Today is my fifth day in Africa. It has been and continues to be a major adjustment. In some ways it doesn't seem that different and in many other ways, it is definitely a whole new world.
In the villages, the poverty can hit you in the face at one moment and then seem non-existent in the next. People are well-dressed, many have cell phones, they pay for transportation by Boda Boda (bicycle), Pik Pik (motorbike), or matatu (a large size van that may be crammed chockerblock full of people), even in the small villages they buy Coke and other soft drinks that could be considered a luxury. However, people live in huts that may be made of tin or clay with thatch roofs, they work from sunup to sundown to provide food for their families, and leisure time activities are next to non-existent. (Of course, life in the cities is different).
African villages are not what Canadians think of when we hear the word "village." Here, a village is a series of compounds, each compound housing a family. A village might have one or two shops providing supplies such as mangos, peanuts, bread, eggs, and pop to the villagers.
Family also means something different here. Usually, a man will have at least 2 or 3 wives, each in their own house within the compound. If the husband dies, the sons must build their own houses (huts) and move out of the mother's house. Once the mother dies, the house is left uninhabited, perhaps used only for cooking or storage. Oftentimes it is left to fall into disrepair.
The compounds are another sign of the discrepancies in the spread of wealth in Africa. One compound may have strong, "modern" houses built of concrete blocks while in the compound right next door, the houses might only be built of mud and thatch.
On Wednesday, I was outside the Health Clinic compound watching the cattle being herded by as they were taken down to the pond to water. The school children were coming by, also. They stopped to say hello to the Mzungu and have their picture taken. One boy asked if I had a pencil I could give him. I didn't have any with me that day so I asked him to come back the next day.
It was a difficult experience on Thursday, when I went out to greet the children and hand out pencils. At first only a handful of children were around, but within seconds there was a crowd of children around me. It became difficult to figure out who had already received one and who hadn't. They kept pushing and shoving, crowding around me, trying to get my attention, and have me give them one. I finally had to give up and go back into the compound. At that point, one of the clinic workers suggested I count the remaining pens and pencils and have the guard allow only that number of children to come in, a few at a time to get one. This worked well. I only had one pen left after this and suggested that this one girl (in school uniform) who was holding a baby be the the one to come in and get the last pen. The clinic worker said that the girls shouldn't be given the pens, only the boys. I found the whole experience difficult on so many levels - the extreme joy of the children in receiving something as simple as a pencil or a pen - that they were thankful for such a small thing but at the same time the knowledge that they were so thankful because to them this "small thing" was a very large thing - and the worker's comment that only the boys should receive the pens. We are so blessed in Canada - both in riches and in rights for all - that this experience was beyond my comprehending.
If you take out a camera here, you are liable to be swarmed - the children (and the adults) LOVE to have their picture taken and then see the results. They don't understand that they need to stand back from the camera so I'm often needing to back up and ask them to stay put. (This also makes it hard to get a "candid" shot - they seem to have a sixth sense of when the Mzungus are around and have their cameras out.) Dad, Ed, Boniface, and I were in Bondo to purchase electrical supplies. While the guys negotiated with the shop, I wandered around a bit. I was taking a picture of an older woman selling dried corn kernels - she had a wheelbarrow full of them. In the shop behind her was a small child and his mother. His mother called me over and asked me to take a picture of the child, then of her and the child, and then just of her. She kept doing different poses and asking "One more, one more." Then, she went and stood with a friend - "One more, one more!" - and then another friend joined them - "One more, one more!"
The heat here is something else. Because we had such a cool July in Canada, I wasn't used to heat and humidity so coming here was, and still is, a major adjustment.
The brightness of the sun is a challenge for me - both because I'm heat-sensitive and am having problems with the heat, but also because it makes it VERY difficult to take pictures - the sky is so bright while the people, buildings, trees, and animals are darker, more neutral tones - it's hard to properly meter to get a picture where you can make out the bottom half of the picture without blowing out the highlights in the top half!!!
Today we got up early and drove into Kisumu. At Hippo Point, we went on a boat ride on Lake Victoria. Titus, a marine biologist, was our guide and was able to tell us all about the flora and fauna of Lake Victoria. In terms of flora, we saw sausage trees, papyrus, mangrove, candelabra trees, and water hyacinth. Fauna included cormorants, egrets, flamingos, kingfishers, and hippos!!!!! Pictures to follow.
Lunch and souvenir shopping is next on our list! Later!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Toto, we're not in Fergus anymore!!!
After a very long trip, we have safely arrived in Bondo, Kenya.
From London, we flew to Doha, Qatar. Getting off the plane was an experience. Walking down the steps onto the tarmac, we knew immediately that we were in the desert. A very dry heat, sand blowing, sun shining with an intensity that I've never experienced before.
The flight to Doha was an experience in and of itself. Qatar Airlines is amazing - food was incredible, staff were awesome and services were great. When we got to our seat, headphones, pillow, blanket, and a package of travel supplies awaited us. In the package was an eye mask for sleeping, socks, ear plugs, and a small travel toothbrush and toothpaste. The flight had entertainment systems in the seat backs so you could choose from a plethora of tv shows, movies, music, and flight information. Only drawback - we were in the very last row of the plane and so the seats didn't recline. Made a 6 hour overnight flight very long and not very restful.
Travelling to Doha from London required flying over the Middle East - including Iraq and Kuwait. It was a very strange realization to look out the window and see city lights that might have been Baghdad and, later, were definitely Kuwait City!!!!
We had a two-hour layover in Doha before catching our flight to Nairobi. This flight was a smaller plane that had 3 seats on either side of the aisle. Movies were played on the more traditional screens hanging from the ceiling.
In Nairobi, Stephen's nephew Abraham and his friend James picked us up. After purchasing our tickets to Kisumu, they drove us to the Free Pentecostal Fellowship of Kenya guest house. We checked in and had some free time before dinner. One cold shower later, lesson learned - showers in Kenya have a switch that turns on the heater!!!!
Dinner was served at the Guest House. All afternoon, I had seen very few people at the Guest House, but at dinner time the room was crowded. Dinner was ugali, beef and vegetables in a broth, rice, and a hot coleslaw. There was also lemons and watermelon. Ugali is a type of corn bread made from water and maize. These white buns or slices are a very dry dish that is loved by the Kenyans. For me, it was best when dipped in the broth from the meat dish.
Very early the next morning (although not as early as it should have been - more to come!), Abraham picked us up and drove us back to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Dad purchased coffees and cinnamon buns just as boarding was announced. However, we were able to carry these coffees out onto the tarmac and onto the plane!!! Security was more laidback for this internal flight - all bags had to go through x-rays, but I was able to bring my water bottle with me.
Flying over Kenya was amazing. Seeing the changes in landscape - rolling hills; Mount Kenya; arid regions; lush, verdant areas - was incredible.
We arrived at Kisumu Airport at about 7:30 where Ed Peters and Jeremiah picked us up. We ran errands in Kisumu - trying to purchase electrical wire and pipe clamps was an experience!!! We also went to Tusky's, a large supermarket that sold absolutely everything - in a very small way like the newer Walmarts. We had lunch at a restaurant near the supermarket. I had breaded tilapia fillets and french fries. Dad had Kuku Kenya chicken - chunks of chicken in a cream sauce.
While in Kisumu, we also met Ben and Vincent, two guys who work for another NGO in Bondo. Ben is from Wales - talk about a small world!! Vincent is from Bondo. We drove Vincent and a bunch of supplies they had bought back to Bondo before continuing on to Matangwe.
Driving from Kisumu to Bondo was much like driving from any town to any village - smooth, paved roads, lots of traffic. At the same time, very different - bicycles everywhere, people walking on the side of the road. Jeremiah was constantly on the horn warning cyclists and pedestrians to get out of the way.
Once we turned off the main road, however, it was a whole new world. Dirt roads, angled almost 45 degrees at times, lots of potholes and trenches - very, very, very bumpy!!!!
Stephen greeted us in Matangwe and showed us everything that was going on. Dad came here in 1998 to help build the Medical Clinic and, as a result, was constantly amazed to see all the changes and progress since then.
In the medical clinic compound, there is the medical clinic, a mortuary, a water tower, a generator, and a volunteer & staff residence.
Down the road from the medical clinic is the new community centre, currently under construction. As we walked, children started following us. By the time we had spent a few minutes in the community centre, they had come closer. One boy took my hand, told his friend to take the other, then a third came up beside the first boy and grabbed onto my wrist. It was incredible to see how open they were to a stranger. Mzungu is a cry often heard as we drive or walk past - it means white man.
Everyone we met at the clinic has been very open and welcoming. They are so pleased to have use here, to show us what has been done and is still to be done, to see our interest in their lives. Many remembered Dad from his first visit, others remembered Mom. When Dad told one of the ladies that I was his daughter, she took a second look and said that I look like my Mom. (Mom came over in 2000 ? to help out in the clinic)
It has been a very dry summer here, but it did rain for a little bit today. Perhaps Dad and I brought the rain with us???
I will try and post a few photos later on this week, however, it is a slower Internet connection so that might need to wait until I get home.
Until the next time!
From London, we flew to Doha, Qatar. Getting off the plane was an experience. Walking down the steps onto the tarmac, we knew immediately that we were in the desert. A very dry heat, sand blowing, sun shining with an intensity that I've never experienced before.
The flight to Doha was an experience in and of itself. Qatar Airlines is amazing - food was incredible, staff were awesome and services were great. When we got to our seat, headphones, pillow, blanket, and a package of travel supplies awaited us. In the package was an eye mask for sleeping, socks, ear plugs, and a small travel toothbrush and toothpaste. The flight had entertainment systems in the seat backs so you could choose from a plethora of tv shows, movies, music, and flight information. Only drawback - we were in the very last row of the plane and so the seats didn't recline. Made a 6 hour overnight flight very long and not very restful.
Travelling to Doha from London required flying over the Middle East - including Iraq and Kuwait. It was a very strange realization to look out the window and see city lights that might have been Baghdad and, later, were definitely Kuwait City!!!!
We had a two-hour layover in Doha before catching our flight to Nairobi. This flight was a smaller plane that had 3 seats on either side of the aisle. Movies were played on the more traditional screens hanging from the ceiling.
In Nairobi, Stephen's nephew Abraham and his friend James picked us up. After purchasing our tickets to Kisumu, they drove us to the Free Pentecostal Fellowship of Kenya guest house. We checked in and had some free time before dinner. One cold shower later, lesson learned - showers in Kenya have a switch that turns on the heater!!!!
Dinner was served at the Guest House. All afternoon, I had seen very few people at the Guest House, but at dinner time the room was crowded. Dinner was ugali, beef and vegetables in a broth, rice, and a hot coleslaw. There was also lemons and watermelon. Ugali is a type of corn bread made from water and maize. These white buns or slices are a very dry dish that is loved by the Kenyans. For me, it was best when dipped in the broth from the meat dish.
Very early the next morning (although not as early as it should have been - more to come!), Abraham picked us up and drove us back to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Dad purchased coffees and cinnamon buns just as boarding was announced. However, we were able to carry these coffees out onto the tarmac and onto the plane!!! Security was more laidback for this internal flight - all bags had to go through x-rays, but I was able to bring my water bottle with me.
Flying over Kenya was amazing. Seeing the changes in landscape - rolling hills; Mount Kenya; arid regions; lush, verdant areas - was incredible.
We arrived at Kisumu Airport at about 7:30 where Ed Peters and Jeremiah picked us up. We ran errands in Kisumu - trying to purchase electrical wire and pipe clamps was an experience!!! We also went to Tusky's, a large supermarket that sold absolutely everything - in a very small way like the newer Walmarts. We had lunch at a restaurant near the supermarket. I had breaded tilapia fillets and french fries. Dad had Kuku Kenya chicken - chunks of chicken in a cream sauce.
While in Kisumu, we also met Ben and Vincent, two guys who work for another NGO in Bondo. Ben is from Wales - talk about a small world!! Vincent is from Bondo. We drove Vincent and a bunch of supplies they had bought back to Bondo before continuing on to Matangwe.
Driving from Kisumu to Bondo was much like driving from any town to any village - smooth, paved roads, lots of traffic. At the same time, very different - bicycles everywhere, people walking on the side of the road. Jeremiah was constantly on the horn warning cyclists and pedestrians to get out of the way.
Once we turned off the main road, however, it was a whole new world. Dirt roads, angled almost 45 degrees at times, lots of potholes and trenches - very, very, very bumpy!!!!
Stephen greeted us in Matangwe and showed us everything that was going on. Dad came here in 1998 to help build the Medical Clinic and, as a result, was constantly amazed to see all the changes and progress since then.
In the medical clinic compound, there is the medical clinic, a mortuary, a water tower, a generator, and a volunteer & staff residence.
Down the road from the medical clinic is the new community centre, currently under construction. As we walked, children started following us. By the time we had spent a few minutes in the community centre, they had come closer. One boy took my hand, told his friend to take the other, then a third came up beside the first boy and grabbed onto my wrist. It was incredible to see how open they were to a stranger. Mzungu is a cry often heard as we drive or walk past - it means white man.
Everyone we met at the clinic has been very open and welcoming. They are so pleased to have use here, to show us what has been done and is still to be done, to see our interest in their lives. Many remembered Dad from his first visit, others remembered Mom. When Dad told one of the ladies that I was his daughter, she took a second look and said that I look like my Mom. (Mom came over in 2000 ? to help out in the clinic)
It has been a very dry summer here, but it did rain for a little bit today. Perhaps Dad and I brought the rain with us???
I will try and post a few photos later on this week, however, it is a slower Internet connection so that might need to wait until I get home.
Until the next time!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Travelling - Day One
The Journey has begun!
Dad and I left Toronto last night at 11:30 and arrived in London Heathrow at 11:40 local time.
My Uncle Peter and Aunt Catherine picked us up and took us to a barbecue for the afternoon. It was great to see them again and incredibly generous of them to drive the two hours to the airport to pick us up, two hours back to the barbecue (near their home), two hours back to the airport, and then their drive home.
We are currently waiting for our flight to Doha, Qatar. We leave London tonight at 9:30 and arrive in Doha tomorrow at approximately 6:30. Our flight to Nairobi leaves Doha at 8:00 am. Please pray that connections are made without difficulty or delay.
We will stay overnight Monday in Nairobi and catch an early morning flight to Kisumu where we will be picked up and driven to Matangwe for our first day of work.
Travelling is exciting but long and tiring, too. Please pray for energy and a quick recovery from jetlag so that we can be effective in our roles in Matangwe.
Thank you for your support and prayers. We truly could not do this without you!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
I Dreamed of Africa
On Saturday, July 25, 2009, I embark on what will be a life-changing experience. My Dad and I are travelling to Kenya where we will be working with Caring Partners Global in the village of Matangwe and surrounding area.Dad will be helping build a new community centre for this village he first visited in 1998 when he helped build a medical clinic.
I will be helping out in whatever way I can. Some of my responsabilities will likely include tutoring Grade 8 students as they prepare for their national exams, working on literacy projects, helping out with the community centre project, and using my love of photography to help provide Caring Partners Global with updated pictures for their website and presentations.
Africa was never a continent on my "travel wish list" - too far outside my comfort zone . . . or so I thought! While I am looking forward to this journey, I know that it will challenge me in every way imaginable.
Please be praying for me as I step out in faith. A few prayer requests:
- health and safety while we are in Africa
- safe travels - getting to and from Matangwe is going to require many flights
- financial provision - the cost of this trip is approximately $5000
- wisdom and guidance in my interactions with the people of Africa and as to how I can best serve and help in Matangwe
If you would like to help out financially, please contact me directly.
Please join on me on this great adventure. I will post updates between now and my departure, and again when I return. I will try to post updates during the trip, but internet access is likely going to be limited.
For more information, check out:
Caring Partners Global: http://www.caringpartners.ca
Caring Partners Global Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=45224246058&ref=share
I Dreamed of Africa, 2009 Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=93234228075
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