My Kenyan Adventure!

Day 17 Wednesday 18th August 2010

blondeburtie123 — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 06:27:00 GMT

Well, I would have been back home now if I had not changed my flights- I am SO GLAD I stayed longer (even though I had to pull a few strings with the doctors note!)

Today I taught at the Nest as usual then did my second drama workshop at LCC in the afternoon. This time we had Ryan with us, who was a very melodramatic character anyway which enhanced our teaching :). It was ace! This time we prepared laminated pictures of animals- Gorrilla, Giraffe, Lion, Crocodile, Ostrich (all the anilmals we were inspired by from the safari!). We knew the children would be able to relate to these animals better than a cat or dog, which highlights a contrast in teaching resources already. The children found the visual stimuli intriguing and enhanced their imagination. We therefore got a lot of good quality drama out of them! Ryan also helped to be a male role model for the boys in the group, which I think worked well. It was a shame that the children from the first workshop weren't there today but they were out helping to pick potatoes in the fields, so only the younger one's were available. So we had to repeat some of the activities from the last session but this did not go to waste as it got everyone warmed up. We then got the children into groups and asked them to mime their animals and the rest of the group had to guess them. We also had pictures of different facial expressions which we used to enhance our teaching and also create numerous of games out of- the children continued to pull these faces all afternoon, even when the drama workshop had finished!

What really caught my heart was one boy, must have been around the age of 9 or 10, who translated between us and the chidlren. He did this with confidence and fluidity which intrigued me as to where he learned such good english. However when I asked him he went ever so shy and did not answer so I pushed no further. He was such a little star and I will remember him for a long time. There was another little boy called Gerrard- who was such a BRILLIANT little actor! His facial expression and gesture was spot on- if only his talent could be put to some use.

Reflecting upon my afternoon with Brian, he mentioned how children with such talents are the ones to sponsor. This made me really think about where these children may be in ten, fifteen or even twenty years time. Who knows!

It was touching to see the children continue to act throughout the afternoon. We had the girls pretending to faint and lie on the floor and pretend to be dead (which Sarah and I chose to use the opportunity to play with the children and tickle them!!). I felt that buzz I get when I teach when I knew that the children were capable of taking the drama workshop further and use drama in their play. I wish so much that I could have started this drama workshop much earlier to see the chidlrens' true potential and to spend more quality time with them. Realising this made me really sad to have to go home on Saturday. However, I see it that two mini drama workshops were better than no drama workshops at all!!

Day 16 Tuesday 17th August 2010

blondeburtie123 — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 19:46:00 GMT

It is a shame I did not have time to write my last week's worth of blogs- as I am sure my blogs will now lack detail because I have been home for so long. However, Africa is just a daydream away...it's still as clear as daylight in my mind. I can still hear the children, I can feel the chill in the wind, I can see the rolling tea fields, I can feel the bumpy bus journeys!!!

Anyway, Tuesday was the Slum day. We got up for an early breakfast and had set off in the Mattatu at 7.30am promptly. I had chosen to go back to the Masai Mara school- simply because I know I would be able to teach alot there. It was FAB!! The head teacher showed us round the 3 (or 4) classrooms and explained what needed teaching in each. Both Sarah and I completely freaked out in one class where they were doing things I wouldn't expect children to learn until year 8!! So out Maths knowledge there was really put to the test!

Anyway, the class I had consisted of 3 wonderfully spirited children, which was such a shock after having to teach classes of 34 back at home! They were instantly glued to me, watching my every move, eager to hear what I was going to say or do. I began to teach and got straight into the full swing of things (I was glad I hadn't lost my touch!). I was teaching division and used as much visual stimuli as possible- which the 3 girls responded well to! They were incredibly bright and eager to learn. It was such a shame that I had limited direction from the headteacher who gave me an old looking exercise book for me to teach from. It hit me there and then how their teaching was very repetative and limited...they saw the page in the exercise book as their guide and did not divert away from it. I had to be spontaneous and imaginative in the end as the children knew every answer and the method like they had practically lived and breathed it all their lives! This is what also hit me- the teacher did not assess what the children knew, whether this was because this was not part of their training or that they chose not to do it, it didn't take me long to soon notice the maths i had been told to teach them was far too easy for them. However, during the summer holidays it was technically their revision time- so I continued to teach it but made it slightly more challenging. I also got the children up from their seats and used kineasthetic teaching tecniques to make it more stimulating and less like the parrot fashion the children were used to.

Playtime was wonderful and we asked to teach for even longer- and so we did! We played football with the children and I watched one of the other volunteers, Brian, talking and playing with the children. He was fantastic with them! He had sponsored Catherine, one of the older children at the Masai school, and so he was mainly there to meet with her family. After break time I taught English, which yet again the children knew like the back of their hands! I went through "In, Out, Under" words and sentences and much more but unfortunatley I can't recall the rest. Oh yes! Apostrophe's. I couldn't stand and teach the children english they could already perfectly do so I requested the headteacher's permission to teach them something more demanding. So I got to teach them how to use an apostrophe which was much more rewarding!!- I hope they remember the sayings I taught them and perhaps remember me? Because I think about the African children all the time!! Sarah found the experience harder as her class spoke no english. This is probably why I found my class more enjoyable because I was able to communicate with them. I wish I knew more swahili as I was very impressed how much english these tribal chidlren knew!

Sadly it was time to go but I was looking forward to my favourite meal of the week...the slum cafe!!!!! mmmmmmmmm!! Whilst waiting for the other volunteers to finish their work at the clinic, we walked down the main strip and looked at the stalls and the people. I had exactly the same thing as last week! Very satisfying! It took us almost 3 hours to get home because the traffic was so bad!! So we were all very tired when we got home. But had such a brilliant day!!

Day 15 Monday 16th August 2010

blondeburtie123 — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 04:12:00 GMT

Today at the nest was so hectic! There was only one teacher there and she was teaching reading. This was the first time Sarah and I actually realised how much we could offer the teacher to enhance the children's education...but the amount of help needed was vast and the fact that no one had asked us for any ideas or help yet made us feel very anxious and slightly uncomfortable as we want to help them so so much but would have to do so very sensitively. The reading class was over 30 children sat outside on the pavement whilst one child was stood up at the front with the teacher reading a book that was 3 levels too hard for her age/reading ability. At first we thought this was due to lack of resources but this was not the case as the stock cupboard was full with resources!! We couldn't believe how much they had got! However, they seemed scard of using them as they feared there would be nothing left after it had been used...so...they just never touched it. This was a sad concept to understand but I could appreciate why they did that. We just want to help so much and i believe with a little introduction from african impact to explain why we are here and that we are teachers back at home...this might break the ic with the teachers and maybe allow them the opportunity to ask for advice. Because at the minute we are unsure whether they seek our help or not.

In the afternoon we did our first session of the drama workshop. True to kenyan timing it ran late because the staff weren't informed we were coming, although we had had a meeting on friday with their boss. We played lots of drama games to get the children used to feeling silly and the majority engaged with the workshop very well! I have already spotted one potential hollywood actor in the group already!!! He is amazing at facial expression!

All in all, the hectic day at the nest (with 30 children practically crying all morning) it put us in a down mood as we felt almost hopeless. I suppose african impact were right in saying that we are only able to make very tiny changes to eventually make the biggest difference. It would be impossible to make a drastic change in their teaching style and way of learning...the teachers just need BG training!!!!

Anyway must go now as I am very very tired. Night night xx

Day 13 and 14 Saturday and Sunday 14th and 15th August - SAFARI!!

blondeburtie123 — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 00:26:00 GMT

Got up at 5am to leave at 6am...but the truck was over 2 hours late (typical kenyan timing!) We were all so excited! The journey there was so bumpy, fast, dangerous and long. It took us 5 hours to drive to the Masai Mara!! But it was a good chance to see the landscapes :) We stopped off at the Great Rift Valley which was so breath taking! The size of it was huge and you could see for miles! You could see the mountains and everything!! On our way as we approached nearer to the masai mara...we saw all the masai villages! We could see round mud huts and large sticks that formed a circle around the group of houses...which made the fence look very effective! We saw more and more masai people on the side of the road with their fiery red cloth draped over their shoulders, their distinctive jewelry which sparkled in the sun!! Our camp was called Ol-Moran. It was so beautiful! It reminded me of the Maldives where there were tents dotted around the campus with a purpose built bathroom at the back with a fully working shower and toilet :) phew!

There was the main reception and restaurant/bar which was so modern and lovely to sit in. There were brightly coloured flowers everywhere and you could hear all the insects buzzing away all day and night!! We were greeted with a cool flannel and juice which was very welcoming! Our bags were then taken to our tent and we had time for a bit of a sunbathe (it was so hot!!) before our afternoon safari at 4pm. We got in the van with the roof lifted up!! We entered the Masai Mara National Park we saw a landscape so indescribable! We saw gazelles, LOTS of wildebeest because it was their migration season, zebras, giraffes, an elephant herd at sunset, lion cubs and much more!!! It was so exciting!!

We then got back and had a few tusker's after the long hot drive through the mara. We then had a lovely cooked meal on a help yourself basis...yummy!! Soup, rice, lentil curry, beef stew, vegetables, chapattis, salad, beans and fruit salad for desert. We then headed back to our tent to catch the lat half hour of the electricity befor ethe generator was switched off at ten! Had a lovely hot shower, tooked up in my sleeping bag and bed, mozzy net, pj's and hoody. It was the bestest nights sleep I had yet! The sound of the insects outside sent me to sleep :) AND THERE WERE NO MOZZIES OR BUGS OR CREEPY CRAWLIES IN MY TENT...RESULT!!

Woke up at 6am ready for our early morning safari at 6.30am. It was still dark, very exciting! We saw so many lions!! Our driver was so good he drove right up to them...the male lion looked straight at us and we got so scared w hid in the van. I swear he wanted us for his breakfast!! We saw so many lion cubs in their den- so cute! After a good safari we headed back for breakfast (a full fry up!!) Then we managed to twist our drivers arm round to take us to the mara river to see the crocodiles and hippos and hoped to also see the wildebeest cross the river for their migration. This extra safari trip wasn't included in our price and so we got it for free! We just ha to pay extra to enter the national park, around 60 US dollars each. It was worth it though! We almost saw a cheetah because the other safari vans buzzed it through the radio system but we couldn't find it...so close! Unfortunately there were no wildebeest at the river but we saw a HUGE crocodile and so many groups of hippos! We also saw a male ostrich guard his eggs and stalks and more elephants and giraffes on the way to the river (which was a 2 hour bumpy ride through the game reserve) so was well worth while! AND I saw a girl from my uni IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MASAI MARA SAFARI!! WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF THAT!?

We then drove back to Brackenhurst straight from the river (shame we couldn't stay longer at the hotel to sunbathe as it was so hot!). The journey was very long (5 hours), dusty...i thought i had a tan but it was the dust!, and very very bumpy!!!! even my seat belt couldn't keep me tightly seated!

Arrived back at 6pm ish and was welcomed by all my friends I have made at BRACKENHURST It was sucha lovely feeling when they were excited to talk about safari :). The pictures we took were AMAZING!!!

Project tomorrow :) our first day of the drama workshop at LCC!!

Day 12 Friday 13th August 2010

blondeburtie123 — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:18:00 GMT

This morning I went to The Nest and did some team teaching with Sarah for Maths. It was great!! We did a subtraction song for the starter, the teacher wrote down notes so I think we taught her something! The children were very engaged and enjoyed the lesson.

In the afternoon we went to the Massai market which was an experience!! Practiced my bartering skills! Bought some bags and had some lunch mmmm pizza!! The market was set in what seemed to be a very modern, western superstore with many shops and restaurants! I really enjoyed it :) Good day :) The things on the market were so beautifully carved..would be worth so much back home!!

Safari tomorrow! woooop!!!!!

Day 11 Thursday 12th Augusr 2010

blondeburtie123 — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:12:00 GMT

Today we went to The Nest and LCC again...did the usual stuff! Taught children more games and songs. I was mainly in the kindergarten classroom which was good but I am so glad I chose to teach juniors!! But the children were so tiny and so cute :) They enjoyed my company so much and it was nice to give them a little cuddle now and again...I think thats what they miss.

When it was playtime...the children had all remembered BOOM CHICKA BOOM!! I was so taken back and it was lovely to hear them repeat and use something you taught them a week ago. Just goes to show that the smallest things do make the biggest difference :)

Day 10 Wednesday 11th August 2010

blondeburtie123 — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:10:00 GMT

Today we were not going to our usual projects but we were to go to the local feeding program in the village of Limuru for the destitute and the elderly. I was very open minded and excited to go to this today as I had seen pictures from past volunteers doing this. It was very cold and slightly misty as we arrived at the building...it had such a beautiful view of the tea plantations and buildings in the village. We stepped into what looked like a wooden, empty warehouse with a giant 'red cross' sign on the wall. There was a very enthusiastic old lady there who was in charge and who personally funded the whole program. She explained she was a white kenyan, she had a very good sense of humour and great people skills, and she went on to explain that she started this feeding program over 15 years ago with her own money,,,she gets no funding at all from anyone or any company (but i think african impact volunteer money does go towards it to help her keep it going). She said it costs over 2000 pounds each month to buy in the necessities which were maize and beans, flour, matches, salt, butter, cooking fat, 2 pieces of newspaper sheets either for lighting fires or for toilet, loaf of bread, 20 KSH for them to buy vegetables at the market and paraffin for their house light. Each person got one of each form the list and they wear a label around their neck to show they are registered to receive the goods and some had more than one ticket round their neck if they were collecting for other sick relatives. I was impressed how organised it all was as the people had to make an 'orderly' queue, although many were pushing and shoving... but i wouldnt blame them...they were all starving.

Before the food was handed out and queues were formed, the lady made a speech as she explained we had some special visitors from england...It was an aunty and uncle who ahd lost their niece in a car accident as she was driving to Heathrow to come out here to africa to give out bed blankets to the elderly...they were upset but the lady explained that they have completed their niece's journey and do what she wished to happen right before she died...The whole room raised their hands and were shouting 'Asante Sana' which meant thank you and they were clapping and i could genuinely see how grateful they were just through their eyes and facial expressions...this speech was quite moving.

The queues formed and i began to give out match boxes and newspaper sheets...I did this with a smile and spoke basic swahili with the locals...it was very hectic as I had to count how many tickets they had round their neck as well as give out the right amount. One girl from the african impact team burst out crying...i think the initial experience overwhelmed her but I didnt want to cry...I felt positive for some reason...i was expecting myself to cry or feel upset but the fact that I felt i was doing something so positive and helpful for all the people...the whole experience became rather uplifting!

However, what I began to notice, along with what the old lady had said, was that many of the younger people in the queue who were claiming they were picking up the goods for their sick grandmother etc but some were not so genuine and were taking advantage of the program. A part of me felt angry about the lies but then again I thought how desperate everybody is in the local community and if they could get their hands on food and necessities...then they will! The hard thing was, there was no way of judging who was genuine and who wasnt, the old lady said "what can I do, I cant turn them away". I completely admired her work and dedication to the elderly in the community...i learned alot from her spirit.

It was evident how there wasn't enough bed blankets for everyone. So the old lady eventually had to limit who she gave them to, that being only the very weak and needy. However, it became uncomfortable when women in their late 50s were asking for blankets and we tried to explain that they were for the elderly only. Some came across rude but I think it was jsut their desperation...they wouldn't take no for an answer.

Towards the end of the program there was a very old lady who could hardly walk who was sat in the corner of the room. I was told she needed a blanket and so i picked one up and made my way over to her. She hadn't noticed what I had in my hand but said hello and smiled. As soon as i handed her the blanket she couldnt believe her eyes. She raised her hands and had tears in her eyes "for me? for me?" she said and I said yes! She hugged me so tightly and kept saying thank you thank you and this was the first personal contact I had had with the locals...and as I walked away I could see her holding out the blanket in the packet, smiling at it. I cried. My emotions just took over. I think it was the fact that for the first time I had personal contact with the local...even though I had been handing out goods all morning, there was still that superficial distance, they went along the line and I would never speak or see them again. But I actually felt and understood how appreciative and how much this blanket would help keep the old lady warm. I didn't know what came over me but that feeling and the overall experience would stay with me for a very very long time.

The food was rapidly running out but the queues outside were getting bigger. People had walked for miles and miles just to get to the program as this would be their only source of food. It was hard to see the old lady turn people away...their faces were looking through the windows desperately hoping to get into the building to get some food. We did split up the left overs and gave what was left to the elderly left outside...but where does it all end? I suppose the lady who funds the program herself has to put a stop at some point...there will always be hungry people at the door.

What did stick in my memory was the conversation I had with the lady regarding the red cross. She said the red cross had told her to either get out of the building or pay rent!! This is the charity!? She told them that she was basically doing THEIR job and that she would never pay rent to do that. Good on her! I couldn't believe red cross said that!

In the afternoon we went to LCC again but as it was so cold the children were huddled up inside and were watching tv...hunny i shrunk the kids was on!!! haha I had a great time and the kids loved it! So this afternoon..there wasn't much for us to do!

Tonight after tea we went gorilla hunting in the forests of brackenhurst...but it was pitch black...which made it very hard to spot them...but it was a funny experience!!! We shall go and find them one day next week :)

All in all, I learned so much from the feeding program and the experience will stay with me for a very long time!!!

Day 9 Tuesday 10th August 2010

blondeburtie123 — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 02:31:00 GMT

Today was the earliest start so far! We all had to leave at 7.30am to go to the slums. The journey took 1hr and a half but it was very interesting looking at all the buildings through Nairobi and the scenary (AND THE MORNING TRAFFIC!) We arrived first of all at the clinic in the slums...I seemed slightly more reserved here as the environment seemed less secure but also more unkown...and much bigger! There was much more litter, mud, wooden shacks, metal housing, goats, and people...all in a much more intense environment whereas in Limuru there was more space. There was an open sewage path running right outside houses, shops, butchers, schools etc...and all the buildings were built ON TOP of the contaminated, littered water. They had built wooden rafts/paths so they could allow the sewage to run underneath. Apparantly the smell was stiffling but I couldn't smell anything. The people noticed our van more and all the children kept saying "How-are-you" again! Which was nice! Th clinic itself was very small, cramped, more basic than previously seen in Limuru...there were delivery rooms with nothing other than a bed and a small table with basic delivery equipment. The lady said she does hundreds of deliveries every weekend! The other rooms were so stuffy, dirty, and just so basic but more than anything...everything seemed on top of each other...it was the space that shocked me more than anything.

We then went to the primary school in the slum, yet again VERY SMALL and you could still hear the hustle and bustle outside. However, what shocked me more was that these children start school at 1yrs old...7am-5pm at school every day in the week!!!! They also read and write and can do basic arithmatic at that age...compared to the children at home that is astonishing! I honestly could not believe it! So the teacher showed me the 'babies books' and i saw the work they were doing...it was material i would teach in year 2!!! And their exam results were incredible..all in the 90 percent margin! The hours the children put into their work and school life was amazing...if only the children in england could have seen what i had seen today! However, leaving the primary school, which seemed enclosed and therefore safe from the mayhem outside, I felt strange but i wasnt sure which emotion it was. I didnt want to pity them, as i believe they are happy within their own culture and that it would be wrong of me to pity them from superficial judgements from a quick visit. I couldn't believe what I was seeing and experiencing within the slum as it still seemed as though it was on a tv screen...i think visiting places within the slums quickly seemed to light hearted and superficial and it didnt give me the chance to fully connect with my surroundings and get to grips with the place.

We then went to visit the HIV ladies group where they made jewelry to raise money for their treatment...it was inside a ladies house...yet again it was very very dark, cramped and stuffy...but i soon forgot about this when we were all talked about their work and what they did. So I bought a bade they made which had the HIV awareness sign on it but i gave them more money than they asked for because i just flt i wanted to. We wanted to ask BG to make an order of graduation pens for the women to sew/bead...which would be ace global citizenship for bg but also supporting such an amazing cause. These people are living on hardly anything. They are living on a sewer, litter everywhere yet there was glimmers of happiness and hope and determination in the eyes of the people i met today. THEY WERE PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT THEY WERE DOING. I learned most from the visit to the school...as this could enhance my own teaching and delivery of global citizenship back at home...I hope i can depict my experiences to the children in a positive yet eye-opening light. Although I was taken back by the conditions...i was still able to leave the place in a modern van and return to my comforts here at brackenhurst...i dont think anyone could fully appreciate life in the slums until you actually live there or at least spend a night there which would be a very scary experience. We also visited the mara school (part of the massai mara tribe) which was intresting but as the children were not at school due to holidays...i didnt get much from it. Actually what did suprise me was that they still taught to a syllabus, had lesson objectives, schemes of work but \sadly this was locked away in the office...which was a shame...that would have been such a great comparison. Out of all the schools i have visited so far i have learned that they teach 5 subjects... they teach english and maths in the morning (like home) and they also teach kiswali (their mother tongue), geography and environmental/creativity. This was obviously very similar to home but they were still stook in the traditional style of rote teaching using textbooks...such a shame that the school isnt open so we can spread our knowledge f creative teaching!!!

We had our lunch in the slums...which i was worried about at first but then after the morning's visits i suddenly became more relaxed and open minded...and so tried the food. It was a tiny cafe filled with flies...which would put off any western traveller! But I had veggie stew, rice, chipati with fanta...IT WAS SO NICE!!! it has taught me to give everyone and everything a chance...because it turned out absolutely fine!!! :)

Anyway, must get off computer for others to use!!!

Day 8 Monday 9th August 2010

blondeburtie123 — Mon, 9 Aug 2010 02:29:00 GMT

I was poorly again today! I was sick this morning whilst gtting up to go to the project so decided to get myself some rest and stay off project. So generally today I have been taking it steady, done some reading by the fire, watched some films on tv, and went on the internet. Hopefully I will be back on my feet for tomorrow as there is not much time left!

Say 7 Sunday 8th August 2010

blondeburtie123 — Sun, 8 Aug 2010 02:20:00 GMT

We had a very early start this morning as we were driving to the baby elephant and giraffe orphanage!!! The weather was good but the journey was crazy! Bumpy roads and very dodgy driving....but it all added to the experience! We arrived on time and the baby elephants were SO CUTE! They were being fed large bottles of milk by the keepers and then played about. However after ten minutes or so I soon got bored as we were just watching them in a pen...seemed slightly superficial...i think i would prefer the wild version! But I couldn't complain...300 KSH which is about 2.50 which is very good value for money! We then went to The Veranda which was a local restaurant. I had ravioli and fanta then carrot cake for desert! yummy!

The giraffe centre was the best!!!!!!!!!!!!! We fed the giraffes and got to put the food pellets poking out my mouth and the giraffe slobbered all over me to eat it...i kissed a giraffe! They were so gentle and friendly and so gracious and HUGE! Very good experience...very touristy...had to be done :D

All in all it has been such a FAB weekend...I learned so much from going to the wedding yesterday which is something that will really effect my values on life and hopefully something i could teach my children in school to do for the future.

Day 6 Saturday 7th August 2010

blondeburtie123 — Sat, 7 Aug 2010 22:55:00 GMT

Got up this morning feeling much better and excited to go to the African Wedding! We were all panicking about what to wear because we had only brought our 'scruffs' but charity, one of the African Impact coordinators, told us that no one dresses up for weddings...its a very casual event. This suprised us as at home weddings are a great excuse to dress up! However, we still dressed a little nicer than what we would normally do though...and we were glad we did!

On our way cars passed with the ribbons tied on the bonets- just like home! They also all drove with their hazard lights on which made everyone aware who was driving to the wedding- it looked spectacular!

We arrived at the church and crowds of people were dressed up to the nines!!!!!!! Ladies in beautiful dresses, dress suits, skirts, men in lovely suits and children dressed in their sunday best! We couldn't help but smile! Everywhere was filled with flowers and confetti. What shocked us the most was how humble, welcoming and proud the people were towards their own culture and how they wanted us to be a part of that!

The priest began the ceremony...like every nrmal ceremony so we began to relax but then suddenly broke into loud, clear song! and the WHOLE CONGREGATION burst out into song it was truely an amazing experience! Just like a gospel choir! The service was so emotional due to the special things they did like: the brides maids and best men all made an arch with their arms for the bride and groom to walk through before reaching the aisle. They also had a christening within the wedding too which seemed slightly bizarre! The service was all in swahili so we couldn't work out what the priest was saying but we could make out the lords prayer in swahili, the brides maids songs for the bride and groom and the song "WHEN THE SAINTS COME MARCHING IN" at the end of the service- which we all joined in on!

The bride and groom requested that we all had a photograph taken with them which we were shocked but also touched by this! Maybe we could send this into the lincolnshire echo or the BG newspaper!

The reception was at a local school playing field where large marquees were set up, music playing loudly, caterers waiting for the guests to arrive. They also wished fr us (african impact volunteers) to be the first to eat...before any one else...which made us feel more welcome! We had ugali and pinnach (which looked and tasted like pea mashed potato), beans, goat and potato stew, rice and salad...which was very tasty! However, due to my very sensitive tummy i couldnt eat it all. We soon got into the party mood when the bride and groom arrived (the guests ate before the bride and groom arrived which was different to home) and when they did arriv everyone rushed to greet them around the car and burst out into more song...and followed them into the field and everyone formed a long line behind them and they paraded around the area...kind of like the conga! We were having so much fun! Then all the girl volunteers decided to show the children the macarana...which the children tried ever-so hard to pick up! Then a man said that the bride and groom requested that we show this dance infront of everyone in the main marquee...and so we did! And everyone cheered afterwards! What a great experience...we even got mentioned in the main speech!

We unfortunately had to leave early due to the drivers needing to head back to Brackenhurst but we had such a wonderful, joyous time. The one thing I learned from this day was the sheer importance and value of being proud of your culture but enough so to accept others from other cultures and communities into your own...I very much doubt people at an english wedding would have been as welcoming as the kenyan's were today.

Day 5 Friday 6th August 2010

blondeburtie123 — Fri, 6 Aug 2010 20:25:00 GMT

Today has been one of the 'worst' days...I woke up feeling very heavy headed and shivery. This made me feel really upset because I thought I had got better yesterday. But I soldiered on...got up, had a shower, had some breakfast (almost half asleep) and went to project. Today Sarah and I went back to LCC (Limuru Childrens Centre) but I felt so dehydrated again, shivery and slightly sick, but I think this was due to drinking some rehydration powder in my water bottle too quickly (as it tastes gross!). But I stayed at LCC until late morning, sorting through beans, chopping up cabbage, tomato and spring onions. However, in the end I was just sat still shivering and not having the energy to move about so asked Sam, the other volunteer, to ring Eric to come a fetch me back to Brackenhurst. I thought I might as well try and get better for the weekend which is full of activities.

Eric took me to Brackenhurst's clinic and I spoke with the doctor and described my symptoms. He said to take some flew tablets every 6 hours today and tomorrow morning, and if my symptoms persist he would test me for malaria... :o This made me worry and feel really upset...but I havent even been bitten yet so it cant be malaria. Personally, I think I am still recovering from dehydration and might also be a reaction to adjusting to a different climate, food and lifestyle. Hopefully I will feel better by tomorrow because we have all been invited to an african wedding!!!I really don't want to miss this!! I think this would be such an experience followed by our day trip on Sunday to the elephant orphanage and giraffe sanctury!

Anyway, time to go sit back at the cottage...ooo I had tea in the cafe tonight...carrot soup...IT WAS AMAZING!! I also had a coca cola to boost my sugar levels up. mmmmmm tasty :)

night night xxxxxx

PS: I am in the process of sorting out my kenyan sim card so should be up and running by tomorrow!! :D Then I can give you all a call!xxxxxx

Day 4 Thursday 5th August 2010

blondeburtie123 — Thu, 5 Aug 2010 02:41:00 GMT

I FELT SO MUCH BETTER THIS MORNING :) YAY! Today we decided to go to Limuru Children's Centre for a change of scenary to 'The Nest'. There we helped mostly with food preparation- sorting through rice and beans and also packaging the maize, beans and corn up in plastic bags for the children to take home to their families because it is the summer holidays. It was actually very therapeutic! We just sat in the sunshine sorting through the bad beans and stones in the rice! There was an adorable little kitten that sat with us all day too...its whiskers were all bent where it had been asleep...SO CUTE! We then came back to Brackenhurst where we sunbathed all afternoon...as today was the first day where there had been no mist, fog or rain in the morning!!! So it was really hot and sunny today!! So we basically chilled out today and we also felt like we actually HELPED OUT more at the LCC today...we actually helped them with the food...(even though the process of sorting through the beans/rice was very slow...as we had never done it before! I think the Limuru ladies would have been much faster!!!) Going back to LCC tomorrow, so not sure what they will have in store for us there! Had a good day, ended with a naiiice hot chocolate and slice of cake...mmmm! xxxxx

Day 3 Wednesday 4th August 2010

blondeburtie123 — Wed, 4 Aug 2010 02:04:00 GMT

Today we decided to go to 'The Nest' again where we had the opportunity to work in the kindergarten, we being myself and Sarah. We were so excited to have had the opportunity to work with the little children again! (especially after having taught them yesterday!) So we were introduced by Susanna, the main lady in charge, and the class welcomed us with big smiles and welcome songs! The reason why Susanna wished for us to help out in the Kindergarten was because most of the teachers were out today due to the vote. Therefore there was 3 classes within one classroom, so I think the teacher was glad to have the help/assistance! We walked in and the children were stood up at the back of the classroom singing their hearts out, in tune and with so much passion and rhythm! We actually couldn't believe how good they all were at singing. The teacher kept them in time and danced using the traditional African dance moves- which made all the songs very catchy and so we joined in with the actions! The songs they were singing included lyrics that said "We are so happy, happy, happy, We are so Happy, happy, happy" and " We are the tiny buds, that are raised in the nest, and one day we will leave the nest and fly free"- this song nearly made me cry!! Not out of pity, it was just so emotional to see how happy and successful the children were with their education and place in life, the lyrics just meant so much to them and it was obvious how the nest really had helped these orphans get their life back together again. The teacher explained that the children were practising for visitors that are going to attend in the near future. Then she asked the children what they do when they have guests in their classroom...then the children suddenly burst out into song saying 'welcome...we love you... etc' for atleast 20 minutes. They were all chanting and a 4 year old boy was stood at the front being the caller/leader...it was all so so beautiful to hear their songs!! We wanted to hear more!

We then served the children's second breakfast which was porridge in cups...and I have never seen such beautiful manners from such young children before!!! They all made sure every one had a cup before they started and they were all completely silent whilst eating/drinking their porridge...the only sound we could hear was their slurping and gulping...SO CUTE!!!!!! SOMETHING THE ENGLISH CHILDREN SHOULD REALLY LOOK UP TO!!!!!

Then the teacher explained as it was technically the summer holidays and so we could do some games with the children. So Sarah and I were trying to think on the spot and came up with 'Boom Chicka Boom' and the 'Apple Pie' game...which the children all loved and joined in with! We felt so relaxed, welcomed and confident so we got stuck in and engaged with the children. We then took them outside into the playground we sang 'Head, shoulders, knees and toes' which was different to their version, yet the teacher encouraged us to show the children our version...the children picked it up so quickly!! Then we played chase/tag with them in the playground which the children loved!! But we soon grew tired and dehyrated running around in the sun...so we played frisby/piggy in the middle with their woolen hats!! The teacher also arranged for them to have a class race with a batten and ball...and then sneakily made us join in!! (which we then returned the favour by making the teacher do it too! ;) )

We took so many videos and photos...the children all wanted to handle my camera and asked to see their picture on my camera screen...they loved it! Some of the children also nearly dived on top of sarah to braid her hair!!!

We then sat in the sunshine in the other compound near the kitchens...the sun was SO STRONG and without realising it i was getting more and more dehydrated! My consequence was a fever within half an hour and a bit of a temperature...so i slept from half past 2 till about 8pm...and my lovely friends brought me some tea from the cafe as I couldn't leave my bed :( This made me miss home slightly but we all get like that when we're ill.

Overall a very good day...very enthused about our experience at the nest but really disappointed that i fell ill towards the end of the day as everyone was sunbathing outside! (the first lot of sunny weather we had had since we got here! boo!)

Night Night xxx

Day 2 Tuesday 3rd August

blondeburtie123 — Tue, 3 Aug 2010 21:10:00 GMT

It feels like i have been here weeks because i feel so settled in< everyone is friendly and getting along with each other< the projects are amazing and the locals are just so nice! So i can hardly believe it's only day 2!

Anyway, woke up 7am today...feeling so snuggly in my sleeping bag, blankets and mozzy net...i really didn't want to step out onto the cold tile floor. The cottages are so much nicr than i xpected for africa...they are basic but are well furnished and we have cleaners in every day. We have a lounge area with a masive open fire to keep us warm so we all just chat until midnight then hit the pillow! (which is probably why i didn't want to get up this morning!)

There are people from all over the world! Lots of northerner's from england (weeey!), so my accent isn't so alien over here! there are @ girls from canada, toronto>>>and no, I couldn't pinpoint that on the map (dean!) Other girls are from virginia, germany ,poland. there are only 2 lads here...one from up north england and the other from south africa. All lovely people and we are having so much fun picking up each others accents and sayings for different things...I CAN'T BELIEVE THE AMERICANS HAVE NEVER HEARD OF YORKSHIRE PUDDINGS!

ok...back to today...well due to political votes...we didnt think we were doing anything today but it turned out we were! (And yes i am always the last one to know whats going on and levaing the cottage, bad time management!) Breakfast is anything we want really, toast, jams, cereal...just the basic. the chefs are there every morning with a big smile on their faces happily making our packed lunches...which are toasted sandwiches. the meat in them is ok...but slightly dodgy due to limited supplies and obviously where they can getit all from...its obviously not going to be our pumped up battery hens thats for sure! but apart from that the food here is ok...yesterdays tea was cold and a bit gross looking but we could still eat it...however i think it was cold because me and sarah were late...AGAIN!

I got to choose wherever i wanted to be today, and i think its like this every day..which is really good because i get to tailor my whole trip to what i want, which i think is really good! So i chose to go to 'the nest' which is a childrens orphanage where they have an onsight school. so...off we went...i forgot my hand sanitiser...suncream and sun glasses...grat start rachel! but nt to worry sarah and the other girls had plenty to lend me.

oh the driving here i sso funny...kind of like most foreign countries...from what ive seen i am still unsure which side of the road we are supposd to drive on!! haha...they seem to just drive anywhere and everywhere they can! to get to the nest...which is in limuru, we have to go off the tarmac road and up this massive hill...rocky,...dusty...and busy full of local people, children in school uniforms, donkeys pulling carts, chickens, lots and lots and rows and rows of little wooden shacks, either houses or little fruit shops. the journey is VERY bumpy up this road...we're literally out of our seats! but its all part of the fun! and when we go by all the children smile and wave to us...some throw little bits of fruit at the van which is quite funny, and a bit cheeky! but they dont do it in a horrible way! the locals only know one phrase...obviously due to english tourists saying it all th time: they all just say "HOW ARE YOU!" but they say it so fast it almost seems to be one big word! Its so cute!

Anyway, the nest...colourful painted metal gates, obviously for security reasons, and inside its like a lovely green garden with multi-coloured fences with swings, slides, play houses, and the main building. At first we went into the main office for the lady to organise what we could do to help. Obviously its summer hols here too so children go to revision lessons in the mornings...which is what i really wanted to help out with! the children here are so so dedicated to learning and want to revise. they have to pass exams to get into primary school and to go onto the next year (which is MUCH better than our system which seems to push through every child to the next year no matter what ability they may be. so here, they can repeat years until they are at a suitable level to progress through school. however we had about an hour before the lessons started so we were helping out in the kitchen...washing up. this was kind of shocking to actually see their facilities and the fact that we were washing dirty bowls and cups that the children had used (most of which would be currntly ill) in luke warm water rather than hot water. but it was an experience to remember! the cook and the nurse at the nest were so friendly, spoke great english and were eager to explain to us about their jobs and what they feed the children. its mainly grated carrot, beans, maize (which is their main staple food). thewy have stoves where it is cooking and heating all day...but no buildings here have heating so it was like washing up outside in our english winter temps! my hands were freezing!

after that...i went to the school office/staff room wher the revision sessions wer taking place for the secondary age (only 3 boys were there today) but there wasnt much for me to do and i got distracted by the little ones outside the room singing with the teacher! so i went for a wonder, walked past the window and pulled the biggest grommit smile i could to amuse the children (they were only 3 or 4) and they were s fascinated and giggled very loudly (not too sure if the teacher was as welcoming!) but i went next dor where it was the primary classroom which was ace! it was breaktime, the children all surrounded me and wanted a hug and hand shake and all shouted constantly rrrrachel! so i played chase with them which they foudn hilarious and had so much fun. then i got my digi camera out...they all wanted a photo and wanted to take photos...was really cute!

then during break time i was talking with the other teacher who asked if i wanted to teach...WOW! yes pleaseee!!!!! so i taught the class maths, subtraction...i had to wrack my brain for techniques i used on teaching placments! i wasnt even nervous! (oh and i havent even cried AT ALL yet! I am so suprised, I dont miss home yet and im just being open minded and justy taking it all in!) So the lesson went so well...the children were so well behaved, and i tried to be as natural as possible, but i was well aware that the way i teach and the techniques i used was very different to their very strict traditional style. but oh my was the experience so rewarding!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

then it was lunch, i visited the nursery with all the tiny babies...they were all fast asleep in one giant cot...all snuggled up ontop of each other like baby kittens!!! they were so cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

then we went to another childrens centre in limuru where they were having a sports day/afternoon at a nearby field...was so lvely, the sun was out, we all played games and giggled and sat looking at the STUNNING scenary!!!!!!!!rolling hills, green tea plantations, red dusty roads....the only wildlife ive seen so far are the donkeys (alot of them too!) and locusts, that seem to just keep making me jump in the early evenings as they are sooo big!

i can see lots of stars at night, but it gets very very cold and fresh!

there is an amazing cafe here, the food is amazing, a lovely gift shop which i am yet to explore!!! i have a slice of cake every night :)

tomorrow i am going to hope school...which is anothr orphanage but the children don't sleep there like they do at 'the nest'. i am going to go and paint the school there tomorrow just to do something different!

I do love you all back at home, i do think about you lots! but i hope you're all glad to know i am enjoying every minute of it and its just ace! it has really sold voluntary trips to me! w are all just discussing going on safari next weekend....which is pricey but just trying to figure out who wants to go to chop the costs down! GOING TO THE MASAO

then we went to another childrens centre in limuru where they were having a sports day/afternoon at a nearby field...was so lvely, the sun was out, we all played games and giggled and sat looking at the STUNNING scenary!!!!!!!!

Anyway>>>>ive just deleted a load of paragraphs by accident so i best post this before i loose this too! tomorrow i will be going to another orphanage called hope school to paint classrooms>>>but due to this political vote i am not so sure whether to go or not!

those of you back home i love you so so much but i am enjoying every minute of it and not missing home yet either< which is good!!!!!!!! love you alllllll, night night!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Day 1 Monday 2nd August 2010 Email message I sent on my first day!

blondeburtie123 — Mon, 2 Aug 2010 03:08:00 GMT

Hi all! the flight was on time and my seat was perfect, WAS NEAR TH WINDOW SEAT AND HAD LOADS OF LEG ROOM!!! LOTS OF FILMS TO WATCH AND LOTS OF MOUNTAINS TO LOOK AT OUT OF THE WINDOW :) YOU WILL ALL BE PLEASED TO KNOW THAT I WAS USING THE 'MAP AND FACTS' FACILITY ON MY OWN LITTLE TV SCREEN TO LEARN WHERE I WAS TRAVELLING :)

WAS QUITE STUFFY AND HUMID IN NAIROBI AIRPORT, HAD TO QUEUE FOR A WHILE AT PASSPORT CONTROL BUT I WAS PEOPLE WATCHING WHICH PASSED THE TIME WELL (ESPECIALLY LISTENING TO THE AMERICANS!). AS SOON AS I WENT TO THE CONVEYOR BELT MY SUITCASE WAS THERE SO i WAS ABLE TO DASH OUT OF THE AIRPORT PROMPTO!

THE DRIVER WAS REALLY FRIENDLY AND WAS EXPLAINING WHAT WE WRE PASSING ON OUR WAY TO LIMURU...UNIVERSITIES...SHOPS...ETC.. BUT COULDNT REALLY SEE MUCH AS IT WAS PITCH BLACK! (ALTHOUGH I DID SEE A DONKEY ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD). WE DROVE THROUGH MANY TOWNS/VILLAGES,, NE OF WHICH WAS BANANA HILL...INTERESTING!.. NOT WISE TO HAVE STOPPED OFF AT THE PETROL STATION...IN A VERY DODGY AREA...BUT I SURVIVED! APPARENTLY ITS NOT WISE TO DRIVE THROUGH AT NIGHT TIME...BUT I AM STILL ALIVE!! SO THAT IS A GOOD SIGN! HAHAH! BUT DONT WORRY...WILL NOT BE DRIVING ANYWHERE AT NIGHT AT ALL SO NO NEED TO WORRY.

COTTAGE/BRACKENHURST IS REEEEALLY PICTURESQUE. LOTS OF TREES, FLOWERS, LITTLE PATHS AND LOTS OF LITTLE COTTAGES...LOVELY PLACE TO STAY! THE STAFF ARE ALL SO FRIENDLY AND ALL SPEAK ENGLISH REALLY WELL! THE WHOLE THING IS VERY ORGANISED AND PROFESSIONAL! very much looking forward to evrything! HAVEN'T CRIED YET....I AM VERY PROUD! :)

OK...TODAY IT WAS VERYYYY COLD AND VERY MISTY AND FOGGY....HAD DOUBLE LAYERS ON WAS LIKE OUR AUTUMN BACK HOME! BUT THAT DIDNT STOP US...WE WENT ROUND ALL THE PROJECTS TODASY....THE HALFWAY HOUSE IS WHERE THERE ARE LOTS OF BABIS WHERE THEIR MUMS ARE IN PRISON...THEY ARE SOOOOO CUTE!!! THEY JUST WANT TO TOUCH AND HUG YOU! then went to lots of children"s centres whre the children board< get educated and play there!!! ALSO NWENT TO SEE A HOSPITAL...SHOCKING...MAKES YOU REALLY APPRECIATE WHAT WE HAVE AT HOME. BUT I'VE JUST BEEN TAKING IT ALL IN AND ENJOYING EVERY MINUTE OF IT!

THERE IS A LOVELY RESTAURANT AND CAFE HERE WITH AMAZING FOOD! AND VERY VERY CHEAP A FULL MEAL ONLY COSTS 2-3POUNDS! ALSO...THE 'SLICE' OF CAKE IS HUUUUGE!!!! I HAVE ALREADY GOBBLED THIS UP...HMMMM :)

OK...REALLY TIRED NOW SO MUST GO GET SOME SLEEP! nO MOZZYS HERE BUT STILL GOT MOZZY NET UP! i think its because it is so cold! ALSO...I KNOW YOU ARE ANXIOUS TO SPEAK TO ME BUT AT THE MINUTE THE PHONE COMPANIES ARE MAKING [EOPLE REGISTER SIM CARDS TO THEIR NAME...SO AFRICAN IMPACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF SORTING THIS OUT...SO DONT PANIC I AM FINE, WILL BE ON HER MOST EVENINGS! ALSO GOT SKYPE BUT WITH NO MICROPHONE! so best just keepn in touch by email! BUT AS SOON AS I CAN GET A PHONE SIM CARD I WILL LET YOU KNOW :)

LOVE YOU ALL SO M,UCH BUT NOT MISSING HOME AT ALL :) WHICH IS A GOOD THING! I REALLY CANT WAIT TO TEACH! THE CHILDREN ARE ADORABLE!

THERE IS A POLITICAL VOTE ON WEDS SO NOT ALLOWED TO GO INTO TOWN DUE TO TENSION/VIOLENCE BUT THIS GIVES US A CHANCE TO CHILL, GET SETTLED IN AND PREPARE MORE FOR OUR PLACEMENTS ON THURSDAY! (and eat all the cake!HAHA)

so sorry about the typing on this email>>>the keyboard is taking some getting used to! SO I LVE YOU LOTS AND WILL CHECK EMAILS AGAIN TOMORROW EVENING...JUST SO YOU KNOW...WE ARE 2 HRS AHEAD FROM YOU, SO NIGHT NIGHT :) XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX