Just a little update from Kenya.
After my parents left, I went to Webuye (a nearby town) to celebrate the 4th of July with all my friends!!!!!!! They didn't even see it coming, we partied the heck out of that place to celebrate AMERICA!
I came home on Sunday and had to go to Eldoret to pick up 5 of the new volunteers who were coming to visit me for a few days. Just to get the feel for being a volunteer. However they got the "posh corps" experience. :)
I showed them around Eldoret, took them to a women's group, where they got to teach. I took them to Turbo's market and around my village. They had a good time, but Im glad to finally have my house back to myself! I've basically had visitor for 3 weeks in a row!
Now I'm just back to the usual grind.
I've been eating alot of veggies from my garden! Well the only things ready to eat, is the lettuce, baby spinach, and green beans. But I found a recipe on the internet for a spinach burger!
Spinach Burger
Saute onions, garlic and fresh baby spinach in a skillet, just so the onions are browned and the spinach is wilted. Mix into a bowl with an egg and bread crumbs until it makes a patty. Throw on the skillet and brown on both sides. and Viola! TAMU SANA . Add burger toppings and you've got yourself a spinach burger!
I'm super happy with the way my garden has turned out, not bad for my first try! Now I know for future reference how things grow, and how to plant them better. Nothing taste better than knowing you grew it with your own hands!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
More pictures from my Families visit
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| Me, Helen, Andrea, and Dad on a safari (it looks like we were having a pretty good time) |
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| Ok, here it is, this is my house in Kenya (so Posh corps) |
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| Kibaibai-ers |
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| The whole JOYWO family and mine! |
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| Fresh beans from my garden! |
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| my favorite baby Cosi. She is the one that came to my house to bake a while back |
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| Me with my babies! These are my "neighbor" kids. They're eating their ring pops from Susan |
Family visit to Kenya
My family arrived in Kenya safely!
I'd like to take this time to make a few shout outs: Here's a shout out to Susan! Thank you soo much for all the gifts you sent for me to give out to the kids! I gave some ring pops to my neighbor babies, the LOVED them! And I opened my b day gift early! Im wearing the scarf now! LOVE YOU!
Here's a shout out to Steph! GIRLFRIEND! I thought you feel off the face of the earth I hadn't heard from you in so long! I was in tears looking through all my new VSX stuff, and I think my friends were in tears too, of jealousy!! Thank you soo much for thinking of me. It was just the boost I needed to kick my butt back in gear, and get into shape! LOVE YOU!
Here's a shout out to Grandma! I love the outfit you made for me! I've already worn the skirt several time! LOVE YOU!
Here's a shout out to Robin! How did you know that I've truly missed real coffee! I've been making it everyday! Kibaibai is also thrilled with his presents! and wanted me to thank you for thinking of him too!
If I missed anyone I'm truly sorry. I was sooooooo overwhelmed with everything, but you should know that I am truly appreciative of you for thinking of me!
The next day we were supposed to have a relaxing day in Nairobi, but thanks to my great memory skills, we were awoken very early, by a phone call from our safari driver. I had made a mistake with with dates. But all turned out well. We quickly packed our things and headed to the Maasai Mara. We stayed at a very luxurious camp, and Andrea and I were spoiled by the never ending buffet of gourmet foods. We went on a total of 4 safaris. During our safaris we got dangerously close to the elephants, not close enough to the giraffes, saw all of the Big 5 except for the Rhino. And on our last day, we thought we were just going to see what we had already seen, our driver sped off and we were one of the first couple cars to get to the Lion Pride feasting on a Buffalo!!! It was awesome!!! We were only feet away!
After the safari we started on our long journey home, dropping Andrea and her dad off on our way. We arrived at my house late Friday night. Kibaibai was sure glad to see us! Saturday morning, after mom and Ben attempted and succeeded to hand wash their laundry. We headed (by foot) to Turbo for the Saturday Market!
On Sunday morning (yep bright and early again) we headed to visit Susi (my kenyan friend in Turbo) and her family in Mt. Elgon. We took a private car so it didn't take as long. They were very happy to meet us! The prepared chai and yams for us for breakfast. Her father took us on a tour of their farm, they grow lots of coffee beans. Then we helped (as much as the would let us) prepare lunch. As we were leaving, I was given a gift, my very own goat!
I named her Lucy (it was Ben's idea) And I had to ride in the boot (the trunk) of the car with her. FUN! until she got so scared she started peeing! TIA
On Monday I took my family, on matatus, to Eldoret. We visited my office, did a little souvenir shopping, and picked out fabrics for them to get traditional Kenya clothes made. And dad treated us to lunch and my favorite new restaurant that has burgers and milk shakes!
On Tuesday we rested a bit. Mom, dad, and I walked to Turbo again. They bought me a new mattress for guests. KARIBU! Then the rains came, and with the rains came hail. My brother, sister, and dad braved the storm and collected the hail in all of my buckets, we had chilled drinks and food up through the next day! It's the little things.
Wednesday was my family health day. We arrived early, in Sugoi. It was supposed to start at 10, but go figure it's Kenya and we didn't start until after 1! But all's well that ends well. The day was a success, with over 240 guests! A reproductive health officer, was there to talk about family planning, there was a nutritionist, and Lindsay teaching about proper dental health. We also had a HIV testing going on throughout. It also gave me new ideas for more events. At the end there were dancers and singers to welcome my family. We finished just as the it started to poor, and we took cover in the unfinished rooms of the health center.
Thursday I took the Family to visit my neighbors. I think they got there Kenya baby fix. My babies behaved so well and didn't even show that they feared all the wazungu.
Friday we went to Eldoret again. JOYWO presented my family with gifts as well as Lesso's for Helen and mom. They're JOYWO mamas now. We packed up everything that night and headed to Nairobi the next morning.
We spent Saturday and Sunday in Nairobi, then they left......... late Sunday afternoon they headed to the airport. I met up with the girls, they were in Nairobi for a meeting.
Their visit was really great!!! It was sooooooooooooo great to see the family after a year of service!!! THANKS MOM, DAD, HELEN, and BEN for coming to visit and letting me introduce you all to my community. I know it was a bit awkward and overwhelming at times, but it meant so much to my community, friends and most of all, me! Love you!
Andrea came with me to pick them up, we were all a little teary.
Afterwards we went back to the hotel for some "Karibu Kenya" drinks and
non stop catching up. Also Helen took this time to show me ALL of the
stuff they brought for me.
I'd like to take this time to make a few shout outs: Here's a shout out to Susan! Thank you soo much for all the gifts you sent for me to give out to the kids! I gave some ring pops to my neighbor babies, the LOVED them! And I opened my b day gift early! Im wearing the scarf now! LOVE YOU!
Here's a shout out to Steph! GIRLFRIEND! I thought you feel off the face of the earth I hadn't heard from you in so long! I was in tears looking through all my new VSX stuff, and I think my friends were in tears too, of jealousy!! Thank you soo much for thinking of me. It was just the boost I needed to kick my butt back in gear, and get into shape! LOVE YOU!
Here's a shout out to Grandma! I love the outfit you made for me! I've already worn the skirt several time! LOVE YOU!
Here's a shout out to Robin! How did you know that I've truly missed real coffee! I've been making it everyday! Kibaibai is also thrilled with his presents! and wanted me to thank you for thinking of him too!
If I missed anyone I'm truly sorry. I was sooooooo overwhelmed with everything, but you should know that I am truly appreciative of you for thinking of me!
 |
| the lions feasting on there fresh kill |
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| At the beginning of our trip at the View point. Looking out over the rift valley |
The next day we were supposed to have a relaxing day in Nairobi, but thanks to my great memory skills, we were awoken very early, by a phone call from our safari driver. I had made a mistake with with dates. But all turned out well. We quickly packed our things and headed to the Maasai Mara. We stayed at a very luxurious camp, and Andrea and I were spoiled by the never ending buffet of gourmet foods. We went on a total of 4 safaris. During our safaris we got dangerously close to the elephants, not close enough to the giraffes, saw all of the Big 5 except for the Rhino. And on our last day, we thought we were just going to see what we had already seen, our driver sped off and we were one of the first couple cars to get to the Lion Pride feasting on a Buffalo!!! It was awesome!!! We were only feet away!
After the safari we started on our long journey home, dropping Andrea and her dad off on our way. We arrived at my house late Friday night. Kibaibai was sure glad to see us! Saturday morning, after mom and Ben attempted and succeeded to hand wash their laundry. We headed (by foot) to Turbo for the Saturday Market!
On Sunday morning (yep bright and early again) we headed to visit Susi (my kenyan friend in Turbo) and her family in Mt. Elgon. We took a private car so it didn't take as long. They were very happy to meet us! The prepared chai and yams for us for breakfast. Her father took us on a tour of their farm, they grow lots of coffee beans. Then we helped (as much as the would let us) prepare lunch. As we were leaving, I was given a gift, my very own goat!
I named her Lucy (it was Ben's idea) And I had to ride in the boot (the trunk) of the car with her. FUN! until she got so scared she started peeing! TIA
On Monday I took my family, on matatus, to Eldoret. We visited my office, did a little souvenir shopping, and picked out fabrics for them to get traditional Kenya clothes made. And dad treated us to lunch and my favorite new restaurant that has burgers and milk shakes!
On Tuesday we rested a bit. Mom, dad, and I walked to Turbo again. They bought me a new mattress for guests. KARIBU! Then the rains came, and with the rains came hail. My brother, sister, and dad braved the storm and collected the hail in all of my buckets, we had chilled drinks and food up through the next day! It's the little things.
Wednesday was my family health day. We arrived early, in Sugoi. It was supposed to start at 10, but go figure it's Kenya and we didn't start until after 1! But all's well that ends well. The day was a success, with over 240 guests! A reproductive health officer, was there to talk about family planning, there was a nutritionist, and Lindsay teaching about proper dental health. We also had a HIV testing going on throughout. It also gave me new ideas for more events. At the end there were dancers and singers to welcome my family. We finished just as the it started to poor, and we took cover in the unfinished rooms of the health center.
Thursday I took the Family to visit my neighbors. I think they got there Kenya baby fix. My babies behaved so well and didn't even show that they feared all the wazungu.
Friday we went to Eldoret again. JOYWO presented my family with gifts as well as Lesso's for Helen and mom. They're JOYWO mamas now. We packed up everything that night and headed to Nairobi the next morning.
We spent Saturday and Sunday in Nairobi, then they left......... late Sunday afternoon they headed to the airport. I met up with the girls, they were in Nairobi for a meeting.
Their visit was really great!!! It was sooooooooooooo great to see the family after a year of service!!! THANKS MOM, DAD, HELEN, and BEN for coming to visit and letting me introduce you all to my community. I know it was a bit awkward and overwhelming at times, but it meant so much to my community, friends and most of all, me! Love you!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Today officially marks one year since I started this journey of a life time! I cannot believe how fast the time has gone! I could not have made it this far with out all the support from my family and friends back home! I'll thank my family up close and personal, when they get here in 4 days! But here is a should out to Holly! I got you letter yesterday! PERFECT TIMING! you have no idea.
So in one year, I have done more, than I had done in 22 years! This includes: traveling to 4 different african countries, learn to speak fluently a foreign language, live completely by myself, become a mom (to kibaibai), slaugher and cook a chicken (well like 5 chickens), bungee jump, white water raft and swim in the Nile River (yep thats the river moses floated down in a basket), start a garden, and most importantly taught hundreds of women and girls the importance of treating themselves with respect and keeping themselves healthy.
This experience has not been the easiest, but it has been an adventure and I know the memories will last me a lifetime! Thank you to all the friends I have made (american and kenyan) and all the support back home, being here would be SO much harder with out you! xoxoxoxoxo
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
whoa!
Time is freaking flying by! My family will be here in 12 days, and my Health Day is in 21 days! I just can't believe it! I've been doing a lot of work, trying to get things ready!
This past weekend was busy. I had a group of Indiana Univ. students Friday morning, so I showed them around Eldoret, and their teacher introduced me to a whole sale fabric store! (bad idea, as if I wasn't broke enough already!) Then Saturday night I took a bunch of us out to a club in Eldoret! Who knew Kenya would have such a night life!? We spent Sunday at the pool then back to my house for a Jersey shore theme party (fist pump, pushup, chapstick!) it was a little out of control...... Everyone left Monday and I spent the day recovering.
Today I'm in Eldoret, meeting with the District health members that are helping me with my health day. They have been so helpful to me! I'm really grateful, I just hope they actually show up on the day of the event.
Tomorrow JOYWO is doing a mobile VCT (HIV testing and counseling) so I get to go help with the counseling! Should be a good time!
Other than that and my delicious chicken ceaser salad i had for lunch, I have no news to report!
Hope you all are having a good week!
And here's a shout out to my brother Ben who graduated High School on Sunday! Im so proud of him!
Also a shout out to my cousin Michael who is also graduating from High School in 2 weeks.
May you both enjoy your college years (like I did), make mistakes and learn from them (like I did), learn the difference between hard work and hardly workin, and finish with the knowledge and power to do great things! I love you both!
This past weekend was busy. I had a group of Indiana Univ. students Friday morning, so I showed them around Eldoret, and their teacher introduced me to a whole sale fabric store! (bad idea, as if I wasn't broke enough already!) Then Saturday night I took a bunch of us out to a club in Eldoret! Who knew Kenya would have such a night life!? We spent Sunday at the pool then back to my house for a Jersey shore theme party (fist pump, pushup, chapstick!) it was a little out of control...... Everyone left Monday and I spent the day recovering.
Today I'm in Eldoret, meeting with the District health members that are helping me with my health day. They have been so helpful to me! I'm really grateful, I just hope they actually show up on the day of the event.
Tomorrow JOYWO is doing a mobile VCT (HIV testing and counseling) so I get to go help with the counseling! Should be a good time!
Other than that and my delicious chicken ceaser salad i had for lunch, I have no news to report!
Hope you all are having a good week!
And here's a shout out to my brother Ben who graduated High School on Sunday! Im so proud of him!
Also a shout out to my cousin Michael who is also graduating from High School in 2 weeks.
May you both enjoy your college years (like I did), make mistakes and learn from them (like I did), learn the difference between hard work and hardly workin, and finish with the knowledge and power to do great things! I love you both!
Saturday, May 19, 2012
some quality family time
I had an awesome day yesterday!
It started out with a little morning wog (walkjog) with kibaibai. On our way home we stopped at my neighbors. A couple days ago I was visiting my neighbor when the little girl Kosi, started crying cause she wanted to come to my house. I told her she could come over on Saturday. So this morning I picked her up and we went to my house. She didn't talk the entire way. We got to my house and began our morning of baking. We baked 2 cakes and a banana bread!
We were busy girls. And Kosi stopped being shy, and started chatting away. Did I mention she doesn't speak english. So all morning we were attempting to converse in Kiswahili. It was a lot of fun, and she was a huge help! I had to teach her how to use the western toilet too, at her house, the babies just go in the yard.
When we finished, we packed up the cakes and headed back to her house. We made cake for her family and their neighbors, who is my other favorite family to stay with. I spent the rest of the day with both families. Helping to prepare food, feeding the baby, and bathing the watoto (kids). I know it doesn't sound like a lot of fun, but it was some MUCH needed family time.
I cannot wait for my families to meet each other!
To end my really great day, I treated myself to some home spa time. Soaked my feet and gave myself a pedi. Also did a home made face mask with cucumbers on my eyes. The face mask is super easy!
Egg face mask
1 egg yolk, mixed with lemon juice. It makes a pasty goo, you spread on your face and leave for a few hours. It makes your face soooo smooth and if you have any redness or blotchiness, it helps that too! Try it!
It started out with a little morning wog (walkjog) with kibaibai. On our way home we stopped at my neighbors. A couple days ago I was visiting my neighbor when the little girl Kosi, started crying cause she wanted to come to my house. I told her she could come over on Saturday. So this morning I picked her up and we went to my house. She didn't talk the entire way. We got to my house and began our morning of baking. We baked 2 cakes and a banana bread!
We were busy girls. And Kosi stopped being shy, and started chatting away. Did I mention she doesn't speak english. So all morning we were attempting to converse in Kiswahili. It was a lot of fun, and she was a huge help! I had to teach her how to use the western toilet too, at her house, the babies just go in the yard.
When we finished, we packed up the cakes and headed back to her house. We made cake for her family and their neighbors, who is my other favorite family to stay with. I spent the rest of the day with both families. Helping to prepare food, feeding the baby, and bathing the watoto (kids). I know it doesn't sound like a lot of fun, but it was some MUCH needed family time.
I cannot wait for my families to meet each other!
To end my really great day, I treated myself to some home spa time. Soaked my feet and gave myself a pedi. Also did a home made face mask with cucumbers on my eyes. The face mask is super easy!
Egg face mask
1 egg yolk, mixed with lemon juice. It makes a pasty goo, you spread on your face and leave for a few hours. It makes your face soooo smooth and if you have any redness or blotchiness, it helps that too! Try it!
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