and got to talk about the craziness of running on Ngong road. By the way, after the first day of running on Ngong road (one of the busiest roads) I felt as if I had emphazyma from the pollution. Although, today I only ran on Ngong road for the first 15 minutes and transferred myself to the less busy parallel road which has a wonderfully humongous hill. Anyway, it was a nice lunch at Java House yesterday!

Speaking of Bowie, while my sister was here I laughed with her about how much great training I had for coming here by living in Bowie. Anything that happens slowly here or goes wrong, I just think, "what's so weird about that?" I mean, in Bowie I have had to leave the movies because the projector caught on fire. The traffic, pollution, loud rap music playing in a place of business...just as much P.G. County as it is Africa. Heh, those from Bowie are laughing right now and those who aren't your really missing out.


On Monday I will go down to Nukuru for the AIDS and Children's conference. It's theme: Knowing God's Heart for the Least, Last, and the Lost. I made a wild and crazy banner out of African print fabric for the main hall. Carolyn has got me manning all things crafty. Rhonda and Sonya, sorry, I have become Martha Stewart instead of Andy Warhol. The funny thing is that I'm not really crafty at all. I stink at crafty-- that's why I had to quit graphic design and go into painting. Its okay though, I think the banner and the name tags look great. Next stop power points and paper animal chains. ha ha...oh brother.


I'm interested in the workshops for the confrence. There will be a counselor speaking on child resiliency for traumatic events like family members having AIDS. The participants and speakers are those who either work with AIDS patients and/or work with children. The overlap is so great here.

So that is all for now. You know now that I'm NOT taking an extended vacation until July. I think I have adjusted to Nairobi life, but I still miss my girls back in Ikotos a lot. Via Skype, I can communicate with one of my friends from an NGO there and she relays messages to Madeline at the borehole in the morning. The first thing I will do when I get home is figure out a way for her and Amuna to get school fees for secondary school. Madeline still has one more year, but both of them will need money to get to Uganda to sit for their primary 7 exit exams before going into secondary school. One snag, even if I do have donors, is how to get the money to them. I think I have an idea though, so if you're interested, I'll keep you posted about that.

Have a great week and pray for me because I have a wee cold. Thanks.

Saying Good-bye

“Be wala, be wala, be wala nuru ta Yesu, be wala”
“Shine, shine, shine the light of Jesus, shine”

That is what we sang as the four of us walked down the sandy road towards the airstrip. Arm-in-arm, Madeline, me, Amuna, and Lydia—-Black, white, black, white was the pattern on the outside, but on the inside was a uniform feeling of love for one another and sadness in departure. We were walking Lydia to the airstrip, as she was the first to leave last Thursday. We had our friend C.W., from one of the NGOs, drive Lydia’s luggage to the airstrip as we walked there for the last time. Us girls sang choruses from the youth choir as we walked to ease the tension and to bring joy in our hearts.

Lydia’s plane was late, so we told C.W. to just drop us so that he could resume his work. We sat under a tree waiting for the plane for an hour and a half. It wasn’t so bad though, because it gave us more time to laugh and talk and sing once more. My plane was to come at 1:00 and Lydia’s 10:30, but as Lydia’s plane delayed in coming, the tension rose a bit because I still had some last minute things to do at the house. At 12, I decided that I’d better go, and to leave Amuna and Madeline to say good-bye to Lydia. Just as we were saying our good-byes, we could hear the sound of the plane. After getting Lydia on the plane, Amuna, Madeline, and I waited awhile to see her off the ground, but the plane took long in taking off, so we had to go. Madeline, Amuna, and my little pre-school friend Ingerim ran to the house to do some sweeping and to dry the dishes to be put away, while I ran to the market to collect a balance I had with the bread lady and give it to a shopkeeper of whom I owed money. The bread lady had no change as usual so she gave me a bun instead. Then, I ran back home to help in the preparation to leave—it was 12:40. C.W. was expected to come at this time, but I was not ready. I had no time to think about feeling sad as I handed C.W. my bags and locked all the doors. I gave Amuna and Madeline most of my dishes and other things like spices that they threw into boxes to take home. They gave the boxes to Ingerim, and another pre-school orphan named Latébus to take them to the house. It was then that I realized that I may never see Ingerim again, so I said good-bye to her and told her that I won’t forget her.
It was just that morning that the two of us walked hand-in-hand as we moved towards the river to take pictures. She had seen me walking back from the airstrip after sunrise and ran towards me so that I would not overlook her. She is so cute and small, and as we walked I wondered who would watch over her to make sure that she eats everyday, and that she goes through school, and that she grows to be a leader like I see her now.

Instead of singing and walking, this time we hopped in the car and drove off to the airstrip. Madeline, Amuna, and I could not sing this time, for we couldn’t even talk. All of us were too sad at the thought of leaving each other. Madeline put her head in my lap and Amuna turned her head towards the window to hide her face. We got to the airstrip and unloaded my luggage although the plane had not yet arrived. C.W. had to check on someone at the clinic so he left us for a bit and then returned. The plane was two hours late, which was okay with us because it gave us more time to talk. Although we didn’t talk much, we sat together quietly with intermitted speech. C.W. helped ease the tension by talking to Amuna and Madeline about the importance of staying in school. I was appreciative of C.W. because I could barely speak—-my time here in Ikotos had really come to an end already and I was about to leave my new friends behind.


The plane finally came and we put my luggage into the holds. I hugged C.W. and said good-bye and then walked over to Madeline and Amuna. Madeline lunged at me and then did Amuna. We held a tight, group hug for some minutes before pulling myself away towards the waiting pilot and passengers. With tears in my eyes I walked up the stairs to the plane and out of my Ikotos life. Leaving those girls was so hard. They have been my closest friends in Ikotos and, like Ingerim, who was going to watch out for them. Those two are older yes, and have a strong head on their shoulders, but I want to make sure they finish primary school and complete secondary. I don’t want anything to stand in the way of their dreams.

The plane started up as I looked out the window onto my waiving friends. They had their arms around each other. I waived back profusely with both hands, and then the plane took off down the dirt runway and I watched Ikotos disappear.

As I write, I am in Nairobi safe and sound. I had a great time in Loki with the Carpenter and Hildebrandt families as we celebrated Memorial Day on Sunday. We had a picnic, including “Jell-o,” water balloons, and baseball. I left Loki at 6:30a.m. yesterday and arrived to the frigid 70 degree Nairobi at 9a.m.. Even though I’m freezing here, I do enjoy doing things like grocery shopping.

I will keep you updated on my schedule in Kenya. The nearest thing on the calendar is my sister coming on the second of June and staying until the ninth. I'm greatly looking forward to her coming and want to hear all about her trip around Europe. Then, on the 16th, I head to Nukuru for a week-long conference on AIDS and Children. Thank you all for your love in support. (pre-school children in Ikotos)

Bricks, Hot Dogs, and RPGs

This week I am preparing to leave Ikotos and fly to Kenya. Last weekend Lydia and I held a good-bye fellowship at our house for the church and had a chance to let everyone know how much we love them even though we're leaving. Before I fly off to Kenya though, I want to give you a few stories from the week.

Last week Saturday the church youth group spent all day making bricks out of mud to build an office for themselves on the compound. They used our rain-water tank to make the mud and a wooden form to make the shape of the bricks.
They started early in the morning, up until the late afternoon. Now, I don't know how long you have been reading this blog, but back when I was still raising funds to come to Sudan, I wrote an entry called "bricks in the wall" talking about how in the book of Nehemiah all of God's people worked in unison to build the wall. I was reminded of that on Monday, when it began to rain and all of their hard work was about to be ruined. Everyone on the compound-- including myself and Lydia-- in unison ran to save the bricks. Though it was pouring down rain and we were soaked to the bone, we continued on, running back and forth to the empty hut so the bricks would dry. It was dark, and slippery, and one could only take one brick at a time because otherwise the bricks would break. However, we laughed and knew that we were doing this together. When I wrote that blog a year ago, who would have known that I would really be assisting with brick production, eh? Both Saturday and Monday were beautiful examples of oneness in spiritThe following friday, was the 16th May, the commemoration day of the SPLA. Here in Ikotos, beginning at 6:00 a.m. the SPLA fired off RPGs to kick off the celebration. Fortunately I remembered Jordan telling me a story about it from last year, so I wasn't scared. After my special alarm for the day, I got up and went running. While on my run I could swear I smelled hot dogs on the grill, but what it probably was, was lovely goat meat with the hair still attached. I don't eat meat anyway, yet it was still fun to think of hot dogs on Independence day!

Later in the morning, someone on a loud speaker announced through town to come to the celebration and listen to the speakers. Lydia and I went around noon to check things out. When we arrived, the AIC choir was singing for some people under a tent and then the SPLA had a small marching display. The sun was way too hot to stand out in the middle of town for long, so along with some of our friends, we sat under the awning of a shop and watched from afar. The celebration wasn't ultra eventful, however I enjoyed celebrating with my fellow townsmen.


That evening was mine and Lydia's farewell fellowship for the church. Every weeks someone from church volunteers to hold fellowship at their house and so this was ours. Before fellowship, Lydia and I popped a ton of popcorn and wrapped each portion in a curled piece of paper like at a county fair. After singing and a brief message we handed it out and everyone was excited to try this new, fun food. Some people, who have been in Kampala or even Torit, know about popcorn, but for those who never leave home, this was new.

Not as many people showed up as I had hoped though. It seems that the celebration took the spotlight, as well as other domestic obligations. Some visitors from afar had come, therefore requiring the attention of the women for cooking.
At least we all had fun and there was enough people to take a group photo for the Bowie Blade, my local newspaper, with me holding the front cover of the Valentine's Day edition(our newspaper then will put the picture in the travel section).

At church the following Sunday, I was able to see those who did not attend Friday's fellowship. It was nice to have a chance to say good-bye properly.

For the past 3 weeks Lydia and I have been singing in the youth choir. We sing in the youth choir because the choices are: Children's Sunday School Choir, Youth Choir, and the Women of Good News; and since I do not yet have a child, I am not considered a woman, therefore placing me in the category of youth. Its ok though, because all the women my age are married with children and so I have connected more with the 16 and 17 year olds.


This past Sunday was extra fun because while the Children's choir sang, I did the traditional applause of a Sudanese woman and ran up to the children with flowers howeling and yelling "hallelujah, hallelujah, Sunday School!" as I threw flowers on their heads. I had been planning to do this for forever, but was always too timid to do it. With nothing to lose, I let loose. Then, after singing with the youth, the Women of Good News were only 2 this Sunday, so after throwing flowers on them as well, I joined them up front singing. Everyone laughed and we had a good time.
I will really miss singing and dancing with my church friends.

I'd like to note that I'm adding a photo from Saturday's choir practice, of a .
beautiful double rainbow, which was a symbol of peace and comfort during this time of leaving

Church in Ikotos is lively and long. We officially start at 9:30, but actually begin at 10:00, when people arrive. The men and some women sit in chairs on the left side of the building, while the children and some of the youth and mothers sit on a tarp on the right.
We sing several lively choruses while clapping and dancing. Then, each one of the choirs has a chance to present a few songs. After the choir is a time for visitors to introduce themselves and for those leaving or coming back from a trip to speak. At around 11:00 the sermon begins, and after offering and some more singing, we end the service at around 12:00 or 12:30. One thing I really enjoy about the end of the service is that, as we exit the church, we are singing and forming a circle outside. As we pass each person in the circle, you greet each other. Once the song is finished, we all disperse for the day.

Lately, during the week I have been spending the morning with my pre-school friends and then doing some typing for the church and for that workshop I had previously mentioned in an entry. Of course, there are also the everyday tasks to be done here, that never need to be done in the U.S. For Example, going to the borehole to retrieve water.I've incorporated this into my workout routine. I have found that if I get down low and spread my arms out, the exercise resembles a push-up or a bench-press. The women all love to laugh at me as I pump at rapid speed in my work-out stance.

The other tasks are doing laundry, heating water on the kerosene stove, and refilling the kerosene stove (which is not clean or easy), along with constantly sweeping out the tuukel, the kitchen, the bath house, and the bakana (latrine).
Oh, but how I will miss doing all these things once I'm in Kenya...possibly.

So, to everyone in Ikotos (although you may never read this), I will miss you all and have enjoyed being part of your life and part of your family. I will never forget you. Thank you.

Next time you hear from me I will be in Kenya. Pray that Lydia and I have a safe flight.

Calling all school administrators and teachers...

The following is a memo that I'm sending to whom it may concern at A.I.M., and I want you guys to consider it and let me know if you know anyone or you, yourself want to be a part of this:

An Intervention Workshop for the Teachers of A.I.C. S.S.S.

Needed: A team of school administrators from the A.I.M. sending countries for a two week short-term mission

Purpose: The team would facilitate the teachers in a two week workshop to organize the school for proper functioning.
The Facilitators would cover the following topics:

-vision for the school
-school rules
-rules for teachers
-board of governors
-roles of the HM, DHM, DOS, Bursar, Store Keeper, CMs, etc.
-punishment policy for students
-structure of the school day
-school schedule
-character building
-work ethics

Structure of the workshop: Each day the facilitators will lead the teachers in a discussion on one of the topics mentioned above. Each teacher will be expected to first write out their own idea for the topic (ex: School Vision—what is your vision for the school?). Then the facilitators and the faculty will discuss each person’s idea and then collectively come to a final decision. Because of each topic being done collectively, it will take an entire day to discuss each topic.
When the workshop is completed, at least two of the facilitators should plan to return in six months for an evaluation of the workshop’s results.

Thank you for your time in contemplating this idea for the workshop. Personally, I believe that this is the only way to establish structure for the school. It is also my recommendation that only certified, veteran teachers and administrators from the sending countries be sent.

** By the way, I forgot to mention in yesterday's entry that I added the link of my friend Rachel's blog to the list of "People in the Field." She will be with Peace Corps in Lesotho for 2 years beginning in June.
*** Also, an addition to the top ten list that I did not mention is when you start going to other people's houses for dinner because you don't like your own cooking! That is a trait of the Sudanese men here, but I have started doing the same thing.