Thanksgiving – African style

My day began differently this morning; I decided to run before school. I used to run at home, and I’ve really missed this exercise since being here. At 5:00, Allen, who lives in the main house, knocked on my window. We walked first until I built up to jogging. At 5:00 it is still pitch black so there is no way to see for the next 40 minutes or so. I felt so refreshed afterward and ready for the Thanksgiving Day.

I left school at noon to help cook. I didn’t realize that this day was the beginning of a busy season for riding matatus. I had waited for 45 before a Kenyan friend told me it could be one and a half hours before a seat would be available on a bus. I decided to call a cab. After finally arriving home, I found out that Todd had secured a generator because electricity was out all over town and would likely not be back on until 5:00. I couldn’t believe this was happening on our holiday! The two of us drove with the generator to the house where a group of 14 would be celebrating. After greeting everyone with an enthusiastic "Happy Thanksgiving, Amanda, Kate, and I discussed what needed to be baked in the oven. It tuned out that Todd’s generator was broken. We decided we would begin cooking at 5:00 when the electricity came on but nothing ever happens when it’s supposed to in Africa. For all we knew, the electricity might not come on until 8:00 that night.

I had ordered three pumpkin pies from a wonderful baker down the street. I texted her on my phone to see if she had been able to make the pies. With great excitement she wrote back to tell me they were ready because she has a gas stove. Now we had an option. So we three girls finished making lunch and walked down the hill to get the pies and ask if we could use her stove. Ebraham, the husband and chef, told us it would be fine if we used their stove so we headed back up the hill to assemble the dishes and bring them down. During our walk back, Amanda received a phone call saying the elecricity was back on. We couldn’t believe it. Like I already said, nothing ever happens early in Africa. So, we were able to use both our stove and our friends' which allowed us to serve dinner by 6:30 right on time.

Our meal consisted of variations of most traditional dishes that Americans eat for Thanksgiving except for turkey, very expensive, so we had steaks instead. Our side dishes were mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, baked macaroni and cheese, northern style stuffing, pumpkin pie, and chocolate cake. Everything was delicious and we managed to stuff ourselves just fine. Once the meal was over, ten of us changed into dark or black clothes and headed out to the back yard for what turned out to be three hours of capture the flag. The day was a complete success. I am very blessed to have other Americas with whom I can celebrate holidays.

Closing of school

Friday, November 23rd, was the official close of school. The students spent time cleaning up in the morning and at 10:00 parents and family members began to arrive. At 11:00, everyone convened for a chapel service and school awards. I couldn’t fight back the tears as I saw many students very dressed up for the occasion. They were wearing clothing that I’d never seen before. Many girls had done their hair differently and they all looked so pretty. We have 60 kids that attend school and about 20 visitors were able to come and support their children. Seeing the looks on some of the kids’ faces was enough to make my week. They have looked forward to this day for a while. How special it was finally to meet some of the parents.

Maximilla update (one week ago)

Maximilla returned with her father a few days ago. She had come up with some reason that she did not come back right away. Without divulging her business, I will just tell you that she will not be living at Challenge Farm at this time. The staff here will be monitoring baby Rick on a regular basis at Maximilla's home to make sure the baby is getting the nourishment he needs. They will not allow that child to suffer because of the choices she has made.

Trying to stay warm

The past two days have been very cold here. My nose and toes never get the chance to warm up and I haven’t yet taken off my coat. Today I decided that I had to do something about this situation. The kitchen is the only logical place for warming up so I usually go and stand next to the very large jiko. Today I wanted to help out and get involved. The cooks all laughed but gave me a choice of two knives I could use. I took the one that was not as sharp. I sat cutting sekuma wiki for 45 minutes. Not only did I finally warm up, but my back, hands, and arms became very tired. I don’t know how these women do what they do for feeding 60 children 3 times a day. Sekuma wiki is a green leafy vegetable that is eaten every day around Kenya. Before it is cooked, it is tough like collard greens. I really enjoy it!

I returned to my office since I had warmed up only to immediately freeze again. I’ve been told many times that we are going into the summer months, but I haven’t seen any evidence.

David and Maxamilla

I want to fill you in on the happenings at Challenge Farm. All the kids that live here have previously lived on the street; therefore they have many battles with detachment disorder. Even though life on the street was not good, they fear their current good life will be taken from them, so they go ahead and leave before it can be taken from them. It’s hard for me to understand why anyone would want to leave Challenge Farm, but I’ve seen it happen four times since I’ve arrived. I want to informed you about the kids who have left so that you can pray for them.

David, who has been gone for 3 months, has just returned. Hallelujah! While Cheri was here, I heard her praying often for his return. I could not believe my eyes this morning as everyone gathered around for the parade (announcements). I was able to introduce myself afterward and tell him that many people had been praying for him. I want to be able to do that for each child who returns home.

Maximillia is 16 years old and has a nine month old baby boy named Rick. I have a few pictures of Rick posted on my blog. Maximillia was told to take an important paper back to her father’s house on Friday afternoon and return that night, but it is Monday morning and she has not yet returned. Everyone here has feared that she would leave because here she has to take full responsibility for her child. Once before when she ran away is when she became pregnant. Please pray that both she and the baby will return safely and soon.

It blows my mind when I think of all these kids have been through at such a young age. There are many adults who haven’t come close to experiencing what these kids have dealt with most of their young lives.

Little Tizan's birthday party

Last night I was invited to Rachael’s home to celebrate her daughter’s birthday. Rachael is my Kiswahili Tutor I was a bit nervous being out late by myself, but I arrived safely. It was such a treat being a part of Tisa’s birthday. I was told later that she was just as excited as I was about my being there. Earlier at school that day she bragged to her teacher that her mom had invited a white person to her party.

The cake was brought before dinner, which is part of the tradition. We sang happy birthday and everyone had a taste. The four year old was actually allowed to cut the cake! After everyone ate some cake, dinner was served. We ate yummy beef stew over rice and chipati on the side. I have posted a picture of the chipati as it is my new favorite food to eat here. It is very unhealthy but just too good to pass up. After dinner the adults chatted and watched T.V. I found out that they watch some of the same shows we do in the States. Some of their favorite shows are Desparate Housewives, 24, and Scrubs. Rachel’s husband asked if 24 depicted what life is like in the States. After I finished laughing, I noted that some people in the US wished life were as cool as it is depicted on 24.

Shoes….shoes…and more shoes!

The kids at Challenge Farm are in much need of new shoes! I took this picture of a pile that was sitting right outside the girl’s dorm. Many of the kids go barefoot all day long. They look cute in their uniforms but it is not expensive to make the clothes and we have women who sew them right here on the farm. The shoes are what is expensive. All students are supposed to have a pair of black leather shoes for school, but the cost of one pair is equivalent to $25.

The other pictures are of our boys’ soccer (football to them) team. The team competes every 3 months when everyone is out of school. Many of these kids do not have shoes; none of the shoes have cleats. The day I took these pictures, they got very excited at the possibilty of getting cleats. That thought made their week.

It would be wonderful to show them just how God provides. If anyone would like to give money for leather shoes or for cleats for the team or maybe host a fundraiser, please let me know. I assure you that you would really make some kids very happy.

End of school and matatu rides

We are one week away from ending the school year. In the States, when we are one month before closing school for the year, you would think the world is coming to an end. Here, you cannot even tell a difference. The kids go about their business preparing for exams and playing during breaks. I sit outside watching the kids during their recess time while trying to cover my skin as it burns so quickly here. I have yet to even see an argument on the soccer field. I know they do have arguments, but I have not witnessed one yet.

Yesterday I was riding on a matatu (bus) at 1:30 in the afternoon. This part of Kenya is very cool in the morning, but as summer approaches,it is becoming very hot in the afternoon. As I boarded, I was told to go to the back of the matatu - the worst place to sit because I feel very hemned in since I can see every person in front of me. The bus is only supposed to seat 14 people as clearly stated on the side of each matatu, but rules are rarely followed. The driver continued to stuff people in till there were 20 of us. Now I know this is normal but what always makes me wonder is why the passengers refuse to keep the windows open. Here we are stuffed like sardines into a closed vehicle at the hottest part of the day and just when we begin to pick up speed, they shut the windows. Everyone must be as hot as I am! I pondered this question during my entire ride. Later I found out that Africans don’t like wind. I don’t like wind either, but in that situation I’m for any gust coming my way. Each ride is an adventure for one reason or another.

My new home for a few months

Prayer requests

I am working with a student named Linford. He is a delightful young boy who contracted cerebral malaria at a very young age. I have been told that the medication he was taking is what caused problems with his speech and learning. I don’t have the experience working with a student like this. At times I think of Anne Sullivan and what she felt like with Helen Keller. I know the situation is far from hers, but I imagine Anne knew just as little about working with Helen as I do with Linford. I ask for prayers that God show me just how to work with Linford. I already know he is a talented child that just needs unlocking.

I am slowly working my way into the school system, the new culture, and completely different environment, but sometimes days are a bit rough. I have made many new friends, but they just aren’t home. During this big holiday season, I ask for prayers over my loneliness.

I am working with a total of 13 kids right now. They only have two more weeks of school before their final exams for the school year. I just ask prayer over each one as they continue working hard through these next weeks.