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Friday, 08 January 2010 13:07 |
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Yesterday we made the long (and bumpy) journey from Nairobi to Mombasa to visit the eastern coast of Kenya. It was interesting to see the variation in landscape and vegetation as we traveled. The western part of Kenya (where the Jirani Camp was held) was so different than any of us had imagined. The temperatures were perfect--around 75 degrees--and the vegetation was so lush and green. As we journeyed toward the eastern coast, the landscape became a little more barren and sparse...not to mention HOT! In a discussion today most of us concurred that this has been the warmest climate we''ve ever been to. I'm not exactly sure what the temperature is, but the humidity is dreadful. I think most of us are glad we only came to the coast for rest and reflection and not to do the physical work we did early on in Kipkaren. As I write, the others are out enjoying the bright blue waters and white sands of the Indian Ocean. We've traveled so far, seen so much, and met so many wonderful people that this time to relax and reflect on our journey is a great way for us to share our thoughts and feelings and to just absorb all that we've experienced thus far and appreciate it all more deeply.
In addition to the changing landscape, it was also interesting to see the change in culture as we traveled east. The women began to wear more traditional garb and we saw a lot more Muslim influence in and around Mombasa. This is because the Arabs were the first to arrive along the coast. We took the Likoni Ferry to reach the South Coast where we are staying on beach front cottages. It was an interesting experience to see the mass of people awaiting to ride the ferry.
As we experience more and more of Kenya, my awe and appreciation for its people continues to grow. The spirit and life within them is enviable, and yet contagious when you are around them. Their faces are always painted with a bright and shining smile and their hearts are always warm and welcoming. Amongst all the poverty and comparatively harder way of life, it is such a joy to see a Kenyan smile and to hear a Kenyan laugh. Yesterday myself and a few other girls made a make-shift banner on the back of sheets of paper we scrounged around for and wrote "Happy Birthday Mark!!" using fabric markers and Taylor's lipstick, taped together by band aids. The first thing we did when we saw him was hold up our banner in the parking lot of the guest house and then we sang a round of Happy Birthday in our best 6am voices. He was very surprised and later we took him out for a few Tuskers (Kenyan beer) to celebrate his birthday. On our walk back he told me that was the most memorable birthday he had ever had. He said he is usually traveling and trying to get things set for his Jirani kids. It was a fun day and also a blessing for us to share his birthday with him.
Yesterday we also got an insight into the Kenyan justice system when we were pulled over for a routine check as we were traveling from Mombasa to Nairobi. Typically, there are police men and women standing on the side of the road and then either wave you over or wave you past. It was just our luck that we were waived over at almost every stop (making our trip a little longer than necessary). At one particular stop, though, the police said our driver was speeding, which in Kenya is an offense in which you are immediately handcuffed and taken away. As you may well imagine, we were not in fact speeding, but this was an act of bribery and we paid 200 shillings to get past and continue our journey. Throughout the trip we've heard a lot of talk about the corruption in government and about how unhappy most Kenyans are with their officials, and we could now understand why! Things like this just further my respect for the resiliency and uplifting spirit of the Kenyan people when at times it seems as if so many forces are working against them.
Well, I think the Indian Ocean is calling me so that's all for today.
Kali R. |
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Wednesday, 06 January 2010 18:17 |
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So the past few days have definitely been very fulfilling emotionally and physically. Kenya has painted such a unique picture in my mind with it's culture, environment, and it's people. The Jirani camp was a great learning experience. The children which Mark has brought into the program are up against such hardships that some of us could never imagine; yet despite all that, they have become excellent students, artists, and athletes. Our stay at the camp was short, but I have learned so much from these children and I cannot wait to share my stories back home.
After the camp we began our volunteer work. I was part of the group which helped out at a private school in Kipkarren. Michael, Ally, Kali, and myself did a great job helping to build a fence for their compost pit, laying stone in front of the school gate, and painting the walls of the entrance. The work was intense, but it was what we had traveled so far to do so I really enjoyed putting my efforts towards a cause that is greater than myself. Before we left to Nairobi, they had an official opening of the new gate to honor the efforts of The Jirani Project and all of those involved. The kids attending school that day were so grateful, and it was awesome seeing so many bright smiles.
Yesterday, the group was finally reunited with our member who was sick and it was great to reunite the whole group. Today we were happy to all be together to enjoy the nature safari walk, the giraffe center, and the Bomas (communities) of Kenya performances. For me, this day resonated greatly for me because I was able to experience the natural environment along with the music of the country both of which I enjoyed greatly. Even though nature and music here is very different, I still feel at home within the lush forests and with the sounds of tribal drumming. Although Kenya and it's people face many problems, the diverse landscape and resiliency of the people here make this a very beautiful place.
Asante,
Kyle W. |
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Wednesday, 06 January 2010 16:43 |
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Sunday we finished our camp with the Jirani Project students. We had an amazing time interacting with Jirani students, Board members, Director Mark and his (often comic) sidekick, Erick. Sharing meals, gifts, skits, songs, a tye dye project, leading lessons in peace and participating in the Jirani Olympics...Crossing and Jirani students enjoyed being together and seemed to learn quite alot from one another...
During one of our sessions, led by Jirani Director Mark, we were invited to participate in thinking about the RIVER OF LIFE. On one side of the river we were to list Bad events in our lives; on the other good events...it broke my heart to see that more then one Jirani student had as their first bad event, "my mother died..." Later, as I was playing soccer with one of the local boys---a four year old and his two siblings-----his father greeted me and in the course of our conversation told me how his wife of 10 years (a nurse) had died giving birth to his youngest child. With God's help he was doing his best as a single parent....lot's of tragic stories, yet such amazing Kenyan smiles that light up a room and profiles of courage...
One of the Jirani students, a young girl, let me read the letter she wrote to thank her sponsors (it costs between $250-400 per year to sponsor a child for a year of room, board and education...meant to be a commitment that would follow each student through their educational journey)...she wants to be a bio chemist...she is very bright, extremely motivated and grateful for the opportunity she has been given...she, like others in the Jirani project and many in Kenya know that education holds the key for a better life...they are respectful and full of hopes and dreams....
Sunday, most in our group atended a local Church worship service where they were treated like royalty and had a terrific experience...they were even asked to perform a group song for their fellow worshippers...I am sure others will reflect on this later...
Sunday late night, we (Mark, me and two of Mark's friends) took one of our Crossing students, who was sick, to a very remote clinic through steep and muddy roads...a Kenyan doctor and American nurse met us there, well after the clinic had closed. I was impressed by their compassion and care. Our student is doing fine...a few of our group has had a variety of mild reactions to the change in diets, altitude and jet lag, but thank God, nothing too serious...
Where we held the Jirani camp was about a 4-5 hour ride northwest of Nairobi, through the beautiful Rift Valley...pretty amazing driving past Zebras and Baboons along side the road. Rich farm land abounds in the area we were at, where it rained alot, something unusual for this particular region in January, but given the past drought, very appreciated!
Elsewhere in the country, normally dry areas are being hit hard by torrential rains and bringing about death and destrucion...many Kenyans are being displaced from their homes as a result...
In addition, a matatu strike (public service vehicles) has forced thousands of Kenyans to walk to work and school, even admidst pouring rains....
As in past Quest groups, Crossing students continue to inspire and amaze me...it is a gift to be on this journey with them...they will be posting their reflections soon...
Hopefully some pictures will be posted in the near future...they really are worth more then text, but for now, this will have to do...
Asante,
Doug Pierce
Director, The Crossing |
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Monday, 04 January 2010 13:26 |
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Jamba na habari za asubuhi! (Hello and good morning!) Well we've have completed our 22-hr journey from Chicago and have finally arrived in Nairobi. We are currently staying in a Mennonite guest house and just got through our first night of sleeping in Kenya and our first breakfast together as a group. It is beautiful here with the weather in the mid-60s, beautiful foliage and wonderful, friendly people all around.
Last night Mark (the director of the Jirani project) met us at the airport and took us to an outdoor restaurant where we got sodas and samosas (small pastries filled with beef and onion). There was a live band playing as people celebrated the new year. It was a great first introduction to Kenya. Besides Mark we have also met Henry and Sam who are helping get us around. They are great guys, both in their early thirties. Sam has two daughters and Henry has two sons, who they were very fond telling us about.
Well that's all for now. Things are going great and we are really happy to be here. Thanks to all who have made this trip possible with prayers and financial gifts. Keep checking in to see how our trip progresses.
Matt Ley
Quest Co-coordinator
Quest Kenya 2010
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