The ability for this place to inspire me is endless. Every morning after a walk through a local slum and 2 matatu rides, I reach Kibera, and am greeted with the hustle and bustle of the residents here. It’s dusty and congested but there is still something very warm about the loud speakers on Olympic Road, welcoming all who walk by with an upbeat Kenyan song. The shops are open, the animals are wandering the streets (you can tell it's spring with all of the baby goats and dogs everywhere) and the day has begun. Although one of the largest slums in Africa, I cant help but smile at the busy energy and the feeling the music gives me as I make my way into the Kibera community. At work we have begun dialogue with some of the most highly influential people in the community. The whole experience at this organization has been like no other I have ever had. I have been employed and volunteering for non-profits since I was in high school, and have never seen an org work so successfully with its own community and through the leadership of community members to mobilize and teach and better themselves. I truly get to see empowerment in action. My social time lately has been spent meeting some incredible people doing work in all sectors, with a common goal of helping the world around them. I recently met a couple who work to transport refugees to their new host countries and help them resettle. Moving 500 people who have never even ridden in a car, let alone a plane is quite the task, and the stories are enthralling. At the same time, they work to reunite children and grandparents with their families over seas. Getting a visa to go to Europe and the Americas is quite challenging for Kenyans, and when people are given the opportunity to go, the family usually celebrates it as a major accomplishment. Sometimes families will even separate, if only a few of them are able to leave, hoping that the ones that go will be able to provide a better life for the whole family. I also recently met and brainstormed with some people who are working on early warning systems through citizen self reporting. One such program is www.Ushahidi.com, which allows people to report incidence in real time through the internet and SMS. It’s incredibly cutting edge for the humanitarian field and I really hope they are able to reach their goals in the community. It may change the way we understand the news and world around us. Another interesting site is www.globalvoicesonline.org, which connects bloggers who are reporting on news around the world. Very interesting reading! As for the fun stuff, I have been trying to keep busy exploring and I'm working on maintaining a balance between the things I enjoyed at home and the new cultural experiences I am exposed to here. I’ve also been able to make some trips to the movies and have even gone bowling (although it was quite embarrassing with a score of 46). The very kind attendant told me it wasn’t the worst she had seen and I was very grateful for her kindness. J This weekend included petting a cheetah, taking wildlife safari walks, and celebrating birthdays with Nyama Choma (roasted goat) while sitting near a lake full of pelicans (beautiful!).
With my new cheetah friend. She really reminded me more of a big friendly house cat.
Lake Elmentaita. This is part of the Rift Valley, which is said to have been created during the break up of Pangaea when Africa was meant to split in two. The process failed, and has left this beautiful valley of lakes and craters.
Pelicans
Of course, no excursion comes without an exciting/scary lesson. On Kenyan highways there are always check points set up by the police to make sure all drivers are legal and driving safely. It’s also a good way to make some extra income from bribes. (which I have experienced first hand) Because we had passed 3 checkpoints by the time we got to the last one, I didn’t realize that it was actually being manned by regular citizens who had created a barrier out of tree branches. This group was hoping that drivers who don’t know any better would pull over, and then attempt to rob them. Luckily the people I was with are very aware of these scams, and I’m happy I wasn’t the one driving! I also learned the very valuable lesson of "chasing the sun" as my friend Lynsey calls it. In Kenya, I find that the goal is to stay away from roads, whether by foot or car, when the sun goes down. It's funny how my entir daily schedule revolves around the setting of the sun.
Regardless of how scary, I’m glad to have these experiences. I’m currently trying to plan trips to Ugandaand Rwanda (to see the memorials), and everyday I feel more prepared for the challenges I might face. On a side note, if anyone knows anyone in these places that wouldn’t mind guiding me, I would be very grateful for that information! Getting around out here is all about who you know, and any connections I can make along the way are invaluable to my experience and safety.
On a fun side note in smart ideas, a friend out here told me about this website. Thought I would share (in case anyone wants to send me a goat) ;) Yes, it's totally legitimate.
www.mamamikes.com
I hope you are all doing well and enjoying my stories and pictures. And if anyone makes their way toBerkeley (on Dwight and Telegraph), please stop into Bongo Burger and have a Persian Burger for me!
Regardless of how scary, I’m glad to have these experiences. I’m currently trying to plan trips to Ugandaand Rwanda (to see the memorials), and everyday I feel more prepared for the challenges I might face. On a side note, if anyone knows anyone in these places that wouldn’t mind guiding me, I would be very grateful for that information! Getting around out here is all about who you know, and any connections I can make along the way are invaluable to my experience and safety.
On a fun side note in smart ideas, a friend out here told me about this website. Thought I would share (in case anyone wants to send me a goat) ;) Yes, it's totally legitimate.
www.mamamikes.com
I hope you are all doing well and enjoying my stories and pictures. And if anyone makes their way toBerkeley (on Dwight and Telegraph), please stop into Bongo Burger and have a Persian Burger for me!
