Donations

Greetings! Ive had some extra free time as you can see. I think its because I'm getting so good at this cleaning thing that I finish much earlier. ha ha. Anyway, I forgot one major thing that I haven't written about, money. Yes, money, I know I hate it too. But, it does have the power to do some good. For all of those who donated money, or who would like to donate money I would like you to know the things that it has gone to thus far. This even includes graduation money that I was given. I thought rather than cutting a check to Nyumbani, I would think of creative ways to spend it. However, Nyumbani did get some for me living here. So far I have made the boys a nice big spaghetti dinner, complete with french bread and steamed veggies. I also get the boys special meals if they are sick. I am probably going to end up purchasing all of the retreat supplies as well. The other night I did a 'mailbox' activity with the boys where they all had to write positive encouraging notes to each other, which you also helped pay for. There has been more and there is so much more to come, but I wanted to let you know that your money is going to a good place. If anyone has any requests as to where I donate money or spend it, Id love to hear them. If you would like to donate money, you can just give or mail (if you need an address let me know) it to either of my parents and they can put it into my account. :) Also, all of the gifts I'm getting (which are few because of my lack of money) are costing a bit more because I am buying them from organizations rather than randoms. The organizations support women with AIDS, working mothers, children with disabilities or other poverty stricken situations. It seems to be a much better way of giving money, having people earn it. If you would like anything, please let me know, as I'm not spending much on gifts, because like I said (the lack of funds). My apologies, my love is still there. That's gift enough, right! :) No, really. ha ha. Alright, just thought I should write that. Remember that every little bit makes a difference. Love you all lots! Peace, love and Godspeed.

Mixed Emotions

Yesterday Beth and I went to By Grace Orphange in Kiole and then met up with Sandy and went to KENWA (Kenya Network of Women with AIDS) in Korogocho. In between we ate and got lost in Nairobi.. opps. When we returned we brought a slice of black forest cake for Gaia, another volunteer, as it was her birthday and we missed her birthday lunch. We celebrated by going to the Flame Tree, the bar across the street when everyone was finished with work. It was an interesting day, as we met with various people from all walks of life but they all had one thing in common, HIV. The day was long and emotional but Beth and I decided that you cant drain yourself by being sad, rather you must be challenged and empowered to make a change in the best way you are able. The life conditions, as I explained with Kibera, is really unimaginable and yet these people live, some with AIDS and many with a strong faith and a positive attitude. It's a miracle to see, a miracle that I hope one day can be changed. As we were walking through the slums I saw what the life of the kids at Nyumbani could be like, and it is my hope that they realize how truly lucky they are to be where they are and to have what they have. Which brings me to you and me. Ive gotten lots of emails from friends and family worrying about me, I hope that I am not misleading you. I am so happy here, I am so safe and I love everything about it here. No, its not America, but maybe that's what makes it so great. You shouldn't worry for me, rather pray for the kids and families whose lives are more of a challenge than you or I have been through. However, I LOVE getting your emails, they put a smile on my face each and everyday. Last night I talked to my dad and it made me feel like I was at home for those 20 minutes. The phone cut off and I didn't get a chance to tell him I love him and miss him, so pass the word! Also, I have texted a few of you, I don't think you have gotten them...boo. Know that I'm thinking about you all lots. My mom calls often and that is just wonderful. Having a group of people who love for you and care for you should be added to the list of essential survival items. Food, water, shelter and LOVE. I say that will all seriousness. I remember when I worked at the hospital sick patients would have healthier vitals and would feel much better if they had regular visitors. Just an observation of mine, but I think it has some meat to it. I know Ive told each and everyone of you how much I appreciate you, at least I hope I have, if not shame on me, as I mean to. It really means so much to me to have all of you there. Everyone always says "Anna you are so independent", and its true, I am, but as I grow up I'm learning that although I may be independent I am no one without my family and friends, especially my parents. My friends and family are the rock that I stand on knowing it is ok to go on and thus I thank you for that. Alright, I'm making myself homesick. ha ha. No, I really don't get homesick. I miss you all tons, but I have another home here too. :) One you are all welcome to come to. I finally finished the Retreats for the Hostel teens. Its set for two whole Saturdays and we have about 33 students. I'm very excited. With that said, I must go deliver the final copies and then grab some lunch... its rice and dengu today... yum. Beth and I are going to Karen after that to go grocery shopping, print pictures, go for a walk, and get phone credit (sorry for hanging up on you dad, I ran out of credit). Have a wonderful day and keep in touch. Love, peace and Godspeed

Days Go By...

Days go by, I'm reminded of wonderful Keith Urban. You know, when I'm sweeping and mopping, I randomly think of the songs I really miss. Anyway, this one came to me as I began to write..

And days go by... I can feel 'em flyin' Like a hand out the window in the wind. The cars go by... Yeah it's all we've been given, So you better start livin' right now 'Cause days go by...

Things are happening so fast, its crazy. Monday two crazy things happened, first we killed a snake in the computer lab... not cool I tell you. Not cool. It was just a little one, but its still freaky. Ek, I get the chills just thinking about it. They are attempting to put new solar panels on, so thats exciting except for the facet in Elizabeth and I's bathroom for hot water will not turn regardless of the solar panel or the sun... bummer. Everyone else will have warm showers though and I will smile nicely at them in hopes of bathing in their rooms. :) ha ha.

Monday the boys got new cloths which may have made my week, even my month. They came in a burlap sack and light up their faces like it was Christmas eve. They all huddled around, pushing and shoving as if it was their last meal. Uncle John pulled the items out one by one and they each fought over them. Some were very nice, others were, well humorous to say the least. It didn't matter, these boys were going to have a show no matter what they got. Regardless of what they got, each of them took the form of a new character. Our cottage now had Michael Jackson (back in his good years of course), Akon, MC Hammer, 2Pac, soccer players, rappers, and even Goose from Top Gun. My stomach was aching and tears were falling from the utter laughter from the pure silliness of the boys. It was wonderful.

Today we traveled into Kibera the 2^nd largest slum in Africa with the Leo Toto program. We talked with the director of the program and then went through the slum with two volunteers who were there for the summer and met with two different families. It was heartbreaking and eye-opening all at the same time. The abject poverty here doesn't even compare to what could run through your mind. The slum is almost a landfill, yet it is home to over a million people. People with jobs. People with kids. People with hearts. Seeing all of this makes me realize again why I am here, because although I'm not directly helping these people many of the children came from similar situations and they families still live in these places. These people don't want to live here, they aren't drug addicts, they are bad people, they are just caught between a rock and a hard place. Jobs are harder to come by than one would even think here in Africa and without a job there is not source of income. Many move to the slums in hopes of finding a job in Nairobi, but it falls though. Our cooks in the kitchen have college degrees, hotel hostess have college degrees, people on the street have college degrees because their simply aren't enough jobs.

Tomorrow Beth and I are traveling to KENWA with Sandy and a journalist team. It is a network of women with AIDS in Nairobi. We are also going to By Grave another outreach program in a slum of Nairobi. Tomorrow is also Gaia's Birthday, so maybe we will go to the Flame Tree, the bar across the street, at night.

As you can probably tell I am really enjoying myself and am learning so much. The volunteers here are amazing as are the people. I'm not in denial and am looking at jobs each day. I currently have my eye on the Clinton Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as well as Hill jobs dealing with African policy. My hope is to find a job where I can make a difference, I don't know if I can settle for anything less. I know that we all make a difference each and everyday, even by a smile on the street. But seeing these people in such situations makes me realize that it is I that needs to step up and make a difference. Come on, we all know Ive never been one to sit back and watch,

peace and love to all of you. I must make some dinner and then go see how the boys exams were today.

Godspeed

You can do something too...

Tremors

Alright so its not that I'm ignoring this, its really Internet trouble. Ive written twice now and lost it both times, Sometimes our power goes out, sometimes our Internet goes out and sometimes the Internet just closes itself. So Ive written some pretty good stuff, but its lost somewhere in cyberspace. :)

Day to day life is pretty typical, but amazing. I had a planning meeting for the teens retreat and discovered that its sort of a high for me. I remember back in college (ah, I never thought I would be able to say that... I'm old), when one of my profs ever asked if we've had a natural high, one beyond the roller coaster feeling, and I couldn't think of it. One kid answered saying when he shot his first buck, another responded with scoring the winning goal in a soccer tournament, I on the other hand was left to think if I had ever experienced that natural high. Well, I may not have been able to think of an answer before, but I can now. I walked away from that feeling knowing that with just myself I had the ability to make a change for the better and I knew that there were people behind me in the process. So since the few days have passed I have had a few meetings and planned two retreats as well as come up with multiple other ideas for them to consider once I'm gone. I knew I came here to do more than sweep, bond with the kids and teach; I have found a purpose. I know that I wanted to come to learn and grow, but to me that is secondary to the needs of the kids here.

Funny story you say? So I'm in bed about a week ago, couldn't really fall asleep, its hard to when its like 50 degrees and I only have two very thin blankets. All of the sudden the dogs are barking, the birds sound like they are dying and my bed starts to shake. I hear rattling outside, I'm not sure what it is, but I'm freaked as ever. Finally it all stops. Maybe we are getting bombed, China is mad that the US is sponsoring nuke detectors. What if the Mugiki (a violent sect who have killed-even beheaded, over 100) learned how to Google 'bombs'. Or maybe its worse Starwars like, or maybe I'm just going crazy. Initial instincts are very different after 9-11 (I think bombs) and after being around 12 year old boys for an extended period of time (starwars). Finally, I compromise that I just had a long day and need some sleep. Life goes on as usual and I think nothing of it the next day until I get back to my room the following night and a small group of volunteers is huddled around the tiny 13'' tv Elizabeth bought. “Tremors Anne, oohhhh” Elizabeth says, which Kat clarifies with “Did you feel them yesterday, the Earthquakes?”. I couldn't believe it; it was true. Since then we have had about 9 tremors ranging from 4-6 on the Richter scale.

Crazy huh? If you have never felt one, its an indescribable feeling. The ground is shaking and there is nothing you can do; your world is moving and you are powerless. Which metaphorically led me to imagine life as a Kenyan, life with HIV, or life in poverty. These things are out of their control for many and their life changes and moves without their consent, and they just have to roll with the punches. I know with all of us life goes on, but imagine if it was bigger, imagine if it was life threatening; I don't know if and how I would deal with it. For just a few seconds I was able to see someone else's life from my own shoes; I was able to empathize and it was heartbreaking.

On a more positive note last weekend we had a group called 'Unleased', no they weren't a provocative entertainment group, here. They brought shirts and paint and all the kids got to use their creativeness to design shirts and have some fun. It was great! They were a group from the US that travels around the world for fun and always makes a philanthropic stop along the way.

Monday we had our volunteer meeting and I will be teaching Standard 6 Math and English as well as Drama. Beth and I chose to teach drama because we wanted to have a way for the kids to express themselves. We haven't laid out the groundwork yet. But ideally I would like it to be something the kids can use as an outlet for their emotions. Wednesday was Birthday night so I cooked pasta and such for the boys and we had a wonderful birthday party for two of the boys. Saturday we (Gaia, Paul, Beth, Kirsten, Natalie, Anita and I) all hiked the Ngong Hills. If you have ever seen or read Out of Africa you you recognize the place. It was quiet the trek and I may say that my bottom is still a little sore. Today we matatued into Junction and watched Shrek 3 and had some good food at Java House. Now we are back. Clemonce, the French volunteer, recently accepted a position with the UN in Ethiopia. So, Beth and I are thinking about making a trek up there to visit her. I would have to extend my stay about a week, so I'm going to check into that this week. Hopefully Virgin Airlines will be willing to let me change my flights. :)

Woo Ra Ra...

Go team! Ah, I cant believe that I totally forgot to mention about the challenges and group activities that I had proposed. Ah, its wonderful! They want me to run a course for the older kids and do a retreat doing goal setting, challenges, etc. And they have asked me to do one for the staff as well. Im very excited about both. I cant believe that I forgot to write that, sometimes things just slip my mind. Other than that things are going very well. The other day Uncle John had a talk with the guys about life and responsibility; it was much needed. They asked for my opinions so I talked to them about learning, the value of education and appreciating everything they had. It was crazy how intently they were listening. Their eyes were glued to me and their ears were open to the words flowing from my mouth, it was crazy that they actually responded and I got a thank you from ALL of them from washing their dishes that night instead of from a select few. They are so lucky to have what they have and I think they dont realize it. They dont realize that there is a world outside where people struggle for their next people; I dont think we realize it either. Once you do begin to realize these things you really grab hold to what you have, hold on to each moment and are thank the Lord for what you have been given. Life is wonderful like that. What else is new? We have new volunteers. Natalie and Kirsten are here from he East Coast and Gaia and Paul are coming tomorrow from Ireland and Italy. The group from the Kitui Village is here which is Jim and Jean (UK), Clemonce (France), Herman (Father from Penn) and Kat (Rhode Island). Its great to have all the volunteers together and really get together to share experiences, stories and what not. Its also great to hear from all of you, it makes my day getting your calls, texts and reading your emails! :) I think about you all the time, really I do. For example yesterday I was cutting a mango and I thought of Dad, why you ask, because I was cutting it like you would fillet a fish! :) Ever since I had the pictures of baby Anabelle the kids have been asking "How's the baby?", so I think about baby Anabelle and the Byrne family all the time. The boys try to beat me up and I say "thats nothin", and they say "why not?", my response is "if you saw the size of my brother you would know how hard Ive been hit"; they laugh. Seriously, the craziest things make me think of you guys. Its weird, I know my patience would be further developed here, but I always thought it would be by the kids. No, thats where I go for stress relief. Currently, I am working with the cleaning staff and sometimes, in my opinion, they do things a bit backwards. For example, the clean in the morning when everyone is walking though, then they have to clean again at night. They also sweep the drive way and then 5 mintues later more leafs fall. They dont move chairs they just mop around them. They dont clean with soap all the time. Its very frustrating. So having to take orders from someone and do things much differently than I would normally do them has been a struggle for me. But I do it and I do it with a smile, knowing that Im not the boss and that this is how they do it. Also, living with my Italian roomie and having to wait for her to tell stories SLOOOOWWWLLLY and look up words has been a challenge. I'm making this sound worse than it is. I love everything, I really do, I just want to say that I am learning, that I am growing as a person and that its not just fun and games all day with the kids. :) ha ha. Alright, we are going to town. Oh, also, I had a chance to meet up with Greg, a fellow Marquette-er which pretty much made my week! It was wonderful to see a familiar face! My fabulous roomie Elizabeth cooked us a great Italian meal and we just hung out at Nyumbani for a while. It was cool, just to chill with a familiar face. Hopefully Ill see more of him while we're both here. Alright, time to go to town. Peace, love and Godspeed.

The essense of time

Do you ever wish you could make time stand still? You know, just lock yourself in a moment, a day or a place? That is what its like here. I miss you all dearly and even there are certain comforts from home that I miss like warm showers, my comfy bed, friends and family, and everything else that makes me feel at home there is still something about it here, something that I have adapted to, a place I can truly call home. I suppose home is what you make of it, that is what Ive learned here. Family is not who you are related to by blood but instead the people that surround you who love and care about you and who respect you regardless. Its this mentality that I hope to carry with me for the rest of my life. Ive only been here for a month or so and I don't know how I'm going to be able to leave. Its crazy, even on the 4th I felt at home, which is one of my favorite holidays and a time when I knew I would be homesick. This coming from the girl who doenst get homesick. So what have my few days been like? Well we've had some major uppers and downers. ha ha. July 4th, Wednesday Wednesday is my new day off. Elizabeth and I ventured to Kazuri beads, a factory where single mothers from the slums make beads and they are sold around the world. It was great to see how business can really help change a group of people and how the mentality of the women really helped boost their self esteem. From here I saw a sign for a wood shop so we thought, why not take a walk so we strolled down the road to Tomography a wood shop; which was nice, but over priced. From here we walked a few miles to Karen Blixen (Out of Africa, movie if you have ever seen it) coffee garden, had some tea and then went into town. Apparently the Embassy had a big whoopla but Sister Julie didn't let me know until later. boo. Well, Father D'Ag, the founder of Nyumbani, was American so he had a tradition of taking all of the Americans out for dinner on the 4th. Sister Mary now runs the show here at Nyumbani and although she is Irish she wanted to carry out the tradition she we went for a fancy-smancy dinner in town. I even had apple pie for dessert! Sister Mary was sneaky enough to grab flags from the US Embassy for us as well. To give you an idea the US Embassy is across the street from the UN (largest in Africa) and is about 4x the size of the UN. Moi, the former Kenyan ruler spoke at our 4th celebration; this is just to show how big of an impact the US has in Kenya. Our ambassador even spoke Kiswahili. So all in all, it was a wonderful 4th and although it was VERY hard to not be up north sitting in the back of the truck watching fireworks kids on each side and the aroma of bug spray and smoke followed by a bonfire and good family fun. I thought of all of you lots! Thursday the 5th Ignatius of the boys had a headache, so I hung out with him all day as he stayed home from school. Otherwise, normal routine. Friday the 6th We traveled to the Nymbani Village in Kitui , it is a project that has come very far and is AMAZING! They support HIV grandparents and children and are self-sustaining and GREEN! Very eco-friendly. It was amazing to see that in just a few years a whole village can be created and one that is full of love and growth. I have so much to say about this, but am running out of time. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTIAN! Saturday the 7th NOT GOOD PEEPS. Something in Kitui did not agree with me. I was sick, Beth was sick and Gabrielle was sick as well. ICK! By the evening I made my way to the cottage as I knew the boys would cheer me up, but I was still out of it. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! Sunday the 8th Oh, I should mention Anita a new volunteer came on Friday she is Irish and just wonderful! Beth, Anita and I went into town after Mass. Oh how I love mass. We went to the Ya Ya shopping center where they have like a Flea market, we explored a bit and then did some grocery shopping. Good day! Monday the 9th TODAY and now I am late for cleaning because I wanted to write to you. Its ok, Mum Alice said no worries, I asked before. My thoughts and prayers are with ALL of you. Peace, love and Godspeed.

The boys are kicking me off... computer game time for them.

One week down and Ive already found a home; I really dont know how Im going to be able to leave. I suppose just knowing that the children are in the hands of the best care ever will allow me to leave and also knowing that I will be back. So what is it that I do you ask?? My daily schedule is a bit like this: 8:00 Morning prayer with the staff 8:30 Start work with the cleaning staff 1:00 Lunch time, either the kitchens food for my wonderful Italian roomie makes us Pasta :) 2:00 Break time, which is usually when I write to all of you wonderful people, go to town to get food, go for a run, do laundry, shower (if it has been a sunny day as we have solar power), or just relax) 3:00 Back to work with the cleaning/cooking or someone else 5:00 The boys are home from school, I go help the clean, we play soccer 6:30 Dinner time with the guys 7:30 Homework time-- this has been a struggle, but is getting better 8:30 Bedtime for the guys I go back to my room and chat with Elizabeth, my roomie and sometimes the other volunteers if they are around, otherwise I read or just hang out. I am usually in bed by 11. If the food wasnt the best at dinner I make myself something to eat at this point. Fun huh? I like it! On Saturdays an Sundays we have off as do the kids, so we pretty much just play all day. Jump rope, soccer, basketball, whatever. We also have mass on Sunday, which was very cool as there was lots of singing and dancing. Once the kids are out of school I will be teaching, Im not sure what exactly yet. Today I am going to propose to Sister Julie, the volunteer coordinator, that I teach a challenge course to the older kids. Here there is no counselors, well there is one social worker, but she is over worked and doenst really have time to teach the kids life lessons. I want to propose teaching a class on setting goals, responsibility, challenging yourself, self-respect, love, sharing, faith, etc. I want to challenge the kids to think outside of the box; have them doing challenging excercises and then have them talk through it, have them journal and ask questions. They really dont have any outlets or places to go for questions or answers. I see a lot confussion and self destruction in these kids. They were spoiled as children. They are in an interesting place as no one ever though they would live. Now, they will be able to live full lives, get married, have kids that are probably even HIV -; but they dont know these things. They have gotten some answers from Susan, a Fullbright Scholar from WI who has been here for a while. But they dont have an outlet for their feelings and I see them taking it out on each other, on their things and that is not healthy. So, Im hoping Sister Julie will allow me to challenge these kids to reach a greater limit; as many of them do see themselves as much. Phew, thats a handful huh? That all came to me in the past week, both through working with the kids and prayer. I know that I am here for a reason, I really do and I believe it is more than teaching the kids 1+1=2. Not that that would be bad, but I feel like I am here to do more. Im hoping to work on African policy when I go back. It would also be my hope to start taking some social work and more psychology classes part time. Dealing with HIV is a very hard thing to go through and to come to terms with, and people need help with it. Im hoping that next time I come back I will be trained to do counseling work, to help them work through the problems. Make them realize that they are just as amazing as anyone else. Imagine first of all being left behind by parents and coming to terms with that and then imagine having a life long illness that will effect you for the rest of your life. There are very few people who can get through this alone. Depression, anxiety, confussion, pain, frusteration, anger, these are just a few of the feelings people suffer from. See, it all sounds so depressing you think, but its not. Its amazing, these kids. They are living full normal lives, well not normal, but much more normal than we had ever expected. And these kids are going to change the world. They are smart, creative and passionate. They are so loved and care for here, which is beyond awesome. Sister Julie and I joke that we live in the "Nyumbani Bubble"... a happy place. I love it! Also, the volunteers here are awesome there is my wonderfully big-hearted Italian roomate Elizabeth, Beth from Boston, Susan the Wisconsin Sex-Ed woman, Clemonce the French girl who is going to village... ah! Alright the boys need the computer.