WE HAVE WATER!! Of course, there are a million pipes that have leaks, the toilets aren't working, we don't have toilet seats b/c the bathrooms have never been used, there are no shower heads, etc...but no more hauling water! I'm really excited. This has already made life so much easier. Ha. I might actually go to the bathroom at Sidai now :)
Due to several requests, I tried uploading pictures today. I was able to get a few up on Facebook, but my connection keeps cutting out. I'll try again soon, but who knows.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Food - Maize Crisis
Several people have asked me why the orphanage has no money food, what the kids would eat if we weren't here, etc. The first reason we have had to buy food is that the bank put a hold on the donations coming in from the UK, so no one has been able to touch the money. It was supposed to be a 6 week hold, but the money is still not available. Also, charities are providing less food than before to orphanages, so this puts the orphanage at a deficit.
The most significant reason, however, is the maize crisis in Kenya. I'm not sure how much (if at all) the U.S. media is covering the crisis, but it's the main topic in the news here every single night. People are literally starving to death throughout the country. People are eating bark, insects, etc. just to survive.
Due to a drought, there is a large shortage of maize (corn) in Kenya. There is supposed to be a supply of maize set aside for just such a crisis, but the minister of agriculture (allegedly) sold the supply to other countries for a personal profit. There have also been allegations that members of government have been selling maize at high prices in order to make a commission in Kenya. It's been a HUGE scandal that has really brought to light the extreme corruption in the Kenyan government (for me, at least). The Kenyan people I've talked to about it are outraged. Everyone is tired of the constant corruption in their government. The scandal has caused many charities to threaten to withhold money until they can be sure that the funds are being spent properly. This obviously affects many Kenyan people who unfortunately have to rely on donations to survive.
Besides the fact the people are starving, the crisis has caused food prices to skyrocket. Food is roughly DOUBLE was it was even months ago. For example, cabbage used to cost 20 ksh but now costs 50 ksh. For the many people barely scraping by in this country, the crisis has been devastating. Anyway, since food costs 2x what it used to, the money the orphanage has for food simply does not last as long as it used to.
I've attached a short article in case anyone is interested: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5huZb4e_0i0FsKmZs8pIw9_G_rQtw
The most significant reason, however, is the maize crisis in Kenya. I'm not sure how much (if at all) the U.S. media is covering the crisis, but it's the main topic in the news here every single night. People are literally starving to death throughout the country. People are eating bark, insects, etc. just to survive.
Due to a drought, there is a large shortage of maize (corn) in Kenya. There is supposed to be a supply of maize set aside for just such a crisis, but the minister of agriculture (allegedly) sold the supply to other countries for a personal profit. There have also been allegations that members of government have been selling maize at high prices in order to make a commission in Kenya. It's been a HUGE scandal that has really brought to light the extreme corruption in the Kenyan government (for me, at least). The Kenyan people I've talked to about it are outraged. Everyone is tired of the constant corruption in their government. The scandal has caused many charities to threaten to withhold money until they can be sure that the funds are being spent properly. This obviously affects many Kenyan people who unfortunately have to rely on donations to survive.
Besides the fact the people are starving, the crisis has caused food prices to skyrocket. Food is roughly DOUBLE was it was even months ago. For example, cabbage used to cost 20 ksh but now costs 50 ksh. For the many people barely scraping by in this country, the crisis has been devastating. Anyway, since food costs 2x what it used to, the money the orphanage has for food simply does not last as long as it used to.
I've attached a short article in case anyone is interested: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5huZb4e_0i0FsKmZs8pIw9_G_rQtw
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Mzungu!!
Mzungu means "white person," and I am called mzungu EVERWHERE I go. Seriously, walking down the street, it's "mzungu, mzungu, mzungu." I have never had so much attention directed at me in my life. People just stare at us, and everyone always wants to talk to us. Sometimes it can be cool and I've met some interesting people. After awhile, however, it can wear on you. It's getting better in Ngong b/c people are used to us being here.
Kids always want to talk to us too. Here's what happens:
Kids: "How are you? How are you?"
Me: "Good. How are you?"
Kids: (hysterical laughter)
It's pretty funny. I've definitely never stuck out this much in my life. Even if I want to, I can't blend in - and people let you know it!
Kids always want to talk to us too. Here's what happens:
Kids: "How are you? How are you?"
Me: "Good. How are you?"
Kids: (hysterical laughter)
It's pretty funny. I've definitely never stuck out this much in my life. Even if I want to, I can't blend in - and people let you know it!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Update
Two of my favorite kids are leaving!!!! :( Jacob-11 and Joseph-12 (brothers) came to Sidai right before I got here. There hasn't been room in the local schools for them. I was going to buy them uniforms, etc. if we could find them a school. I found out this morning, however, that they are going back home so they can go to school. Their mother brought them to the orphanage b/c she's a single mom and didn't have enough money to support them. I REALLY hope they are going to be okay. I'm worried about how things are going to turn out, but, unfortunately, there's nothing I can do. I'm pretty sad and will miss them both a lot.
Good news - it looks like we'll have running water at some point this week!!! We'll still have to haul water from the water hole the boys dug to the garden, but it'll be amazing to not have to carry water up the hill to the orphanage for cooking, bathing, etc. (Thanks NG for your help with the water project!)
We're going to try to hire househelp this week. I think I've written about this before, but the former househelp, Margaret, worked for free in return for staying at Sidai. She got a job as househelp in a home last week, so she's gone. Her kids, Gracee-18 mo and Frances-3 (I'm in LOVE with him) stay at the orphanage, and Margaret comes to visit on Sundays. Anyway, we need to get new help, because I hate seeing the 6-7 year olds using sharp knives to cut veggies, which is what is currently happening. Plus, everything is so disorganized now. They aren't eating dinner until around 9:30. We just need to get new help.
We also need to hire a teacher to teach Class 2 after Rachel and I leave. Lucy is dragging her feet on this one, but hopefully we'll interview some people in the next month.
I'll update again soon!
Good news - it looks like we'll have running water at some point this week!!! We'll still have to haul water from the water hole the boys dug to the garden, but it'll be amazing to not have to carry water up the hill to the orphanage for cooking, bathing, etc. (Thanks NG for your help with the water project!)
We're going to try to hire househelp this week. I think I've written about this before, but the former househelp, Margaret, worked for free in return for staying at Sidai. She got a job as househelp in a home last week, so she's gone. Her kids, Gracee-18 mo and Frances-3 (I'm in LOVE with him) stay at the orphanage, and Margaret comes to visit on Sundays. Anyway, we need to get new help, because I hate seeing the 6-7 year olds using sharp knives to cut veggies, which is what is currently happening. Plus, everything is so disorganized now. They aren't eating dinner until around 9:30. We just need to get new help.
We also need to hire a teacher to teach Class 2 after Rachel and I leave. Lucy is dragging her feet on this one, but hopefully we'll interview some people in the next month.
I'll update again soon!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
WATER
We're out of water AGAIN! Last night, Rachel and I helped the kids haul water back and forth from the water stand up the hill to the orphanage. Seriously, it is HARD work! Rachel and I carry the biggest one, but it's crazy that these kids have to haul water multiple times a day. I don't see how they manage to carry the big one in the mornings before we get there. It's exhausting.
I think I've mentioned this before, but we're trying to get 24/hr water at the orphanage. We paid the deposit for the water today. We need to buy pipes to carry the water from the main line. Rachel's card, however, isn't working, so she hasn't been able to get money out. I paid for the deposit but couldn't get enough out for materials. Hopefully, it'll all work out tomorrow.
It will be SO NICE to not have to go back and forth carrying water barrels!
Otherwise, things are going well. Thanks for all the support, emails, etc! Miss you guys!
I think I've mentioned this before, but we're trying to get 24/hr water at the orphanage. We paid the deposit for the water today. We need to buy pipes to carry the water from the main line. Rachel's card, however, isn't working, so she hasn't been able to get money out. I paid for the deposit but couldn't get enough out for materials. Hopefully, it'll all work out tomorrow.
It will be SO NICE to not have to go back and forth carrying water barrels!
Otherwise, things are going well. Thanks for all the support, emails, etc! Miss you guys!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Wedding, Valentine's Day and Matatus
WEDDING: I went to the neighbors' wedding on Saturday. It was supposed to start at 10, but the person who was hired to decorate the church showed up late. The priest then moved it to 11. I went over to see people sing to the bride as she was leaving her house around 10:30 - the songs were amazing. We then went to the church. I went inside the church around 11:30, but the ceremony didn't end up starting until 12. It then lasted over 2 hours - in Swahili! Luckily, the music was beautiful. We then went to the reception, where we had traditional Kenyan food and cake. The cake was made 4 weeks ago! I'm not kidding. Rachel and I thought it was dry and not very sweet, but, then again, we eat a lot more sugar than people do here. Our "brother" (host mom's son), who is 19, drove us home afterwards. Let's just say it was an adventure. People had to push the van we were in several times, and we came very close to hitting a few people, but we're alive!
VALENTINE'S DAY: After the wedding, we went to the orphanage to see the kids. We brought games and candy, so they were excited. I have so much fun with them! I think they had too much sugar though :) Lucy sent two of the kids I really like away for "bad behavior." Mary is 13 and I think Moses is 12 or 13. Lucy said they run away and encourage the other kids to run away as well. Apparently, they were sent back to their grandma. However, I know they originally came to Sidai b/c their grandma is too old to work and can't afford to take care of them. Lucy got mad at me for asking about them, but that's fairly normal at this point. Otherwise, things at the orphanage are great. We took 5 more kids to get HIV tests today - all negative!!!
MATATUS: Some people have asked how I get around. Going back and forth b/tw Ngong and Nairobi, I generally take buses. On shorter trips, however, you have to take matatus. Matatus follow routes like buses, but are 14 passenger vans that drive very fast. Well, they are supposed to sit 14. In reality, they force as many people in there as possible. The guidebooks recommend against taking them, but, unless you want to pay a lot of money for taxis, you really have no choice. At least I haven't been in an accident yet! (Mom, don't freak out.) A view of us were talking the other day about how different our experience is here than the experiences of people who come to the country for a week or two to go on safari or sit on the beach. I doubt many of them have squeezed into the back of a matatu!
VALENTINE'S DAY: After the wedding, we went to the orphanage to see the kids. We brought games and candy, so they were excited. I have so much fun with them! I think they had too much sugar though :) Lucy sent two of the kids I really like away for "bad behavior." Mary is 13 and I think Moses is 12 or 13. Lucy said they run away and encourage the other kids to run away as well. Apparently, they were sent back to their grandma. However, I know they originally came to Sidai b/c their grandma is too old to work and can't afford to take care of them. Lucy got mad at me for asking about them, but that's fairly normal at this point. Otherwise, things at the orphanage are great. We took 5 more kids to get HIV tests today - all negative!!!
MATATUS: Some people have asked how I get around. Going back and forth b/tw Ngong and Nairobi, I generally take buses. On shorter trips, however, you have to take matatus. Matatus follow routes like buses, but are 14 passenger vans that drive very fast. Well, they are supposed to sit 14. In reality, they force as many people in there as possible. The guidebooks recommend against taking them, but, unless you want to pay a lot of money for taxis, you really have no choice. At least I haven't been in an accident yet! (Mom, don't freak out.) A view of us were talking the other day about how different our experience is here than the experiences of people who come to the country for a week or two to go on safari or sit on the beach. I doubt many of them have squeezed into the back of a matatu!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Rough Day
So...Rachel and I took 5 of the newer kids at the orphanage to get tested for HIV today. One of the girls is positive. The nurse told us before she tested the kids what a positive result would look like. Rachel and I were sitting there with the kids and saw the line go through the strip. We just looked at each other. It was horrible.
When we got back to the orphanage, Lucy gave me my change from the money I gave her to buy materials for the divider for the school (of course she spent extra money, but at least it was for water and a tool for the garden). She then asked us who was going to pay for the labor for the project. Her SON is the one building the divider, and he did not include labor in his quote. I almost lost it when she asked me who was going to pay, and she knew I was mad. I told her I'd talk to her other son, Antony (who I actually really like and the kids do as well). We met him leaving the orphanage, and he thought his brother was donating his time to build the divider as well. Luckily, he offered to talk to his mom (Lucy) and his brother for us.
The thing that actually made me the most upset was not the money, per se. It was the fact that she was concerned about her son getting paid but did not even bother to ASK about the test results. It was just so crazy coming from a situation where I had to sit in an office and talk to a nurse about bring a 7-yr-old girl back to the clinic in the morning so she could get on HIV meds to having Lucy, who is supposed to be the mother figure to these kidss, not even bother to ask us how the testing went. We have to bring 5 more kids in for testing tomorrow, and hopefully the results will be better.
When we got back to the orphanage, Lucy gave me my change from the money I gave her to buy materials for the divider for the school (of course she spent extra money, but at least it was for water and a tool for the garden). She then asked us who was going to pay for the labor for the project. Her SON is the one building the divider, and he did not include labor in his quote. I almost lost it when she asked me who was going to pay, and she knew I was mad. I told her I'd talk to her other son, Antony (who I actually really like and the kids do as well). We met him leaving the orphanage, and he thought his brother was donating his time to build the divider as well. Luckily, he offered to talk to his mom (Lucy) and his brother for us.
The thing that actually made me the most upset was not the money, per se. It was the fact that she was concerned about her son getting paid but did not even bother to ASK about the test results. It was just so crazy coming from a situation where I had to sit in an office and talk to a nurse about bring a 7-yr-old girl back to the clinic in the morning so she could get on HIV meds to having Lucy, who is supposed to be the mother figure to these kidss, not even bother to ask us how the testing went. We have to bring 5 more kids in for testing tomorrow, and hopefully the results will be better.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Back from the coast
So much to write, but I'll try to limit myself...
I'm back from the coast - amazing time!! Four of us girls took an overnight bus on Thursday night to Mombasa. We then had to take three matatus (I'll explain these another time) and a ferry to get to Diani Beach. Our place was right on the beach, which was awesome.
There are monkeys all over, so, of course, there were signs around our cottage saying "please do not feed the monkeys." We, however, were not as careful as we should have been. Our first afternoon in Diani, Lora went into the cottage and came out yelling my name and laughing. Monkeys had broken in cottage, stolen our peanut butter and thrown around our bread. We found the peanut butter jar outside w/ monkey prints in it. Later on, we saw a monkey take the PB jar and climb up a tree to eat it. It was hilarious. Unfortunately, that wasn't the only time monkeys broke in. On Sunday morning, Julia woke Lora and me up saying that monkeys had been coming in thru the bars in the door we left open in our room. Lora said she actually heard what she thought was a monkey run past her bed, but she was too sunburnt to turn over. Speaking of sunburns, I have a pretty nasty one. We're really close to the equator and did not think abt the fact that our malaria meds make our skin significantly more sensitive to the sunlight until way too late. Oh well.
Other than laugh at monkey antics, we had a really good time. We laid out, hung out on our patio near the beach, went snorkelling and spent a lot of time at a beach cafe. They had (fairly) Western food, so it was nice to take a break from lentils and cabbage. Snorkelling was really cool. We saw some starfish and a number of beautiful fish by the reef.
I guess the bus rides also had some interesting elements. On the way to Mombasa, our bus had to slow down b/c a giraffe was crossing the highway. No joke. We also sat for TWO HOURS in one place due to construction. I almost felt like I was back in LA. :) There were a number of spots where the road was just dirt b/c they were working on it, which definitely made things interesting. Also, on the way back, I guess there was an elephant along the side of the rode. I didn't see it, but Lora asked the driver, and he confirmed it was there. So crazy.
After another overnight bus ride last night (it's abt 8 hrs to the coast from Nairobi and another hour home), I'm back in Ngong - exhausted but excited to be around the kids again. Of course, things are somewhat of a mess. Lucy (orphanage owner/director) fired Margaret ("auntie" who cooks and cleans). Margaret works for the orphanage for free in return for room and board for herself and her two little kids. It was apparently for stupid reasons and seems to be fairly dramatic, but, ultimately, I guess it's for the best. Since Margaret was not making any extra money here, she didn't really have the chance to move forward with her life. I'm sad b/c I really like her (and LOVE her kids), but it looks like she'll be able to stay until she finds a new job and her kids will still come to the orphanage during the days. Hopefully, the end result will be good.
The orphanage is out of food again. There is some $ coming in from UK donations, but the waiting period is still in effect on the checks. Rachel bought some food for them today. They also need to build some kind of wall/partition in the outdoor classroom so the little kids do not have to go to school in the slum. I'm planning on paying for the wall, so hopefully that will turn out okay. One of Lucy's son's is in construction and gave me a fairly reasonable quote.
The orphanage is also out of water. Luckily, buying barrels of water is cheap, but the kids have to help carry heavy containers of water to the home. Currently, we're trying to figure out how to get the orphanage hooked up to a water pipe, so there is water all the time (well, as often as possible). It looks like it'll be fairly expensive (ha what else is new), but having enough water means that the home has a better chance of passing its health inspection, which means a better chance of getting a charity ID certificate, which means that businesses will be more likely to donate (since there will be a charity ID number). It's really rare for orphanages to get certified, but a past volunteer knows some companies in the UK that will donate if there is a tax ID number.
Other than that, we're starting to plan the Valentine's Day party. We're buying supplies to make cards tomorrow. The kids don't know yet about the party, so hopefully they are really excited.
Hope everyone is having a great week!
I'm back from the coast - amazing time!! Four of us girls took an overnight bus on Thursday night to Mombasa. We then had to take three matatus (I'll explain these another time) and a ferry to get to Diani Beach. Our place was right on the beach, which was awesome.
There are monkeys all over, so, of course, there were signs around our cottage saying "please do not feed the monkeys." We, however, were not as careful as we should have been. Our first afternoon in Diani, Lora went into the cottage and came out yelling my name and laughing. Monkeys had broken in cottage, stolen our peanut butter and thrown around our bread. We found the peanut butter jar outside w/ monkey prints in it. Later on, we saw a monkey take the PB jar and climb up a tree to eat it. It was hilarious. Unfortunately, that wasn't the only time monkeys broke in. On Sunday morning, Julia woke Lora and me up saying that monkeys had been coming in thru the bars in the door we left open in our room. Lora said she actually heard what she thought was a monkey run past her bed, but she was too sunburnt to turn over. Speaking of sunburns, I have a pretty nasty one. We're really close to the equator and did not think abt the fact that our malaria meds make our skin significantly more sensitive to the sunlight until way too late. Oh well.
Other than laugh at monkey antics, we had a really good time. We laid out, hung out on our patio near the beach, went snorkelling and spent a lot of time at a beach cafe. They had (fairly) Western food, so it was nice to take a break from lentils and cabbage. Snorkelling was really cool. We saw some starfish and a number of beautiful fish by the reef.
I guess the bus rides also had some interesting elements. On the way to Mombasa, our bus had to slow down b/c a giraffe was crossing the highway. No joke. We also sat for TWO HOURS in one place due to construction. I almost felt like I was back in LA. :) There were a number of spots where the road was just dirt b/c they were working on it, which definitely made things interesting. Also, on the way back, I guess there was an elephant along the side of the rode. I didn't see it, but Lora asked the driver, and he confirmed it was there. So crazy.
After another overnight bus ride last night (it's abt 8 hrs to the coast from Nairobi and another hour home), I'm back in Ngong - exhausted but excited to be around the kids again. Of course, things are somewhat of a mess. Lucy (orphanage owner/director) fired Margaret ("auntie" who cooks and cleans). Margaret works for the orphanage for free in return for room and board for herself and her two little kids. It was apparently for stupid reasons and seems to be fairly dramatic, but, ultimately, I guess it's for the best. Since Margaret was not making any extra money here, she didn't really have the chance to move forward with her life. I'm sad b/c I really like her (and LOVE her kids), but it looks like she'll be able to stay until she finds a new job and her kids will still come to the orphanage during the days. Hopefully, the end result will be good.
The orphanage is out of food again. There is some $ coming in from UK donations, but the waiting period is still in effect on the checks. Rachel bought some food for them today. They also need to build some kind of wall/partition in the outdoor classroom so the little kids do not have to go to school in the slum. I'm planning on paying for the wall, so hopefully that will turn out okay. One of Lucy's son's is in construction and gave me a fairly reasonable quote.
The orphanage is also out of water. Luckily, buying barrels of water is cheap, but the kids have to help carry heavy containers of water to the home. Currently, we're trying to figure out how to get the orphanage hooked up to a water pipe, so there is water all the time (well, as often as possible). It looks like it'll be fairly expensive (ha what else is new), but having enough water means that the home has a better chance of passing its health inspection, which means a better chance of getting a charity ID certificate, which means that businesses will be more likely to donate (since there will be a charity ID number). It's really rare for orphanages to get certified, but a past volunteer knows some companies in the UK that will donate if there is a tax ID number.
Other than that, we're starting to plan the Valentine's Day party. We're buying supplies to make cards tomorrow. The kids don't know yet about the party, so hopefully they are really excited.
Hope everyone is having a great week!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
stuff
So Lucy left (FINALLY) this morning with Ridia to go to the hospital. Rachel and I gave her money to go last night, so hopefully everything will be fine now. When we left the orphanage, they weren't back yet. I'm going back later tonight, so I should find out what happened then.
The orphanage is low on $ to buy food, so yesterday Rachel and I bought food for dinner. We are going to the market again today and buying food, firewood, soap, etc. Luckily, "Brother Brian" (from our host family), is going to borrow a vehicle to help us get everything to the orphanage.
A few people have asked me about contributing money for food, books, supplies, etc., which is awesome. If you would like to do so, I think the best thing would be to send the money to Matt (Matt Henning; 1423 Euclid St. #5; Santa Monica, CA 90404). I'll have him keep track of how much comes in, and I'll withdraw the same amount here with the ATM. When I get home, I can just replace the money I used for the supplies, etc. I should have thought about all of this before I left, but oh well.
Also, a former volunteer (who actually now lives here) has a bunch of donors in the UK that help keep the orphanage running. The orphanage used to be in the slums and there was not money for school, etc. They are now renting a house and paying two teachers, which is supported by donations in the UK. I'm planning on contributing when I get home and will pass along info (once I know it) if anyone else is interested as well.
Alternatively, one of the boys (actually the smartest in the class I'm teaching) apparently can't get into school b/c there are no open spots in his grade. Hopefully, we'll figure out something before I leave. If not, I'm going to look into how much it would cost to sponsor him in private school If I end up sponsoring him, it will be thru high school, and it would be great if other people wanted to help out if and when they could. I'll update when I know more.
Anyway, NO PRESSURE AT ALL. I just have been asked abt donations, so I wanted to pass along the info.
I leave for the coast on an overnight bus tomorrow night. Currently, I live at a fairly high elevation, and the temps have only been in the 70s/80s. The coast, however, is going to be HOT! I'll update when I return next week.
I think we're going to have a Valentine's Day party for the kids next weekend, which should be a lot of fun. We brought cookies for two boys' birthdays last night, and the kids were so excited. They literally jump all over us when we walk in the door. They are so cute!!!
The orphanage is low on $ to buy food, so yesterday Rachel and I bought food for dinner. We are going to the market again today and buying food, firewood, soap, etc. Luckily, "Brother Brian" (from our host family), is going to borrow a vehicle to help us get everything to the orphanage.
A few people have asked me about contributing money for food, books, supplies, etc., which is awesome. If you would like to do so, I think the best thing would be to send the money to Matt (Matt Henning; 1423 Euclid St. #5; Santa Monica, CA 90404). I'll have him keep track of how much comes in, and I'll withdraw the same amount here with the ATM. When I get home, I can just replace the money I used for the supplies, etc. I should have thought about all of this before I left, but oh well.
Also, a former volunteer (who actually now lives here) has a bunch of donors in the UK that help keep the orphanage running. The orphanage used to be in the slums and there was not money for school, etc. They are now renting a house and paying two teachers, which is supported by donations in the UK. I'm planning on contributing when I get home and will pass along info (once I know it) if anyone else is interested as well.
Alternatively, one of the boys (actually the smartest in the class I'm teaching) apparently can't get into school b/c there are no open spots in his grade. Hopefully, we'll figure out something before I leave. If not, I'm going to look into how much it would cost to sponsor him in private school If I end up sponsoring him, it will be thru high school, and it would be great if other people wanted to help out if and when they could. I'll update when I know more.
Anyway, NO PRESSURE AT ALL. I just have been asked abt donations, so I wanted to pass along the info.
I leave for the coast on an overnight bus tomorrow night. Currently, I live at a fairly high elevation, and the temps have only been in the 70s/80s. The coast, however, is going to be HOT! I'll update when I return next week.
I think we're going to have a Valentine's Day party for the kids next weekend, which should be a lot of fun. We brought cookies for two boys' birthdays last night, and the kids were so excited. They literally jump all over us when we walk in the door. They are so cute!!!
Monday, February 2, 2009
FRUSTRATING morning
So...one of the little girls fell on the stairs and hurt her mouth on Friday. Rachel took her to a hospital, but was told the girl needed to come back later when the dentist was there. She was still bleeding later that night, so we decided to take her back to the hospital. This time, Rachel and Lucy (director of orphanage) went. I was going to go as well, but then Grace (our host mom) decided to go since she works at a hospital. The hospital packed her wounds said she still needed to come back to see the dentist.
Just to be safe, they also took the little girl (Ridia) to the hospital where Grace works. She's friends w/ a surgeon who agreed to look at Ridia. The surgeon said Ridia also needed to have an x-ray b/c she could have a cracked jaw. He suggested taking her to Kenyatta hospital the next day. (Unlike at home, you can't get many services here after working hours). Lucy, who did not even know the girl's name (which is crazy b/c the little girl LIVES with her), agreed to take her the next day.
Yesterday, we found out that Lucy instead took her to Saint Mary's in Kibera, b/c apparently there is a doctor there who gives a cheaper rate for orphans. I guess the x-ray tech was not there, and Lucy was told to take her back today (Monday). Lucy said she would do so. Well, we arrived at the orphanage today, and Ridia was there but not Lucy. One of Lucy's sons (who doesn't really work at the orphanage), told us that Lucy went to a meeting. Ugh.
We all tried to figure out what to do and finally got ahold of Lucy. Lucy told us that she does not have the money to take Ridia to see the doctor. This makes no sense b/c, first of all, her son gave her money to take Ridia to the hospital on Saturday. Since the doctor was not there, Lucy did not have to spend the money and should still have it. Also, Jane (a past volunteer that does a lot of work w/ the orphanage) told us there is a special fund set aside for the kids' medical expenses. Lucy basically wants us to give her money to take Ridia to the hospital. I would absolutely give the $ for Ridia to see a doctor, however, our concern is that Lucy already has the money (from her son and from the fund), so what will our money really be used for? Meanwhile, Ridia is walking around with a swollen face and in a lot of pain. Lucy has not been on contact with us for several hours now. I wish we could just take her to the hospital, but we do not know where Saint Mary's is and do not have any documentation that Ridia is an orphan.
Total mess. The other teacher and Lucy's son realize that we understand what Lucy is up to and are really mad. Hopefully, they pass the word along to her. If it doesn't get solved at some point today, I assume that Rachel and I will just take Ridia to some hospital tomorrow morning and hope for the best.
ALSO, the teacher's strike is over, so a number of the kids should be back in school. We were surprised when several of the kids in public school were at the orphanage this morning and asked the other teacher what was going on. Lucy was supposed to enroll the kids in school, but she has not done so. Hopefully, there are still spots in public school, b/c there obviously is not any money to send them to private school.
We sent Lucy a text telling her we wanted to talk tonight. This should be interesting.
Anyway, sorry about the rant. Hope everyone is doing well!!
Just to be safe, they also took the little girl (Ridia) to the hospital where Grace works. She's friends w/ a surgeon who agreed to look at Ridia. The surgeon said Ridia also needed to have an x-ray b/c she could have a cracked jaw. He suggested taking her to Kenyatta hospital the next day. (Unlike at home, you can't get many services here after working hours). Lucy, who did not even know the girl's name (which is crazy b/c the little girl LIVES with her), agreed to take her the next day.
Yesterday, we found out that Lucy instead took her to Saint Mary's in Kibera, b/c apparently there is a doctor there who gives a cheaper rate for orphans. I guess the x-ray tech was not there, and Lucy was told to take her back today (Monday). Lucy said she would do so. Well, we arrived at the orphanage today, and Ridia was there but not Lucy. One of Lucy's sons (who doesn't really work at the orphanage), told us that Lucy went to a meeting. Ugh.
We all tried to figure out what to do and finally got ahold of Lucy. Lucy told us that she does not have the money to take Ridia to see the doctor. This makes no sense b/c, first of all, her son gave her money to take Ridia to the hospital on Saturday. Since the doctor was not there, Lucy did not have to spend the money and should still have it. Also, Jane (a past volunteer that does a lot of work w/ the orphanage) told us there is a special fund set aside for the kids' medical expenses. Lucy basically wants us to give her money to take Ridia to the hospital. I would absolutely give the $ for Ridia to see a doctor, however, our concern is that Lucy already has the money (from her son and from the fund), so what will our money really be used for? Meanwhile, Ridia is walking around with a swollen face and in a lot of pain. Lucy has not been on contact with us for several hours now. I wish we could just take her to the hospital, but we do not know where Saint Mary's is and do not have any documentation that Ridia is an orphan.
Total mess. The other teacher and Lucy's son realize that we understand what Lucy is up to and are really mad. Hopefully, they pass the word along to her. If it doesn't get solved at some point today, I assume that Rachel and I will just take Ridia to some hospital tomorrow morning and hope for the best.
ALSO, the teacher's strike is over, so a number of the kids should be back in school. We were surprised when several of the kids in public school were at the orphanage this morning and asked the other teacher what was going on. Lucy was supposed to enroll the kids in school, but she has not done so. Hopefully, there are still spots in public school, b/c there obviously is not any money to send them to private school.
We sent Lucy a text telling her we wanted to talk tonight. This should be interesting.
Anyway, sorry about the rant. Hope everyone is doing well!!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
random
Additional info on Kibera - some of you may have seen Kibera b/c it's featured in the movie The Constant Gardener. Also, a lot of the post-election violence happened in Kibera, and there are "keep peace" signs throughout the slum. Actually, the husband of the host mom at the volunteer house here in Nairobi was killed in Kibera during the violence.
Food - I forgot to mention that we also drink a lot of chai tea. Oh and apparently Kenyans don't drink water. Seriously. Most people I've met have tea in the morning and another tea at night and that's basically it. I think I'm going to be over chai and cabbage by the time I come home.
Nakumatt - you may have seen news re the fire at the Nakumatt supermarket in Nairobi. I've been in that market before, and I'm currently in Nairobi and just walked by where the Nakumatt used to be. So many people are still missing. The whole thing is such a tragedy. The fire engines ran out of water, and there are questions regarding the number of fire exits in the store and whether the doors were open. It's been all over the news. Absolutely terrible. It makes you appreciate the safety precautions we have at home - even though they can often be annoying. http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/02/01/kenya.explosion/index.html
Today - I met two other volunteers, Lora and Martha, in Nairobi. We went to the Masai market, bought overnight bus tickets to the coast for next weekend, had lunch at Hooter's (nothing like the one at home but decent fries) and are now running a few errands before heading back to our various placements. OH and I met a Kenyan runner on the bus into town. He suggested a running book for me, so I'm going to have to check it out when I get back home :)
Food - I forgot to mention that we also drink a lot of chai tea. Oh and apparently Kenyans don't drink water. Seriously. Most people I've met have tea in the morning and another tea at night and that's basically it. I think I'm going to be over chai and cabbage by the time I come home.
Nakumatt - you may have seen news re the fire at the Nakumatt supermarket in Nairobi. I've been in that market before, and I'm currently in Nairobi and just walked by where the Nakumatt used to be. So many people are still missing. The whole thing is such a tragedy. The fire engines ran out of water, and there are questions regarding the number of fire exits in the store and whether the doors were open. It's been all over the news. Absolutely terrible. It makes you appreciate the safety precautions we have at home - even though they can often be annoying. http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/02/01/kenya.explosion/index.html
Today - I met two other volunteers, Lora and Martha, in Nairobi. We went to the Masai market, bought overnight bus tickets to the coast for next weekend, had lunch at Hooter's (nothing like the one at home but decent fries) and are now running a few errands before heading back to our various placements. OH and I met a Kenyan runner on the bus into town. He suggested a running book for me, so I'm going to have to check it out when I get back home :)
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