A Day to Reflect

Today we went to the school early to set up for the clinic. My dad and Patrick went to the airport early this morning. When they got there they found out the generater was not even in the country. They promised it by Monday. We will see!!
We began the clinic with the “baby class” or preschool. They were so afraid that some were crying and others were just shaking. I found myself holding them around their bellies to reassure them it was okay. I tickled them and spoke to them in Swahili, to try to relax them. I found myself in tears most of the day. The children were covered with scabes and ring worm. Some had malnutrution. One little boy named Andrew, looked as if his leg might be broken. His shin was bludging out and had an open wound. We saw almost 150 students in 5 hours. There was Sarah with scabes covering her head, Frances with ear infection and eye problems, Andy with ring worm, a student with Malaria, and the list goes on and on. It was overwhelming and at times I had to step outside and take a break. Each child was given worm medicine, a pencil, and a blessing by a team member. As I walked around outside later, one child who had ear drops and cotton put in and was given a toothbruch because her teeth were needing attention, was glowing and the center of attention for all her classmates.
I had taken a break and a preschool teacher came running up to me to set up a time I would come to her class. I told her I would come at 1:30. She was honored I was coming.
At 1:30 I went to the Preschool class. I was welcomed by the students. They sang songs for me about the villages and where they live. The teacher asked if she could teach a lesson on colors. She used homemade posters to review colors using numbers sewn on platic in different colors. The 1 was red, the 2 was black, etc. I was so impressed with how eager the students were to participate in the class. They sang a lot of sond during the lesson. The teacher later explained that she did this to get there attention. I then watched another preschool teacher work with the students on domestic animals. They were making animal soiunds of cows, goats, cats, dogs, etc. It was so impressive. I thanked them for them allowing me to watch and praised them for all their hard work and dedication to the students.
I then went back to the clinic for a while. A young made came through the clinic that had been beaten by his family. He had scare marks and fresh marks all over him. Your heart just breaks. In a world filled with so much these children have so little. I think I have learned to be more appreciative of things and to show love and kindness when possible. I think living in the US thsi is difficult to do. There are so may who will take advantage of you. I need to find a way to live my life with good intent.
In a time for youth, when they should be enjoying fun and laughter…they are suffering hunger and ill living conditions. I wish there was more I could do… No one should live as these poor children are living!

I was fortunate to be invited to watch a 3rd grade math class. The teacher showed me the marks of her students for this session of school. They were very impressive. She was very proud. I bragged and bragged on her and all her hard work. I took a picture of her and her class. She was so pleased!

We were leaving for the guest house when they decided they wanted to finish the desks they had started. They had made 8 desks and 8 benches in on day. It was neatto see the students jump in and want to learn what to do. They were almost fighting to get a chance to use the sand paper. The chour came back and the did very well in the competition. They qualified 10 different songs or groups to go to national! It was very good.
The German Doctors gave them a brand new guitar.
Very tried and well worn we headed for the guest house to order pizza. Yes, you can even have pizza delievered in Kenya. It was not Papa’s but it was outstanding! Then tonight, we are packing up and gearing up for our safari tomorrow. We leave at 8am to go out to Masai Mara for 2 nights and 3 days. We are staying in tents, but mom assures me they are better then MASH!!!! We hope to do a night Safari, but at least we will do 2 full days of safari. I hope to see lions, zebras, cheetahs and much much more. I will not be able to post for several days. I will keep track of our travels ands post on Monday when we return.
A big special kiss for Megan and Kyle! (And you too Charley!!!)
Hugs and laughter,
Bethany

The Real Africa

We began our day by having our van get two flat tires. We were to leave the Guest house at 9:30, but the van did not show up until 11:00. We went to the school to get things organized for the clinic on Friday. I walked around and met some more teachers. They were very welcoming and the students were so excited to see me and welcome me into their classroom. The wood was delivered to build the desk. The students were so excited. We tried to use the electric saw, but had no luck. My dad had gone out to the airport to get the generator we had shipped before we left. He had no luck getting it. They gave him the run around which is so typical of Kenya. I tried to help with getting electricity to the saw. In the mean time, the older boys helped to saw by hand. It wore my brother and Kenny, the builder in our group. Once the supplies were in place for the clinic, we headed to the city market for some shopping. It is an experience to go to the city market. We were about 9 in our group at the time. I spoke a little Swahili, just enough to make the merchants willing to bargain with me. It was fun for the first few minutes and then I just started to help the others. I think over all we got some good deal. We saw a rat get kicked and killed while we were in the market. Charley, I think the meat market must have been at its worst the day we took you there. It was bad but not to the degree you saw it. The flowers were there some but not as many as before. The other members of our team seemed to enjoy the trip. We headed home to get ready for dinner. We were going out to Mom’s favorite Indianrestaurantt to celebrateCarll’s birthday. The meal was wonderful and we had such a good time. Kamau, our taxi driver, went with us to dinner. He still remembers when we climbed the mountain 6 years ago. He is married and has a 3 year old son.
In Africa, you go with the flow. Plans change and you have to make do. Today all of our plans changes and we were at the mercy of the locals. No need to hurry and no need to worry...it is out of our control. This is the real Africa and the reason my dad loves it here!
I talked to my family for the first time tonight. You forget how important it is to hear your loved ones voices. Megan said hello and Kyle said, “Come See me!”. It was good to hear all were doing well and helping out dad! Thank you Megan for all your help!
Tomorrow will be an intense day of seeing each child in the clinic.
Hugs and happiness!
Bethany

Music and Giraffe

Today we were honored to be able to attend the regional Music Competition for Kenya. Mercy Care School has a choir that will perform in 6 categories. We had brought old Candy Striper uniforms from VA Baptist Hospital, that had been donated. They were a pink color. They actually looked very good. The students thought they looked “Smart” ( they word for good or spiffy). The children were so excited to see us. When we first arrived, some of the students we had meet yesterday, came over to greet us. It was a long day of listening to choir after choir. There was native dances and music that was explained to me though one of the teachers, Kathryn. Some of the men in our group went to buy supplies for the Vocational school. They said they would be back in 1 hour, they showed up almost 5 hours later. I think it was just African time. Everything here runs slower and there seems to be no deadlines. We were offer tea by the choral organization. We were honored but it felt uncomfortable to be having tea with all the other adults not being offered anything. There was a crowd of about 50 or 60 adults.
The children sang so well. Their voices were like angels and they harmonized better then any other group. Out of the 6 categories, Mercy Care Center placed first in 4 of the 6!!!!! To see the children’s faces when Kathryn, a teacher, told them was so emotional. They were one of the only private schools to be in the competition and they won more than any other school. The children were so proud of themselves as were all of us! They really did an outstanding job. I video taped them, and I hope to pull their voices off to use in other places. What a unique experience!
I have really made a friend in Kathryn. She and I got along so well all day. She was sad to see me leave at the end of the day. It was a good opportunity to meet some more students. Francis, a very tall young man, would be perfect for a basketball player. Sherri, a young girl with a smile to die for, was bubbling with joy. Jacob, the choir director, was so impressive with the members of the choir. Every one wanted to shake our hand and you would often catch young girls staring at us. When you catch their eye, they would begin to giggle. It was different to be the center of attention.
In the afternoon, we went to the Giraffe center. I can remember when it was just a few people there and now it is a complete tourist area. We did get to feed the giraffe and pet them. Some of the crazier people in our group, got a giraffe kiss! Megan you would have loved the giraffe. Their tongues are long and feel like rubber. Kyle would have loved the wart hogs with their tusks.
I tried to call home today and was sad when I reached an answering machine at home and on Charley’s cell. I guess I wanted to hear their voices. I miss you all and hope to talk with you later tonight.
Tomorrow is one of our groups birthday. We are planning to take him to my mom’s favorite Indian restaurant. Yes Charley, we will ask for yogurt to cool our mouths.
I am enjoying myself and feeling selfish for all the time I have for myself. I am enjoying getting to know the students at the school and the children.
Our van driver has been taking us on adventures. We were almost in 2 major wreaks today. We cheered when we made it home.
I am enjoying getting to know all the members of our team. We are having lots of laughs and good stories.
Love and happiness,
Bethany

Pictures Our First Day!

These are pictures of the students with their new t-shirts.

First Visit to the Mathare Valley

I slept like a rock. I took a muscle relaxer before bed and I think I moved two times.
French toast for breakfast and the van arrived to pick us up. We took all 450 t-shirts today to give out to the students. With just one van, we each had to hold a bag full of shirts. We were fearful the van might not make to the school. We made a pit stop because the driver had never been to the school. The driver thought we knew the directions. We waited on Patrick the headmaster for some time but decided to try to find it ourselves. We made it successfully. As you enter the valley, there were piles and piles of trash. It took your breath away. The valley seemed to have improved. There were many more people and seemed to be more business. We rounded the corner and you could here children yelling and cheering. When we pulled into the parking lot, the children surrounded the van and were all clapping and cheering. It was too much for me to handle. My emotions got the best of me and I broke into tears. The smiles on the children's faces and the joy to see us were overwhelming. As we got out of the van, children began to shake our hands and smile saying, "How are you?" "How are you?"
The school looked good. They had added another building since I was there in 1999. We went into the school. At every classroom, we were welcomeunisonnisom by the students. Smiles and bright eyes followed us as walked back to a classroom they had cleared out just for us. The inside of the school looked good, the floor needed some work and some desks needed repair. We will see what we can do on Thursday with those situations.
We walked through the classrooms and just moved about the school observing.
I watched a young Male teacher whose name I don't remember, teach a math lesson on scale when creating graphs. It was so exciting to see him teach and to see his style of teaching. Students were eagar to answer his questions and asked intelligent questions of him. He also tald me about the Master Schedule. This is where they plan the students day and week, so they receive all the instruction they need.
At 12:00 they had lunch. I placed myself in a 2 level classroom Most of the students were about 9 or 10 years old. I was asked by the teacher if I wanted to feed the children. What a treat. The students were feed a large portion of a mixture of beans, corn, rice, potato and veg. I was so impressed with the portions I was instructed to give. I talked with the teacher, Kathryn. I found it amazing to hear about her view of the school and what she has endured. She told me about the students and they lives and the conditions they live in. I felt it a real privilege to be a part of this daily routine. I asked if I could visit her class later in the week. She was pleased I had asked.
From there I went to a the new Preschool building. I had not been in this building before. There were 3 classrooms. The first one was taught by Peter. A young man from North East Keyna. He was impressed I had been teaching for so long. The students were just eating lunch, so I did not get to see them working. Peter asked if I was a football ( Soccer) fan. I told him that I had been watching some of the World Cup, but that my husband was the real sports nut!
In the second classroom, there was so little light. After talking with Peter, I will see if we can hang a floresent light to help the students see better. This was Janets classroom. She was in town taking so studies on Specail Education. Janet was there in 1999, and I remembered her face easily.
From there I went to the Preschool class and talked with the teachers. They were so wonderful with the students and you could tell in their actions and body language, they loved them all. I meet Brian in this classroom. He was sitting in the front row and took to me right away. We all gotr up to go and get in line for their T-Shirts. Brian, held my hand and walked with me outside. I helped the students put on the shirts and then Brian found me again. He was holding my hand, when his teacher came over to tell me about the young boy. She said he was an orphan who lived with an aunt. He was the smallest student they had at the school. I have included his picture. His face will be in my memory for ever!
The students then put on the t-shirts for a school picture. The excitement they showed over a new shirt blew me away. Once they had gotten their shirt they were just glowing.
I meet several more students, Marcie, Lacy, Agnus ( who wants to be a doctor). They sang for us and the older students performed a well thought out dance. They asked Patrick if they could do a dance for us.
After the dance, we went and toured the valley and saw several familes homes of students who go to Mercy Care Center. The valley is stiil poor and there is still trash and sewer every where. But I do think there has been improvement. There were lots of young children running around who were greeting us with, “How are you?”. The homes have improved some, most are now made of bricks and not just out of must and sticks. The roofs are all time and some are in need.

I guess when you leave a place in such need, you wonder if what little you are doing is making a difference. Then Patrick spoke to the whole group and thanked us for coming and bring more hope and supplies. He said our visits give the students something to look forward to and the teachers the encouragement they need.

Tommorw we will observe a Music Cometition the choir is competeing in and also take part in the schools Sports Day!
I am tried and my mind is racing trying to come to grips with all I saw today and all the ideas I have for how to make more of a difference.
I miss my family and want them to know how grateful I am for them allowing me to have this experience. Hugs and kisses to them.
Love and happiness,
Bethany

Arrived in Nairobi

I am only going to post a short bit on our arrival. I was working last night and went to post and my internet connection shut off. I lost my writing.
We arrived safely.
There were no animals running down the run way like we say the last time we landed.
We claimed all of our bags and made it through customs without openning a single bag. This was a miricle and almost never happens.
The city was green and clean compared to 6 years ago. The Guest House was just a wonderful and relaxing as I remembered.
Patrick, the headmaster of the school, came to have tea. He was sad to hear I was alone and seens Charley his best and hope all will go well with the children. I know that I don't have to worry about the kids, because Charley is watching over them. I am truely grateful.
We sorted the t-shirts and got unpacked and rested. I think I might have hurt my back, so I plan to take it easy.
Hugs and kisses to Megan and Kyle.
Love and happiness,
Bethany

Addis Ababa

We were shuttled through Addis Ababa to the Wabe Hotel. The hotel had the smallest elevators. It would only hold a few at a time and was a scary ride. We all had our own room with a balcony. Dinner was served and then it was off to bed. Addis Ababa is a big city. I was surprised at the poverty and how dirty the city was. The mountains that surrounded the city were beautiful. The people had the most beautiful faces. I young boy kept trying to sell me something on the bus. His smile would have brighten even the saddest person. He was living such a poor life and yet his smile was so bright and big it would have lit up the city. His face lingers even to day in my mind.
Our flight today is only 1 and half hours to Nairobi. It was a short flight and I got an bulk head seat...Lots of leg room.
I was feeling a little run down today. I guess 16 hours on a plane will have that effect. I an anxious to get to Kenya. I am anxious to see the school and see the children.
I tried to post and check e-mail. It took almost 10 minutes to load the Yahoo homepage. I will not complain about dial up service any more. The service was slower here.

Departed Safely

We left DC on time. All the bags were checked and we all boarded the plane on time, despite my brothers last minute things to do. It still did not feel real. I was on my way to Africa. I was leaving my family for 2 weeks. When I called to check on the kids, Megan was in tears. I did not want the kids at the airport, because I knew it would be too hard on me and them as well. Charley was great! He helped us unload the 12 large bags filled with supplies for the School. Then he left us to take care of Megan & Kyle. He always seems to know what to do to make the situation easier for me. Mom and I waited at the airport as slowly all the other members of our team arrived. As each bag left the pile, I felt more and more relief. The bags were so big, each weighing about 70 pounds each. We all still had carry on's and large purses!!!
It was a great feeling on relaxation to get all of us on the plane. I really missed Charley when we took off. I needed his hand to reassure me that it would all be okay and the flight would be safe. I closed my eyes and thought of him. The flight was 9 hours. We were feed 2 big meals and several small snack. We had to stop in Rome to refuel. We were on the ground about an hour. No one was allowed off the plane. After we refueled, we were off to Addis Ababa, about a 6 hour flight. I watched 3 movies and slept quite a bit during the 2 flights!
I thought a lot about my life and all the changes I have have had in the past few weeks. It was the first time I had really had a chance to sit down and think about all that has happened to my family and I. I thought about how lucky I was to have so many people who care so much for my family and me. Just wanted you all to know, I might be half way around the globe, but I am thinking of you all and smiling.
We arrived safely and made it to the hotel in Addis Ababa! What a long day! Kisses and hugs to Megan and Kyle!
Love and Happiness!
Bethany

Arrived in Washington, DC

We drove to Washington, DC today to visit with Sasha and Quentin. The car was packed full and we did not have room to move. Tomorrow is our day to fly out. I am now getting excited and nervous. With our recent move and all the hustle and bustle, I have not really had time to think about the trip. This trip is important to me and I am looking forward to a healing experience and a time for me to grow. I am a little nervous about the thought of being away from my kids and especially Charley. We have not been apart for this long a time. I am grateful to him for this opportunity. I hope it will be a good experience for him as well. The kids are asleep and I am thinking about my up coming trip and my memories from living in Africa and visiting in 1999. When I think of Africa, I smile with such fond memories. I can't wait to share my new experiences from Africa! I will try to post daily or at least every other day.
Love and happiness!