Adjusting

When I got to Kenya, there were definitely many new things to experience. While there was a lot to learn, I never felt really out of place. Many people warn you of "culture shock" when you go to a foreign country. Personally, I have never really experienced this. I am always so wrapped up in experiencing the new and exciting things that I never have time to feel homesick. Every time I come home from a trip like this, I feel it is harder to adjust to being home in the Western world then it is to adjust to living in Africa.

It was really overwhelming for to me come home, look around, and take in a the "stuff" that everyone (including myself) has. Huge houses, multiple cars, endless clothes, and supermarkets packed with more food than most people in the world could ever imagine. The basic necessities of life are taken for granted here. The poverty and suffering I witnessed in Kenya was heartbreaking. I think it truly hit me when I got home and realized how unfair the whole situation is. Being home really makes me appreciate all the people I met in Kenya and how much they taught me.

I feel as though this trip solidified the path I want to take. I definitely want to work in the Non-Profit/NGO sector, in a job that helps others. If I don't make a lot of money, that is fine. I realize more than ever that doing what you love is much more important. In the future I am sure I will settle down and maybe start a family, but I do not want to spend all that I earn on myself. I think it is really important to donate to charities you support. I got to see first hand that even the smallest amount can help to radically change someones life.

On a lighter note!

Things I will miss about Kenya:

·         Being able to jump on a motorcycle and go anywhere in town for 50 cents

·         The cows, goats, sheep, and chickens that run around the streets (and occasionally run into your office)

The random rainstorms that appear out of nowhere and strand you in strange places with complete strangers for an hour

·         Being called a Mzungu (white person), it was annoying at first but I will definitely miss random people talking to me, everyone was so friendly!

·         My own relaxation, going without internet for a week or more has been no problem. No chance that is happening at home….

·        Things taking way longer than necessary to get done. Frustrating at first until you just learn to go with the flow and realize it will all work out in the end

·        All the amazing people I have met at work, at home, and around town

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St. Paul's

For the past 6 weeks I have been splitting my time between the FAIR office and an elementary school close to my house. I have been volunteering there as a teacher, something I have little experience with. Luckily for me all the teachers at the school are so welcoming and super helpful. I have helped out in all the classes (the school has kindergarden through 8th grade). Mostly I have taught in 2nd and 4th grades. In 2nd grade I tutor a student who is the slowest learner in the class. When I started tutoring him he did not know most of the letters of the alphabet. He has made a lot of progress and his teacher says that before I came he rarely stayed in school all day, but now even when I am not there he sticks around. In class 4 I teach them math, english, and social studies. I have a lot of freedom over what I teach, normally I just ask the kids what subject they want to do that day.

This week is the last week of school so the kids are done with exams and even though they basically have no work left to do, they still keep asking me to teach them more. (I bet most of us have never heard a kid asking for MORE work to do!) Most of the kids at St. Paul's come from a slum area known as Bondeni. The majority of the kids do not have anything to eat for lunch everyday. Most of their uniforms are torn and dirty (they have one outfit they wear to school each day). The teachers have told me it is difficult for many of the children because they have problems at home, so when they come to school they are unable to focus. Despite all this I have been amazed by how happy and sweet all the kids are. They are eager to learn and even though I have been there over a month, they still get excited when I come and all want to give me high 5s. I think the reason the school is functioning so well is due entirely to the teachers. They are all motivated and really encourage the students to do well. I will really miss the kids when I leave. Teaching has been really challenging for me, but it has been one of the most rewarding things I have done here.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

Pole sana! (Very sorry!) I can't believe that it has been over a month since my last post! The time here has been FLYING by and everyday is so busy. Since I last wrote my parents came to visit me which was an amazing experience. We went on safari in the Serengeti of Tanzania and in the Southern part of Kenya. I really think everyone should try to go on safari at least once in their life, it was incredible! Showing my parents around Nakuru was great, it was so fun to show them where I have been working and the people I have met.