These are the days that are hard for me...the last days leading up to a long, hard goodbye. I came here on a mission, with the help of all of you who supported Kenya Help...The projects are done, they are up and ready to go. The children are thrilled to be moving into the new house soon, with crops growing and chickens to give eggs. Amazing...but also so sad for me. If I had more, I could do more. If I had more time I would stay...but the job is done, there is nothing else I can do...for now. I plan on coming back next June, to do so much more. It's a bitter sweet day...I am saying goodbye to the children soon, yet so happy with the amazing work you have all supported this year.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.I could not have done near this much work without you. From buying timber, tools and fencing, to crops, a playground and water...and everything in between...you all should feel very proud of what you have done for these children, YOU have changed thier lives...all of you!
Thank you so very much for helping my kids!
Asante Sana
Monday, June 28, 2010
Death in a village
Death is terrible, anywhere...
When the three of us were walking towards the Ngong hills, I noticed some people in the near distance that were all gathered around a small man made water hole. I then saw a woman on the ground, screaming and crying, and a man holding her back. Her son was dead. He had fallen into the hole and could not get out. Most people here do not know how to swim. He was dead, and man was holding her back from seeing his body. She was on the ground, crying, and we had no choice but to walk by her.
He was dead...she lost her son, and all we could do was walk by...it was so hard for us to do nothing, but he was dead...and all we could do was walk by...
When the three of us were walking towards the Ngong hills, I noticed some people in the near distance that were all gathered around a small man made water hole. I then saw a woman on the ground, screaming and crying, and a man holding her back. Her son was dead. He had fallen into the hole and could not get out. Most people here do not know how to swim. He was dead, and man was holding her back from seeing his body. She was on the ground, crying, and we had no choice but to walk by her.
He was dead...she lost her son, and all we could do was walk by...it was so hard for us to do nothing, but he was dead...and all we could do was walk by...
Masaii Land
Well, what an adventure!
I decided from home that I wanted to go into the Masaii land to see where some of the children come from...what an adventure. Pj and I, with Moshilla, our guide, walked 6 hours, uphill, into the Ngong hills. We ended day one on the top of the hill with a family to stay with for the night. No electricity, no water. Masaii women carrying jugs on their heads for hours to bring home. A cow being milked, straight into the cup for chai tea, and a mud hut with a fire pit in the middle to cook rice and beans. We slept in our sleeping bags on the dirt floor of a tin shack, beside the cow pen. It was like stepping back in time, and it was incredible. We rose to beautiful, dirty children singing for us becfore we departed on the next leg. We climbed straight up for almost 2 hours...exhausted, hit the top, and took a break. We were soaked, covered in mud, and trying to catch out breath...but the view from the top was amazing. These people do this on a regular basis, for food and water. We could not believe the distance between the people, and how far away everyone was from each other. We started to travel into the Rift Valley, and it was downhill...Great! Well...not as great as we hoped. It was so steep, I was a little scared. Our feet were a mess, and because of my wet sock, the skin started to come off in spots...so we needed a break. We went into the next village to stop for food. Youy can just knock on someones door and ask them for lunch....and we did. We had rice and potatoes with a bit of cabbage. My shoes dried in the sund and I wrapped my feet in toilet paper to protect them when I changed my socks. We made it to thew bottom, talking with Joseph, Masaii man, about his life and how they live. He could run those hiills that took us two days to climb up and own, and he has...amazing.
I am so happy we experienced that way of life, even if only for 2 days. What a gift.
I decided from home that I wanted to go into the Masaii land to see where some of the children come from...what an adventure. Pj and I, with Moshilla, our guide, walked 6 hours, uphill, into the Ngong hills. We ended day one on the top of the hill with a family to stay with for the night. No electricity, no water. Masaii women carrying jugs on their heads for hours to bring home. A cow being milked, straight into the cup for chai tea, and a mud hut with a fire pit in the middle to cook rice and beans. We slept in our sleeping bags on the dirt floor of a tin shack, beside the cow pen. It was like stepping back in time, and it was incredible. We rose to beautiful, dirty children singing for us becfore we departed on the next leg. We climbed straight up for almost 2 hours...exhausted, hit the top, and took a break. We were soaked, covered in mud, and trying to catch out breath...but the view from the top was amazing. These people do this on a regular basis, for food and water. We could not believe the distance between the people, and how far away everyone was from each other. We started to travel into the Rift Valley, and it was downhill...Great! Well...not as great as we hoped. It was so steep, I was a little scared. Our feet were a mess, and because of my wet sock, the skin started to come off in spots...so we needed a break. We went into the next village to stop for food. Youy can just knock on someones door and ask them for lunch....and we did. We had rice and potatoes with a bit of cabbage. My shoes dried in the sund and I wrapped my feet in toilet paper to protect them when I changed my socks. We made it to thew bottom, talking with Joseph, Masaii man, about his life and how they live. He could run those hiills that took us two days to climb up and own, and he has...amazing.
I am so happy we experienced that way of life, even if only for 2 days. What a gift.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Friend, to film maker, to family
This is the first time I have done one of my African projects with a friend, who happens to be here to film my story of the Sidai children...PJ was always interested to hear my tales of Africa, and always had great questions. When it was decided he would be the one to film the story, I was excited that I had someone I knew here. He has worked hard beside me, after filming what he needed, and he has supported me when I needed it the most...when I cried in the bathroom that I couldn't do enough, he was knocking to see if I was ok. When I was counting funds to see how far I could push the envelope, he had his hand on my shoulder, and when I when I woke the morning of my 39th Birthday, he was there to show me the footage he secretly took of the children singing Happy Birthday!!!!...he is my family now...stuck with me! LOL
We spent the morning on a tour of KIBERA SLUMS...800,00 people in the slums...one of the biggest in all of Africa. Incredible...what a contrast to sitting in a cyber cafe now, reading Bday wishes and letters of encouragement....
Tonight we will make a Canadian dinner for the family...no rice and beans tonight and we are excited.
We are happy, working hard, and learning alot...did you know that chickens are really particular about thier beds and have to be vaccinated by a vet, the funds go fast, but we are getting sooo much done.
Be proud of Kenya Help..you are the project!
Love you all!
We spent the morning on a tour of KIBERA SLUMS...800,00 people in the slums...one of the biggest in all of Africa. Incredible...what a contrast to sitting in a cyber cafe now, reading Bday wishes and letters of encouragement....
Tonight we will make a Canadian dinner for the family...no rice and beans tonight and we are excited.
We are happy, working hard, and learning alot...did you know that chickens are really particular about thier beds and have to be vaccinated by a vet, the funds go fast, but we are getting sooo much done.
Be proud of Kenya Help..you are the project!
Love you all!
So much more
Teachers to pay, cooks to pay, beds to be made as there are more and more kids....so mush more...
We toured another orphanage today...TUNZA...so beautiful. Paddy O'Connor and his team from Ireland built them a new place last year and the structure with the board, the social worker, the nurse...AMAZING....
A 4 week old baby was left there the other day. A little boy. I was holding him, and looking at him sleep in my arms...wondering about the mother. How desperate she must ahve been to drop him off. How her heart must have been broken. I fed him a bottle with his tiny black fingers wrapped around mine, wanting to bring him home...knowing one day I will...it may not be him...but one day I will taken the anguish from a mother and be one for her.
We toured another orphanage today...TUNZA...so beautiful. Paddy O'Connor and his team from Ireland built them a new place last year and the structure with the board, the social worker, the nurse...AMAZING....
A 4 week old baby was left there the other day. A little boy. I was holding him, and looking at him sleep in my arms...wondering about the mother. How desperate she must ahve been to drop him off. How her heart must have been broken. I fed him a bottle with his tiny black fingers wrapped around mine, wanting to bring him home...knowing one day I will...it may not be him...but one day I will taken the anguish from a mother and be one for her.
Frustration
It's so hard sometimes...there is so much to be done, everything takes so long as we do it all by hand, and there are so many more things to do...but I am out of funds, and out of time. If only I could stay longer to know that the kids are moved in...but the walls are still wet and they will get cholera..if only I could watch the first egg being collected, but the chickens will not be there until they move in, and that will be 2-4 weeks, and I will be gone. I can't see the first bean picked or corn eaten...because I won't be here...it hurts my heart. I am reminded by PJ everyday that I am working hard, and I should be so proud of myself...and I love him for that...but I hit a wall..and my heart hurts...I want to stay longer ro see the first of everything...but I can't. Alas, I have to stay positive...when I do come back...I can see it all up and running well...I know...and plans for 2011 are for the school, and that's so amazing...I just wish I could stay....
New Shoes
Today was our day off from the site, and a day to spend with the beautiful children of Sidai.
Saturday was a day of new shoes. I carried 2 large bags to Sidai full of Flip Flops for all of the children. It was fantastic. The were so happy to have "slippers" on their feet. I then took 4 boys to the market, John, and Michael, Wilson and Soloman...They all got new proper shoes for school...and so very proud they were. Thank you so much!
Saturday was a day of new shoes. I carried 2 large bags to Sidai full of Flip Flops for all of the children. It was fantastic. The were so happy to have "slippers" on their feet. I then took 4 boys to the market, John, and Michael, Wilson and Soloman...They all got new proper shoes for school...and so very proud they were. Thank you so much!
IDP Camps
Hello,
Sidai has taken in some boys from an IDP camp, and I can't express enough how hard it must have been for them, but how amazing these boys are, and to see them thriving after just a short time is incredible. Some saw they're parents hacked to death, how do you recover from that?
I don't know what else to say, how do you recover?
Sidai has taken in some boys from an IDP camp, and I can't express enough how hard it must have been for them, but how amazing these boys are, and to see them thriving after just a short time is incredible. Some saw they're parents hacked to death, how do you recover from that?
I don't know what else to say, how do you recover?
Saturday, June 19, 2010
TODAY
It's Saturday! I am writing all these posts to catch you up on our travels...PJ and I are great, please do not worry. The footage he is shooting will help KH Project get to a place where more and more funds can be raised with awareness, and help even more. We are on our way to Sidai. I have 50 pairs of flip flops to give the kids, 175 Rosary's, and TONS of first aid! We are going to play with the kids and help out at the orphanage to get them started with packing. I have a meeting with Mama Lucy about the new site, and what they need completed that I can help with.
I am also taking John to the market to get new shoes. It's something I have wanted to do for a long long time, and with love from a great friend, he will have shoes.
We have a lot of plans for next week. Every day will be full and hard work, but KH will complete as many projects as possible. SO far, 1.5 acres of maize and beans, done! A fantastic chicken coop, 90% done! Iron Gates to protect the children, done! A playground, done! Shoes, first aid, done! Evything else will come daily...but do not worry...it will be DONE!!!
Love to you all, I will write next week.
xo
I am also taking John to the market to get new shoes. It's something I have wanted to do for a long long time, and with love from a great friend, he will have shoes.
We have a lot of plans for next week. Every day will be full and hard work, but KH will complete as many projects as possible. SO far, 1.5 acres of maize and beans, done! A fantastic chicken coop, 90% done! Iron Gates to protect the children, done! A playground, done! Shoes, first aid, done! Evything else will come daily...but do not worry...it will be DONE!!!
Love to you all, I will write next week.
xo
Simple Pleasures
It's hard to believe that girls can't go to school when they have their monthly cycle. It's so true here. It's sad, yet reality....and it's amazing that a girl would cry, and say "Praise Jesus", when given the products they need.
It's also incredible when the workers are wearing broken boots and no socks...so you buy socks, and it's like giving them money.
Everyone is so thankful, for things we think nothing of. Even when a sip of water is pured into the mouth of someone who has been working for hours and hours without any...simple pleasures.
The reality is, I will go home to have all of these pleasures. I have been coming to Africa since 2005 with many projects...and I go home to those pleasures...but never a day passes that I do not think about the water I am using to wash with. The water I can drink, or the socks I can wear, and remember the beautiful people here, who don't get to have these things...
Just for a moment after you read thins...or after your shower, or getting dressed...pause and sent your love to Africa, not for me, but for simple pleasures.
It's also incredible when the workers are wearing broken boots and no socks...so you buy socks, and it's like giving them money.
Everyone is so thankful, for things we think nothing of. Even when a sip of water is pured into the mouth of someone who has been working for hours and hours without any...simple pleasures.
The reality is, I will go home to have all of these pleasures. I have been coming to Africa since 2005 with many projects...and I go home to those pleasures...but never a day passes that I do not think about the water I am using to wash with. The water I can drink, or the socks I can wear, and remember the beautiful people here, who don't get to have these things...
Just for a moment after you read thins...or after your shower, or getting dressed...pause and sent your love to Africa, not for me, but for simple pleasures.
Friday, June 18, 2010
TARA Project
It was with great sadness that the TARA project was finishing their time here. Yes, the house is almost done, but we have grown to love all of the Irish who have worked so very hard to build this home for the children. Due to the weather, the Sidai kids may not be able to move in for a few weeks...The walls are still bleeding water, and its very damp inside. The children will get very sick. The cement has to be completely dry, alas, they have an amazing home to move into, that's safe, and has food.
Paddy O'Connor is the founder of TARA, and is someone who I want to partner with for future projects. He has helped me so much...with connections, getting supplies,letting me use his own volunteers...and all of the emotional support, I can't thank him enough. We have run things by each other, and discussed the project for next year...A school for the orphanages in the area to all go to! (I have plans for 2011...to all my friends who want to come, get ready to work hard, and fall in love with Kenya...and Ireland!)
Thank you Paddy, for everything...I aspire to run KH as you do TARA.
You told me your life is better to have me in it...I feel the same way!
Love to your family, safe journey home.
Please tell your lovely daughter...she is an amzing girl!
Love from Sidai
Paddy O'Connor is the founder of TARA, and is someone who I want to partner with for future projects. He has helped me so much...with connections, getting supplies,letting me use his own volunteers...and all of the emotional support, I can't thank him enough. We have run things by each other, and discussed the project for next year...A school for the orphanages in the area to all go to! (I have plans for 2011...to all my friends who want to come, get ready to work hard, and fall in love with Kenya...and Ireland!)
Thank you Paddy, for everything...I aspire to run KH as you do TARA.
You told me your life is better to have me in it...I feel the same way!
Love to your family, safe journey home.
Please tell your lovely daughter...she is an amzing girl!
Love from Sidai
Need VS Want
I awoke the other morning before my alarm...we are up at 6:30...and head to the site until 5:30.
My back was aching so much from leveling the land I could barely roll over. I looked at my hands, blistered, cut, swollen...I felt the burn on my back where I missed with the 50 sunblock, and my skin turned purple with burn, my hair unwashed for 9 days, my skin never truly clean from washing in a bucket...My first thought...I want a massage so badly, I want to sit in a hot tub, I want a manicure to get the dirt from under my nails...
Then I rose from bed, looked out the window and remembered where I was and what I was doing...
No matter the pain or burn or little sleep...I NEED NOTHING!
I WANT nothing but to be here and change the lives of these children.
I NEED to be here, I WANT to be here, I AM! :)
My back was aching so much from leveling the land I could barely roll over. I looked at my hands, blistered, cut, swollen...I felt the burn on my back where I missed with the 50 sunblock, and my skin turned purple with burn, my hair unwashed for 9 days, my skin never truly clean from washing in a bucket...My first thought...I want a massage so badly, I want to sit in a hot tub, I want a manicure to get the dirt from under my nails...
Then I rose from bed, looked out the window and remembered where I was and what I was doing...
No matter the pain or burn or little sleep...I NEED NOTHING!
I WANT nothing but to be here and change the lives of these children.
I NEED to be here, I WANT to be here, I AM! :)
The Site
It's been the most physical work I have done thus far in Africa, and have loved every minute...
We have amazing locals that I am paying to help build the coop...but everything takes a lot longer here...
We are using picks and shovels to dig trenches, to dig the hoes for the posts, to level the earth. The ground is like clay, and hacking into it is hard, but makes your heart strong and full of love with every swing. The TARA project have built the most beautiful house, I can't even describe it other than beautiful. The photos and film will better explain. The coop will hopefully be done early next week...its fantastic!!!!
I paid for 1.5 acres of crops for Sidai. They are growing beautifully and they will be plentiful.
The goat project...well, things change here on a dime. There is no room for a goat pen. We have no land left for the goats, but for now, the chickens and the huge crop will sustain the children. Instead, I bought a huge Iron gate for the front of Sidai to keep them safe. I also bought the children a playground. A swing, see saw and slide. It was all made by hand by a welder in the village. Its amazing what the people do with little tools. At the end of the day, kids are kids. They need to play and laugh, and Kenya Help just added that to the list of food...along with protection, congratulations everyone!
xo
We have amazing locals that I am paying to help build the coop...but everything takes a lot longer here...
We are using picks and shovels to dig trenches, to dig the hoes for the posts, to level the earth. The ground is like clay, and hacking into it is hard, but makes your heart strong and full of love with every swing. The TARA project have built the most beautiful house, I can't even describe it other than beautiful. The photos and film will better explain. The coop will hopefully be done early next week...its fantastic!!!!
I paid for 1.5 acres of crops for Sidai. They are growing beautifully and they will be plentiful.
The goat project...well, things change here on a dime. There is no room for a goat pen. We have no land left for the goats, but for now, the chickens and the huge crop will sustain the children. Instead, I bought a huge Iron gate for the front of Sidai to keep them safe. I also bought the children a playground. A swing, see saw and slide. It was all made by hand by a welder in the village. Its amazing what the people do with little tools. At the end of the day, kids are kids. They need to play and laugh, and Kenya Help just added that to the list of food...along with protection, congratulations everyone!
xo
Monday, June 14, 2010
Red Earth, Hand Made Picks, Pure Joy
I do not even know where to begin! Day one of the building...
Sorry folks...HI, I HOPE THIS EMAIL FINDS YOU WELL.... back to Kenya Help!
Yesterday we went to church with our family from 8:30-11:30...yes, long, but they had a welcoming service for us and it was amazing!
TODAY....what a day.
Picked up at 8am by 35 Irishmen working for the TARA Project and headed to the site. The house will be done by the end of the week. It's beautiful!
I started work right away with a very heavy pick to even out the earth where we are putting the coop. We hired local villages to help us and PJ filmed us working hard...then joined in. It's going to be so big....after the earth was level we dug a trench around the perimeter where we will put the fence posts and wire fence in to protect the hens from animals. HARD HARD work...but we did it for 8 hours and completed it for the construction tomorrow.
The garden is amazing. The neighbors went over the land line when they planted their garden...and planted beans and corn on Sidai land....so...they were paid back for their work...and the crops are about 2 feet high already. I am paying 13 very poor villagers to weed the very large garden this week. Everyone is happy, they have work, they have pay, and they have love, lots of love. We are so happy to help them, help us! They garden is so big...I will let you know next time as I do not know acres vs feet! LOL
The Massaii come and watch the white people work...and its amazing to have them theere. I took a break and taught the children some english songs, what a joy.
PJ is doing a great job of filming, to tell the KH story of Sidai, and helping me with hard labor. It's his first time bathing in a bucket, but I gave him ssome tips. Sunday night we went to the market to help our host mother sell watermelons..what a show! A white girl walking around with melons and an Asian guy yelling...MELONS FOR SALE, Come get your melons!
As for Kenya itself...if you have not seen the news...it's not good. We are lucky we are here now and leaving before the election in August. Therer have been bombings in Mombassa, murders, and villages burned down. The Ngong slums was on the list but was saved...it's so terrible what's going on, but I won't get into it while here, just know that we are safe, and the projects are the best thing we can do. Mama Lucy is thrilled. She said that she was so happy that I actually came back and made true with what I said I would do, to help these children and feed them. She told me that people tell her all the time that they will be back, and they do not come...
SO, on behalf of the children of Sidai, and the KH project, WE THANK YOU SO MUCH and love you all and appreciate all you have done to make this happen.
I am not the Kenya Help project...we ALL are...I am doing the labor, PJ is filming the story, but it is YOU who truly are Kenya Help...and HELP YOU HAVE!
Love to all, thanks for following...
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this hard time of political unrest..and I promise to keep you updated on the projects you are doing.
xox
Sorry folks...HI, I HOPE THIS EMAIL FINDS YOU WELL.... back to Kenya Help!
Yesterday we went to church with our family from 8:30-11:30...yes, long, but they had a welcoming service for us and it was amazing!
TODAY....what a day.
Picked up at 8am by 35 Irishmen working for the TARA Project and headed to the site. The house will be done by the end of the week. It's beautiful!
I started work right away with a very heavy pick to even out the earth where we are putting the coop. We hired local villages to help us and PJ filmed us working hard...then joined in. It's going to be so big....after the earth was level we dug a trench around the perimeter where we will put the fence posts and wire fence in to protect the hens from animals. HARD HARD work...but we did it for 8 hours and completed it for the construction tomorrow.
The garden is amazing. The neighbors went over the land line when they planted their garden...and planted beans and corn on Sidai land....so...they were paid back for their work...and the crops are about 2 feet high already. I am paying 13 very poor villagers to weed the very large garden this week. Everyone is happy, they have work, they have pay, and they have love, lots of love. We are so happy to help them, help us! They garden is so big...I will let you know next time as I do not know acres vs feet! LOL
The Massaii come and watch the white people work...and its amazing to have them theere. I took a break and taught the children some english songs, what a joy.
PJ is doing a great job of filming, to tell the KH story of Sidai, and helping me with hard labor. It's his first time bathing in a bucket, but I gave him ssome tips. Sunday night we went to the market to help our host mother sell watermelons..what a show! A white girl walking around with melons and an Asian guy yelling...MELONS FOR SALE, Come get your melons!
As for Kenya itself...if you have not seen the news...it's not good. We are lucky we are here now and leaving before the election in August. Therer have been bombings in Mombassa, murders, and villages burned down. The Ngong slums was on the list but was saved...it's so terrible what's going on, but I won't get into it while here, just know that we are safe, and the projects are the best thing we can do. Mama Lucy is thrilled. She said that she was so happy that I actually came back and made true with what I said I would do, to help these children and feed them. She told me that people tell her all the time that they will be back, and they do not come...
SO, on behalf of the children of Sidai, and the KH project, WE THANK YOU SO MUCH and love you all and appreciate all you have done to make this happen.
I am not the Kenya Help project...we ALL are...I am doing the labor, PJ is filming the story, but it is YOU who truly are Kenya Help...and HELP YOU HAVE!
Love to all, thanks for following...
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this hard time of political unrest..and I promise to keep you updated on the projects you are doing.
xox
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Our senses
It is such a reminder of how amazing our senses are...I can't truly describe the dry heat, the wet, foul dampness from the rainy season, the sick smell of the gutters full of things I can not describe. Or the sight of the poor, dirty, hungry children, or the skinny abused animals that we cherish at home,... but funny enough, when I stepped into the village and was reminded of all of those smells...I smiled. I will do my very best to change something here...the smells, I have no control over, but still smile!
:)
:)
Day 2
Today was the day I would see my kids for the first time...but when I woke, it was just as beautiful...Mama Millicent was home! We stood in the hall and cried, and hugged...and cried more. She is doing so well and is so happy to have us with her. We had a HUGE breakfast and left for the orphanage.My heart was pounding...and when we walked through the gate, these amazing, beautiful, happy children were there to greet us. There are so many new kids...so young too. Some of the little ones did not recognize me, but the older kids did. They were a little shy at first, but as soon as I started picking them up and cuddling them, it all changed. Some would cry when I put them down, or they would all be fighting for my hands...or PJ and the camera...I am trying to teach him to say no in Swahili! As I gathered the children to go and play in the field...I was waiting to see John, and he came around the corner...and I actually lost my breath for a second. John is such a special boy, unlike any young boy I have met. I cried hugging him, and as he put his arms around me, he whispered, "you came back..." It was such a great feeling!!!!!!
PJ and I took the kids to the field, played soccer and sang and danced. It was amazing. This afternoon we left and went to the Sidai in the slums to film where it all began...For some reason when I went walking through the slums, I had been hoping to see some positive changes...not sure why...but it was the same. It was great for PJ to see the area where it all began, and share stories of the children.
Monday morning I start the coop! Fencing is ordered, wood, and postes...after it's up..chickens!!!! It is going to be such a great place for the children to move into...I truly am blessed to be here, and so happy PJ can bring home the story of these amazing children!
Love to you all!
PS-Yes, bathing in a bucket! LOVE IT!
PJ and I took the kids to the field, played soccer and sang and danced. It was amazing. This afternoon we left and went to the Sidai in the slums to film where it all began...For some reason when I went walking through the slums, I had been hoping to see some positive changes...not sure why...but it was the same. It was great for PJ to see the area where it all began, and share stories of the children.
Monday morning I start the coop! Fencing is ordered, wood, and postes...after it's up..chickens!!!! It is going to be such a great place for the children to move into...I truly am blessed to be here, and so happy PJ can bring home the story of these amazing children!
Love to you all!
PS-Yes, bathing in a bucket! LOVE IT!
Back Home Safely
HI EVERYONE!
Day One
We made it safely after 2 days of travel! Landing at 6:30 am...and straight to work...perfect! We had Paddy pick us up and then went to the site of the new Sidai home. I can't even describe how I was feeling other than saying my heart was bursting out of my chest and of course...I cried! Its huge, its beautiful, the scenery is stunning and the kids are going to be so happy, and so safe there! We sussed out the area for the chicken coop and I start building Monday. The neighbors did not know where the land line was seperating the lots...and planted beans and corn on some of the property...soooo...I am going to pay her for the crops planted and that way they are already in and growing. They are about 6 inces high already! PERFECT! SO it will be great to see it grow while here! The goats we will figure out after the pens are in...to see what land is left. I have a back up plan if the goats are not an option...getting beds made for the children. There are 2 per bed, so I can use the goat money for that as well...we shall see. After leaving the new site we went home to see my family. IT WAS SO GREAT!!!!! I was so happy to see them all. Mama Millicent was at the Tanzanian border for the night to pick melons to sell at the market, so I did miss her on my first night...but could not have asked for anything more. Antony and Moshills, sons of Lucy who take care of the kids, were so happy to see me...they kept saying"You promised to come back...and you did"...of course I did!
(I can't wait for you all to see the footage, PJ is doing a fabulous job!)
Day One
We made it safely after 2 days of travel! Landing at 6:30 am...and straight to work...perfect! We had Paddy pick us up and then went to the site of the new Sidai home. I can't even describe how I was feeling other than saying my heart was bursting out of my chest and of course...I cried! Its huge, its beautiful, the scenery is stunning and the kids are going to be so happy, and so safe there! We sussed out the area for the chicken coop and I start building Monday. The neighbors did not know where the land line was seperating the lots...and planted beans and corn on some of the property...soooo...I am going to pay her for the crops planted and that way they are already in and growing. They are about 6 inces high already! PERFECT! SO it will be great to see it grow while here! The goats we will figure out after the pens are in...to see what land is left. I have a back up plan if the goats are not an option...getting beds made for the children. There are 2 per bed, so I can use the goat money for that as well...we shall see. After leaving the new site we went home to see my family. IT WAS SO GREAT!!!!! I was so happy to see them all. Mama Millicent was at the Tanzanian border for the night to pick melons to sell at the market, so I did miss her on my first night...but could not have asked for anything more. Antony and Moshills, sons of Lucy who take care of the kids, were so happy to see me...they kept saying"You promised to come back...and you did"...of course I did!
(I can't wait for you all to see the footage, PJ is doing a fabulous job!)
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Countdown to Kenya
Tomorrow morning I will be on my way...for 2 days...to get to Kenya. It has been a long year coming but is finally here. The anticipation is unbelievable and my heart is pounding with excitement. PJ Lee, my filmmaker, and now, brother, is thrilled to be coming with me for the first time to Africa. We plan to write as much as we can, but more than likely it will only be once a week or so.
Today I spoke to my host mother with whom I stayed last year...Mama Millicent. She is beyond excited! "My daughter is coming home"! I can't wait to see her face, and feel her embrace. I can't wait to see the children, and help to change thier lives on behalf of all of you!
On behalf of every donor, every friend, every family member, restaurant, musician, and every child...for everything and anything you have done for Kenya Help, I THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!
All my love, be in touch soon...
Nancy
Today I spoke to my host mother with whom I stayed last year...Mama Millicent. She is beyond excited! "My daughter is coming home"! I can't wait to see her face, and feel her embrace. I can't wait to see the children, and help to change thier lives on behalf of all of you!
On behalf of every donor, every friend, every family member, restaurant, musician, and every child...for everything and anything you have done for Kenya Help, I THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!
All my love, be in touch soon...
Nancy
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