Feb 1st, Day 2

We have not had a lot of success with the internet so far. Every time we get to the Center for Transforming Mission (CTM), the ministry Kaylie's host family runs (where there is free internet), it's down. So please be patient with us as we try to update you.

Katherine: This morning we went for our first official volunteer time at Cheryl's Children's Home. We walked part of the way and then got on a matatu. Rush hour traffic in Nairobi is much worse than we had anticipated, so we ended up being an hour late to school (two hours total travel time). Good thing we're on Africa time! Andrea and I managed to get off at the correct stop and then hail a matatu for the way back, too. We're pretty proud of ourselves, especially since we negotiated our ride for only 10 bob (or shillings) – about 12 cents.

We spent the morning helping out in the classroom – Andrea was in grade 3 and I was in grade 2. Andrea's lessons were more interesting than mine, so I'll let her share about that. I did help grade English papers and learned a little Swahili. Karibu = welcome. Ashante = thank you. And of course I am proficient with “hakuna matata” (no worries) and “rafiki” (friend), thanks to the Lion King. :) The most adventurous part of the morning was trying porridge. The porridge was nothing like what I was expecting when I heard the word “porridge;” I've always thought of porridge as just another word for oatmeal. I wasn't expecting to share in the kids' snack, but someone brought me a mug of porridge, and I felt I had to drink it to be polite. Maybe you noticed I said “drink.” Apparently, Kenyan porridge is not oatmeal. It's a brown cornmeal/liquid pudding substance, which was hot and slightly sweet, but it didn't really taste so great going down. I drank as much as I could, but I did stash about half of it with the kids' dirty dishes.

In the past two days, the thing that sticks out most to me so far is the overall uncertainty of plans, communication, commitment, future, etc. Everything seems to be up in the air or tentative. We arrive whenever we can get there; we meet if people show up; we ask questions several times because we think people haven't understood, when they've actually given their answer, which just sounded like another question. The idea of “African time” is quite appropriate. It's really not possible to operate any other way when you have to factor in walking, riding matatus, traffic, flat tires, gas, etc. It's been great to jump right in to African life, though – taking public transportation, eating at local restaurants, walking through lots of neighborhoods and community markets, buying things off the street.

Andrea: So far, we have tried a lot of new things. Like Katherine said, porridge. I can't say I'm a fan. Washing from a bucket of water and a pitcher because the water has to fill into the large container before the shower or toilets work. The sink and toilet were working but not the shower until today (Tuesday). Drinking yogurt (like yogurt but thinner...still delicious). Chipati (delicious bread-like dish similar to Indian naan or other types of flatbread), Coke in glass bottle with slightly different mixture for only about 35 cents and it was large! (also amusing because today's lunch restaurant did not have bottled beverages but took the order and ran across the street to get them at another shop), ginger drink called Stony Tangawizi (tangawizi means ginger), liver, which if you can believe it is much better than in the US. We also drink chai at breakfast, and at least one other time during the day. This is not like chai tea but is a boiled black tea and then a lot of milk. Saw a goat walking down the street. Lots of rush hour traffic this morning so that it took us 2 hours to get to the children's home, which only took about 20 minutes yesterday. In the middle of the rush hour traffic, a man stood between cars that already do not allow much space to pass, in order to sell newspapers. With the crazy traffic and matatus, the newspaper sales seems to be a dangerous or thrilling job.

The observation at the children's home was excellent. I was in grade 3, which is about the same age as what Americans would expect as 3rd grade, but because some students were held up to get school fees and such, the age range is more varied. I was able to help the teacher by grading math, English, reading, Kiswahili, social studies because she was a little behind with a larger and very active class. I got to help some students with fractions too (yay!) and during PE, we went out to plant seeds. This would have typically been in a science class in America and also the supplies would have been provided. Students here were expected to bring a container, seeds or most brought dried beans, soil, and a bottle of water to water the soil in addition to the bottle of drinking water they bring for the day. Temperatures also are in the upper 80s or expected high of 91, though a drier and more comfortable heat, and students wear a lot of clothing. For example, a girl had on a dress, then her school dress over it, then a fleece sweatshirt, then her school sweater over that. Whew. I'm hot just thinking of it. Katherine and I were able to get the right matatu on the way back to meet Kaylie and dodge cars/cross the street. We only had to pay 10 shillings for the ride to Kaylie too. Success! The guy who helps out the matatu drums up business and also tells us how much to pay. It seems to be quite variable depending on peak times, how you approach them, or if they think you are a tourist or do not know the system. The fact that we got the ride for only 10 was pretty great and ability to get on and get off at the right places was also great.

Like the restaurant going across the street to get the Coke, I think I am more aware here how other businesses and pursuits are dependent on others. Though a lot of people do not have much money, they feel that they are responsible to share with others and employ them. For instance, the place we are staying is nicely furnished, but the husband and wife run a business and have to supply their own support. Needless to say, they do not have so much extra. However, they employ “house girls” to help with the washing, making breakfast and some dinner, boiling water and chilling it to be safe for the visitors (us) to drink, etc. I do not know their hours, but they were there this morning before 6 am and there last night around 9 pm. With so much unemployment here, it is really great that people seek to hire others. Part of them taking on the burden of the many and aiding where they are able. It gives a very different perspective of many people here than I think is usually portrayed.