I made it! I'm in Kenya! I can't tell you how comforting it was to see my name on a sign held by a man in a SEA of people at the Nairobi airport. I arrived a night, and was immediately whisked away by my new-found friend to the backpackers accommodations I had booked (complete with airport pick-up). Nairobi is big, fast, and I had no idea where we were heading under the cover of darkness. How happy was I to find out that Bernard, my driver, had been my friend Hilary's driver when she was in Kenya last year!
It was Hilary's trip that inspired this adventure. She was volunteering with ICODEI in nearby region of Kenya and met a community leader, named Reverend Chrisantus Shikokoti Mukhalukha (let's call him Chris!). He wanted to begin a volunteer organization in his home area, which is Kakamega. He began with a survey of unemployed women, and asked how he could help them. They asked for skills and trades. Hilary returned to Canada with that message, and cast around for anyone with skills to share. I have a couple...
So I'm here as the first volunteer for Kenya GEWLS - Girls Empowering Women Leaders of Society. I am living on Chris' family's compound in a village called Isongo. And it's beautiful here. My mud hut is surrounded by rolling hills of sugar cane, and it's incredibly green and lush.
I met my students this morning - they are keen to learn and some of them already know a few textile crafts, such as crochet. They were so excited to see the pattern books I brought, and want to know what they'll learn to make. Who knew I'd become the Doily Queen?! I'll be collecting a few supplies in the next few days and will start classes on Friday. I'll let you know how it goes!
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3 comments:
It was such a relief to hear that you've arrived safe and sound in Isongo, Janice. You know me. I've been waiting for communication from you since about noon yesterday and my imagination was starting to get the better of me. Now I can relax and enjoy your adventure with you.
Love, Mom
Yeeessssss!!!!!!!!!! Ramble on my friend! And Bernard met you at the airport! Great guy.
I am so so so happy you're there. These girls need you and will remember this forever. Way to go. I admire your will to take this on. Please greet the Mukhalukha family for me.
Take good care. Don't break your teeth on the sugar cane.
Love,
Hilary
Awesome to hear... don't forget when you're blogging to link up the things that matter. i.e. link "Hilary's trip" to her blog... and just a quick plug too on Hands Up For Africa too while I'm at it... Good luck Janice!
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