The Road Less Traveled By Serving to systematically document my travels on my journey to self-disovery. In reality, thoughts, musing, and experiences as I attempt to travel to as many worldly destinations as possible.

I had an amazing time teaching today! Kelsey and I combined Classes 1 and 2 and taught them together. Since Class 2 hasn’t had a teacher, all the students were approximately at the same level. Teaching here is all done out of a book, and oftentimes it is very impractical. For example, none of the kids could identify colors or recognize their names. Today, Kels and I worked with them on patterns, recognizing and identifying colors, the months, and the days of the week. It’s baffling that the kids had so much trouble with these concepts, especially when most of them are so smart; they picked up most of what we went over in a single day. I worry about retention, however. I review every day because, since their instruction is so sporadic and they are not assigned homework, students are very poor with recall. It can be so upsetting some days, because it feels like I wasted the entire day before, as they won’t remember anything. Today, though, Kelsey and I made them all worksheets, using the colors that were donated to the school from South Hill. I can’t believe it took me so long to get around to making worksheets; I definitely got sucked into the lackadaisical way of book-teaching that characterizes the school. The worksheets worked out really well though. It was something different for the kids that really made them think on their own. They were also rewarded with stickers, a new and fun experience for them.

Since it was Friday, the kids only had class for half of the day. After lunch, I hung out in the library and read to them. I love how much they love being in there, even if many of them only look through the pictures. Their interest makes me feel so good. So many kids even brought me books to read, so I read to them all for a while. Hopefully, other volunteers will take up my mantle after I leave.

The only downside of today was that Charles pulled me into his office and asked me to pay 14,000 shillings to put in solar panels at the school. I explained to him that I’m a student with no money, and that everything that I have brought to the school has been in donations. He was upset, but so much has been done for the school, by me and the girls I’m with. I struggle with Charles, which is unfortunate because I love the kids so much; I’ll be torn when it comes time to leave.

Speaking of leaving, I contacted James today about transferring to Saikeri in Maasailand for approximately my last two weeks. It sounds like I’ll be able to, which will be exciting! I figure that I have to go out and see Maasailand while I’m here – it’s a culture unto its own. I also have a friend staying out there who it would be nice to see and have introduce me to everything. The only downside is that it complicates going to Mombasa and my flight on the 12^th, as I will not be transferred until the 1^st. We’ll see how it works out. If it doesn’t I’ll be perfectly happy staying in Rongai as well.