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