Quick Note

Hello everyone! I hope this message finds you well. I have two quick things I'd like to just let you know... 1. GVN is in full support of having donations come in! I'm in the process of writing something for their web site! Isn't that exciting? In the meantime, if you are thinking of donating and you want it done through GVN to have a tax deduction, the easiest way to do it is to either send a check to GVN or to my home address and have Jason mail it for you. I'll be working on the web site shortly and if you choose to donate through the web site, you'll be able to do that much more easily coming very soon! GVN: The Global Volunteer Network Foundation PO Box 12382 Denver, CO 80212 OR 2538 Chamberlain Ave. Madison WI 53707 Please put my name and Terry's Orphanage-Kenya on the check or in a note with your check! 2. Jason will be visiting me from March 7 thru March 21st. This will be my last blog entry to you for the next few weeks. I'll come back with many pictures and I also hope an update on the total amount of our donations. Namaste.

Pictures

SEE ALL PICTURES

Aren’t these goats cute? I want one! They live on the grounds behind the kids’ dormitory. Sara (one of the youngest) is fighting a tumor on the back of her shoulder near her neck area. She had a minor surgery a few weeks ago (thanks to donations of some other volunteer organization). We took her back to the hospital on Saturday because it appears to be growing again. Send her good energy. She really is that cute and happy as her pictures. Some of the children got new uniforms for school. These girls were so excited for school and to get dressed in their new uniforms that they were up before dawn, dressed and ready! That afternoon the teacher came to the orphanage and reported that these same children were caught sleeping in class. They were so excited but so tired! I had to include some cute pics AGAIN of the kids. They LOVE to have their pictures taken! And they love to act silly too. Some them are acting goofy in their photos. Faith is another hired staff person that cooks for the kids. She likes to have her picture taken, too. She’s cooking ugali in this picture (another African dish that’s extremely popular in this region. It is a bit tasteless and is usually served with sukumuwiki (kale) and has the consistency of really hard cream-o-wheat. It’s to be eaten with your hands but I haven’t been able to do that quite yet. It’s not so much that I care about eating with my hands, I find the cleanliness of using my hands a little scary yet.). My runs are just beautiful and these pictures of my running scenery do not even do close justice to what it’s really like…and the picture of the road doesn’t even begin to show how steep the hills are. I’ll take this opportunity to mention that because the hills are so steep and the altitude is so much higher, I’m thinking that I’m conditioning my body quite well for marathon training. I’ve been thinking that I’d like to make a t-shirt when I get back with all the kids’ names and run an event in their honor. This is still a plan in the works. We’ll see what time hands me! It’s bee season and there are be hives that are being maintained right now so we can have fresh honey next month. I attended an event this weekend for another orphanage that was trying to raise money for the kids. There was Massai dancing and I got to hang out with my Canadian friend Deb (pics). We went to Ngong which is a beautiful area! It’s cold in the evenings and YES I’m in Africa (despite the pic of me with my hood on all bundled!). This picture of the TV is my memory of watching the tryouts for a huge running event. I was in tears watching these runners trying out for the Kenya team! The even takes place in Mombasa on March 24th. (Mombasa is about an 8 hour train ride from Nairobi). Deb and I are planning on going. I’m booking our hotel this week. There will be over 90 countries being represented! I can’t wait! Short story: I have a favorite radio station (no surprise I’m sure). The name is EZ-FM-105 (they broadcast out of Nairobi. You should see if they webcast!). I listen to them almost every day. In the afternoons they have a “Coke side of life” promotion. YES! Coke!!! (Can you hear my excitement?) Of course I’m going to try to get on the radio for this…and wouldn’t you know it, the first time I tried, I did! Sheila (the host) asks people to text a message about “your coke side of life” which is something you are doing, something that has changed you, something that makes your life a little better, sweeter, etc. I texted her that I left my job, my family and friends and moved to Kenya to give luv to orphans. They called me the next day and interviewed me for the radio (of course I LOVED this, although I was in town the day they called and I was able to do the interview but I missed listening to me on the radio in the afternoon!). I won free air-time and a case of coke (I’ll be sharing that with the kids!). I also have a chance to win a free ipod (I’ll give that to someone here, I’m sure). The best thing about it though, I got to talk about the orphanage on the air and give Terry’s some well deserved accolades and promotion! Thanks for reading my blog. Love and miss you all!

Short note!

Hello all! Thanks to MFE to the new look on my blog! I love it! I can't even say enough thank you's to her for doing all my postings and pictures!
I wanted to quickly say a few things:

1. The GVN/Terry’s Orphanage “thing” is all worked out! I went to talk with my GVN Rep (Michelle). She’s really great and all was worked out successfully! I’m still asking you to hold GVN checks until I hear from the financial person at GVN. I want 100% assurance that it’s still OK to send money thru them! I’ll send an update when I know.
2. Thank you’s to:
   • Brenda & James Kupsch (friends and co-workers)
   • Diane and Tim Hughes (friends)
3. “Spare a Road, Spoil a Child”: Pat and I went to the school yesterday. It’s always amazing to me that I feel like such a celebrity whenever I’m out anywhere in Machakos (or near Machakos). 100 little eyes stared at me at the school (probably even more than 100) with little tiny grins on their faces. I felt like Brittney Spears (or someone famous) visiting their school. And when I speak to them they seem awestruck that I would actually say something to them. The school teachers are so welcoming and want me to come back every day and help them mark and teach class. The quote I put “spare a road…” is something that someone said to me after I explained that I saw a teacher outside with about 15 children lined up in a row. Each child stepped forward, one by one, and the teacher used a large stick (although this was a stick they call this “caning” whereby they use a cane to hit a child) to hit the child across the butt as punishment for…I don’t quite know what. This was really my first experience seeing this. I’ve heard it many times from volunteers, the trainings I attend and other Kenyans, but this was the first time I saw it. Funny thing is…as soon as the teacher saw Patricia and I walk up, the hitting got significantly lighter and almost more playful. Interesting…Another cultural difference.

Love to all!
Namaste.

Thank You’s, Kids, Politics & Weather

Thank You’s: I’m constantly amazed by all of YOUR generosity and kind words! I receive so much email from you with supporting messages and blessings. I hear how much you enjoy reading my posts which gives me encouragement to visit cyber cafes every few days to hear from you and to give you news. Thank you all for this. I also would like to say a special thank you to those have given money in the past few weeks. A special thank you to:

• Catherine Stephens (friend and co-worker)
• Zach Bruns (friend and co-worker)
• Aunt Carol

I know I’m missing some people this time around and I promise I’ll give more personal acknowledgment when I get the list from Jason. Sorry! Kids: Since Wednesday, Patricia (Leah’s daughter) and I have been together. It’s been great to have her visiting the orphanage (see pic of her and the kids). Although she’s a bit young (17) she’s very sweet and a good companion. We’ve done all sorts of fun stuff including helping the kids’ teachers at the school (see pic) and walking to and from school with them (picture of them on the bridge) just to spend some extra time with them. During the weekend James, Pat and I took the kids up to a soccer field (it’s a very long field!) and played a fun game of soccer. It was supposed to be boys vs. girls (pics of the boys vs. girl team. Notice me with my Jane-shadow) but many of the girls are younger than the boys which puts us at a disadvantage (of course I didn’t mention the extra handicap-a mazungu 30-something-year old woman! Although I can run well, I’m no match against 15-year old Kenya boys and girls that play soccer with no shoes! It really puts me to shame when I think about it! Although the next day James made a comment about how he was walking to Machakos (a 15 mile walk there and back) b/c “when he gets to be ‘my’ age he wants to be in shape.” James is 22. I don’t know if this was an observation that he saw me as in shape when we played Sat or if had taken pity on 30 year olds for not being shape.) Here are a few pics of the game. We stopped the game 10-10 and I’m so happy to report that I scored the 8th goal (and just so the facts are straight, there is no charity, mazungu, goal “giving.” I earned that one!) Every time we scored the kids would come running to me to hit my hands, smile and cheer! (see pic of my scoring!) I have to admit that this memory of playing with those kids all afternoon on Saturday is a memory I will take with me forever. Words can’t describe the feeling I have of seeing those kids having fun, being so happy, and just being together. I just love every one of these boys and girls and I can feel the reciprocation from each of them. It is also worth mentioning that the view from that field is breathtaking. To be at the top of hill (what feels like a mountain) overlooking the surrounding little towns, other hills and to be able to see for miles and miles…there are no words, really. For those of you that know my cooking abilities (nonexistent) brace yourself for this next part. On Sunday, Patricia showed me a new African dish called mandazi (see pics). Yes, that is a rolling pin in my hand. I actually used this! We made these for the kids and then took them for a nice hike in the hills. I commend Leah for giving me the opportunity to take the kids outside the grounds. I know she fears having the children being out. I think it’s mostly she fears for their safety and for their protection against some of the locals (insert that I could really tell you some crazy stories – literally “crazy.”). I’m happy that she trusts me out with them and that kids mind me so well. Politics (PLEASE READ): Well, now that our fun weekend is over, I wish I could say that I’m starting my week with fun trips to the school and the market to buy fun paints so that Pat and I can paint the boys dorm (soon to be the new study/dining hall) with the kids. Sigh…I have to ask a favor to each of you that is thinking of sending money THROUGH GVN (This only applies if you are thinking of sending money to GVN. It doesn’t apply if you want to send money directly to me). I don’t know many details but I’m on my way to Nairobi today to find out more. Apparently there have been discussions with GVN and VICDA (the organization that partners with GVN here in Kenya) about no longer supporting Terry’s Orphanage. I’ve been “hearing” things second hand and I’m on my way to the VICDA/GVN office in Nairobi to inquire. Leah has been quite upset since this has all transpired. And of course, naturally, I am not happy to hear that discussions have been taking place and that neither Leah nor I have been involved in them. I will fully admit that it’s difficult enough for me to be in a strange country alone, learning a new culture, language, a new way of living, being exposed to people and situations you only read about and see pictures of in the media, AND then on top of it all have to deal with (excuse my bluntness) BS from organizations that are having difficulties! My purpose of telling all of this to you is that if Terry’s is not supported by GVN or by VICDA it may mean that money you send to GVN will not go to my orphanage. Please know that any check or internet transaction that you’ve given to GVN up to this date has been honored. Please don’t worry that I haven’t received your money. I have taken great strides to make sure I’m aware of all financial transactions that have come through. But I’m not sure what will happen now into the future. I’m asking that you hold your GVN checks until I get this figured out. Of course, I have a lot of questions and I’m quite nervous and upset. Will GVN ask me to leave my orphanage? What if I don’t want to leave Terry’s? What about the other volunteer that is joining me in a couple of months, will she be able to come? I will be completely embarrassed if the time, money and all the resources that have been expended thus far are compromised because of this. One of the former volunteers has said she was giving a generous amount of money to give us enough to build our dorm (she confirmed this with me this past week!). With her and her family’s contribution we will have reached that goal. BUT with this new political “mess” I don’t know what might happen. I’m not in a position to do any more than speculate and to give you a bit of a “head’s up” on this situation. I promise to keep you all posted. Please send Leah and me good energy and keep us and this situation in your thoughts and prayers. Weather: It wouldn’t be me if I didn’t do just a little bit of taunting about what I am hearing about the WI weather. Seriously, I’ve heard you are in the coldest spell in 15 years! Is that true? I’m happy to report that Kenya is having one of their hottest spells ever. I am in 100% belief that the universe, God (whatever energy you choose to believe in, if you believe) knew I could not spend another winter in WI and that not only do I get to be in a warm climate while you bundle every part of you, I get to be somewhere where it is warmer than usual! Those that I talk with here about weather find it inconceivable that a person could actually cry because they are so cold (then again you might find it unimaginable that a born and raised Wisconsin girl could admit something so ludicrous but true! I’m embarrassment to my state, I know).

Food and Fun!

Hello everyone! I hope this message finds you well. I have to admit that my last week has been a bit more of a safari than "work" or volunteering. Last time I wrote, I mentioned that I was feeling a bit glum. I thought I was going to Nairobi for a few days to visit my friend and to be pampered a bit. I ended staying a week. I got a call from some of the Feb 1st volunteers to meet for a "girl's night out". HELLO?!? Of course I was all over this! We went to a nice Italian restaurant and it was so fun to hang out with women, Americans and Canadians! See pics of our dinner. Wanja and I got to hang out over the weekend, go dancing and I got to meet some of her family! (view all pics). I also got some time to play with the kitties. Here are some pictures of Wanja and Leah at work. I love visiting both of them at the office because cyber is much faster and it’s just fun to go to the office once and while (at least someone’s been working this past week!). When I went to visit Wanja at her work (the US Embassy), Wanja’s co-workers gave me a lot of compliments about how pretty I am (must be the new "do") and how young I looked. Wanja thought it was hilarious that when she asked the security man if it was OK for me to come up to her cube that he made sure I was "old enough" (I guess that means an "adult" past the age of 18yrs). She laughed and laughed! I feel like the luckiest person in the world to have such a good friend in Nairobi...AND it's a bonus that she works at a cool place! I’ve included some pictures of the food that I eat (and a few which I don’t eat). Apparently many people are staying away from pork and beef because of something called the Rift Valley Fever (some sort of disease in cattle and pigs that are causing many deaths in the east Africa area). Lucky for me I don’t eat meat and even if I did, I surely wouldn’t eat it here. It’s been really cool that I’ve been a vegetarian that eats nothing but vegetables or rice (and chipati of course). They are very respectful although they think I’m crazy for not eating meat or eggs! These pics are the foods that I eat every day other than breakfast. I usually have coffee and cereal for breakfast (and I put peanut butter on my cereal for a little protein). I’ve included a picture of the butcher’s cow and the butcher (He works below Wanja’s apartment. Wanja and I joke about him being my “boyfriend.” Oh the irony…a butcher. And people thought “I” had a lot of boyfriends…Wanja has me beat by a thousand miles! It’s funny!). Also, here are some pictures of the orphanage that I visited earlier this week. The orphanage that these volunteers (the women I went out with) work in is called Nairobi’s Children’s Home. There are 120 orphans and 60 staff members (staff members work in shifts about 10 at a time! Can you imagine 10 workers for 120 kids? Many under the age of 7!) This is quite a difference from my orphanage. I felt very lucky to be at the one I’m at. I also felt lucky that my orphanage is out of the city and is very different "culturally" (so to speak) than in Nairobi. (one of the volunteers in the pic) is coming to Machakos with me at the end of April. She’s from Canada and she’s really a neat person. DebI’m excited for her to come and I can tell we’ll do some crazy stuff together to raise money…she’s crazy like me! Lastly, (I’m sure to Patricia’s dislike), I’ve included a pic of her and I and of our Valentine’s Day gift to the kids. I bought cake and told them "ninawapenda" (I love all of you!) and we shared a nice Valentine’s Day together! Much love to all! Renee

Hello

I opened my email this morning, the first message from the US Embassy read: “This Travel Warning is being issued to remind American citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to Kenya at this time due to ongoing safety and security concerns…The Department continues to recommend that private American citizens in Kenya evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing terrorist threats and increasing incidents of violent crime (insert Renee comment: there was a carjacking a few days ago; supposedly a random act where two family members of a US Embassy employee were killed)….U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate and random attacks on civilian targets in public places, including tourist sites and locations where foreigners are known to congregate, as well as commercial operations associated with U.S….American citizens in Kenya should remain vigilant, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as clubs, hotels, resorts, upscale shopping centers, restaurants, and places of worship. Americans should also remain vigilant in residential areas, schools, and at outdoor recreational events, and should avoid demonstrations and large crowds...” There are certain blessings to living in a very small community. This email from the US Embassy reminds me (in part) of some of the reasons I chose to not live in Nairobi or a bigger city. Although prior to reading this email, I have to admit that I woke up this morning feeling lonelier than I remember feeling any of the days I’ve been here and wishing I lived in a bigger city with more people to hang around with. There are good points to living in a bigger city like Nairobi, one being that you are with other volunteers. I, on the other hand, can’t seem to get anyone to stay in Machakos so I’m alone (not totally alone since the kids are there, Leah is around at times and I’ve developed a very nurturing relationship with Elizabeth). This morning, when I awoke, it was grey, cold and foggy and I was feeling pretty blue. It didn’t help that Elizabeth was sick, Martin was ill and the kids were all at school (and half are still on holiday until Sat). I HAD to get out of Machakos so I packed up and went to Nairobi to be in the city (strange as it sounds since I’m always talking about how I don’t like the city all that much). I thought I’d treat myself and have my hair done. (see my pic and my PPS). And I hope to see Wanja this weekend too (see older pic of us) and spend some time with her and the kittens. I also got to hang out with Everlyne (aka Eva) (see pic) who lives with Leah and helps with the house (cleaning, cooking, etc.). I don’t really want to call her “house-help” per say b/c she lives with Leah and Leah really does treat her like a daughter. She is very sweet and I really like her. She is cooking chapati (pic) for me tonight (my absolute favorite thing here so far! And you’ll be thankful to know that it’s so good for you… it’s fried dough…using tons of oil! Oh it’s the best! I’ve developed a way to eat it for breakfast, lunch OR dinner. If its breakfast it’s dipped in peanut butter, lunch or dinner I like to put a little salt on the side). This reminds me that I’ll take pictures of the prepared food that I eat for my next entry so you can see what I eat (pretty much the same 7 or 8 things) every day. I’m surprised I’m not sick of the food yet (admittedly I get cravings for things like WI ice cream and I have a daily craving for Mexican – which started the day after I left). Two postings ago (the one with the health care that I wrote about) developed quite a response (as I knew it would since it’s about health!). I must share with you what one of my African friends (named Edmond, who lives in Madison, whom I’ve known now for over a year. He is going to school in Madison to be a dental hygienist). He wrote: “Renee, the last message you posted, the one talking about malaria-like disease made me recall some events about my country. I would like to make you laugh by sharing it with you (insert Renee comment – There is a certain level of not funniness to this story, please read on!). You said you guys went to the clinic waiting for a doctor, the one you're not quite sure is a doctor. Sometimes there are no ethical values when it comes to health issues on that continent. Believe me, he might not be a real doctor. Health issues in Africa are so complicated. Now here is my story. There was a story of one doctor in the city I used to live (Renee inserts: Edmond is from a country called Togo which is west of Kenya). The guy was trained to work as a veterinary, but because he is from the same city as the President, he was made a doctor. Every single surgery was performed by him. None of the pregnant women stayed alive from his work. This situation forced people to travel hundreds miles away to see a real doctor. This might sound strange to you but it was true. In the meantime, there were real doctors who could not find a job.” Interesting story, isn’t it? Well, I must report, I went back to this “Dr” this past week. We had another sick girl. This time it was just she and I that went. I didn’t have to carry her on my back since she’s 14. The situation although really not funny, seems almost comical. I am not trying to make light of the care, but seriously…this story is almost surreal. We got to the clinic. She changed out of her regular clothing into her school uniform to visit the clinic (I was told school children are respected so much and she must present herself as a school child). The Dr. asked her what her symptoms were. She said back ache, sore throat and leg aches. (She didn’t mention vomiting, which I mentioned later in the conversation). The Dr. took a flashlight (regular ol’ flashlight) that wasn’t even working when she turned it on at first and as dimmer than the little headlight that I use to go to the bathroom at night!). She (the Dr.) looked at her throat, wrote in the little book and said “OK go get the medicine.” I asked what Jane had and she said Jane has malaria and tonsillitis. Ok, I’m sorta joking here when I prob. shouldn’t, but “I” could be her Dr! Jane was given 3 types of medicine. One that made her vomit at least 10x all the way back to the orphanage. The other one she was to take 2x a day (3 tabs in the morning, 3 at night). The girl is prob. 50 lbs! Good thing Elizabeth monitors these kids and said “no way is she taking THAT much medicine!” Jane is a sweet girl. She is absolutely in love with me…I think more than any other of the kids there. Her situation is sad. Her parents and all of her siblings passed. And her grandmother just passed in January. She is 100% alone and was picked up by the police and brought to the orphanage a few weeks ago. She clings to me so much. And she’s very jealous. If I’m with any of the other kids she grabs me and tries to take me away from them. Although this is quite flattering, it is not right and it does make me sad. I give her a lot of attention when I can but try my best to not develop favorites. I should exercise this practice with my kitties! I’m sure you all know my favorite! I miss them so much! Good thing I get to see kittens here (there’s one that lives on the grounds but she’s very skittish so I haven’t become too attached to her…yet! I love Wanjas!) Love to all! Renee PS I looked the weather of me vs. you today (smiling). I’m sorry…I laughed! I’m soooo glad I’m missing this! PPS Getting braids is no small feat! It took 6 “Kenyan hours” (9am to 5pm with a break for lunch!) and two women to get these things in my head. And…it hurt! They pull hard when they “plate” it. My head is about twice as heavy w/extensions and length.

Quick list of things to tell you!

THANK YOU! We have raised $3200 of the $5000. I wish I could get more volunteers to work with me so they could help with these efforts. I’ve been talking with some of the previous volunteers and they are doing there best to help. I would LOVE to break ground in March when Jason comes to visit. It would help me to have someone else help to at least start things! terrychildsupport.org - Leah has her own web site! Isn’t that the coolest? On the site there’s information to her banking number. They must use those here to transfer money. Some might find this helpful (esp. those volunteers from other countries that have expressed interest in using this!) It seems that I’m given the opportunity to help strengthen the relationship between the orphanage and GVN. This is sort of related to my last bullet point above. I’m working to get Terry’s listed on the GVN site. Those of you that have been out to GVN’s site don’t see Terry’s listed. I’ve inquired about this and I’m working to have the orphanage listed so that people can donate “easier” through the web site. Wish me luck! It means more trips to cyber for me! I’m recovering my sickness…so are the kids! No worries please! I’ve recovered so much so far I thought Bobby the dog wanted to show you how we’ve been getting along! She told me to tell you that she’s trying to talk Leah allowing her to go to Machakos with her. But since there are already dogs in Machakos that would eat Bobby she’d have to be inside at night (when the dogs are out of their crates protecting the grounds) and Leah won’t even entertain the thought of having a dog in the house. Matatu story: I wasn’t going to share this, but I had a cool thing happen this morning. I’m batting terrible odds with matatus and I felt compelled to share a positive one. When I take a matatu from the top of the hill to the town, I sometimes (OK many times) get turned down at the stop b/c it’s full and b/c of my color. It’s not a prejudice thing! It’s b/c they would rather take a black man that will hang out the side of the door than a white woman that “needs” to have a seat. I say “needs” b/c believe it or not there ARE regulations to follow and one of them is that you can’t stand on the matatu (the other is that you must wear a seatbelt). OK…this barely ever happens but I mention this b/c although people don’t follow the rules they are quite aware of them. Today, I got on the matatu and had to stand up. I never worry about this until we actually enter town. There’s a stretch of the road that the police like to stop matatus and “inspect” everything outside and everyone inside. If they were to stop us and found people standing they’d march us right down to the local jail. No lie! (actually they’d first allow some an opportunity to get out of going to jail by bribing them with money to let them go! They’d have a field day with me, I’m sure!) When your choices are limited about getting to town, you take risks. Today was no different for me! As we arrived at the “police spot” everyone started ducking down in the aisles. The woman to my right move as far over to give me a ½ a butt cheek to sort of sit. And the man behind me, in the aisle squatted so the other ¾ of my butt could actually sit on his knee so I wouldn’t have to painfully squat (although it really isn’t all that painful!). The woman put her arms around me tightly so that I would remain securely in my “seat.” It was really very nice and something that doesn’t happen to me that often (I’ve had these experiences before and this was the first time people made me feel comfortable). All this to say that there are some good experiences on these things…they are few…but I don’t lose hope after today! Namaste!

Jambo!

I have many things to talk about in this posting! I know that I always run the risk of thanking people individually because I fear I’ll forget someone. Please know that I’ll do my best to not forget to thank every person that has helped me with our fundraising effort. Thanks to my Aunt Jeanette, my Uncle Don, my Aunt Carol and my Uncle Ron and Aunt Jo, too. I hope that Jason is keeping up with the American way to thank people (thank you notes/cards!). I owe my mom a special thank you. She wrote Oprah about what I’m doing! Can you believe it? I am sending this out to all of you in the hopes that you will too write her. Mom, maybe you could post her address in the comments area so that everyone has it and can write her. Maybe if enough people write her, she’ll help us. It never hurts to try! (Email Oprah) Also, I want to send a special recognition to my co-workers in AT. It was so wonderful talking with all of you on Tuesday. Our time was short, but I was so happy to hear your voices. I miss you all much and I look forward to coming back in June to work on the “wonderful podcasting projects” (smiling!) Because I’ve been so honest up to this point with my postings, I’m not going to be shy with what I’m writing in this story. I was reluctant to share but a great “pen pal” of mine suggested I share it so I’m going to. There is a huge outbreak in Machakos of sickness. It seems as if the entire city has come down with this nasty flu/cold-like virus. The kids have not been immune to the sickness as you can imagine. Of course neither has the solo volunteer or the staff. I have been quite ill the past week. It’s been more of a nuisance than anything else, but still, when in Africa, I take nothing about my ill-health lightly. I’ve learned to not be such a baby (I’m sure this will be quite temporary) when being sick as I can only imagine young children without a mom to be there to hold them and tell them everything will be fine. These kids suffer far more greatly than I do. I won’t lie though, there have been times this past week that I just start crying b/c that one thing just set me into tears (and it was usually a trip to the choo that set it off)…Then I think of the kids and how strong they are and how they cope with sickness. The scary thing about this whole story is this: When the kids started to get sick, we would take them to the local clinic. I can’t even begin to describe the health care at the place these children were going to. I wanted to take pictures but I didn’t. It really scared me. There were 20 to 30 people on a bench outside waiting to see one Dr. And I don’t even know if she was an actual Dr. We waited a long time b/c the “Dr.” was in “surgery” b/c the baby had an umbilical chord that was bleeding and he had to put stitches in him (that’s what I was told). I was also told that on the way to taking the baby to Machakos town (the clinic is actually in the hill and the hospital is in town) the baby died. I don’t know any details and of course I will not judge the situation not knowing anything, but yet so sad to hear. Little Ni Ni (pronounced nee nee), the 6 year old, was so sick, and James was also very sick (I wasn’t at this point) that she couldn’t walk herself. I carried her through the hills (a good few miles one way…those of you that know how much I love hills can prob. still hear me cursing all the way to the US) with this small little child on my back. I think she either was so sick that she peed on herself earlier that morning or she perhaps did so on me on the way or the way back from the clinic (I couldn’t tell b/c I was so hot and sweaty from carrying her, I could only smell). The "clinic" diagnosed her with malaria and gave her 5 different types of medicine. FIVE for a 6 year old. AND they didn’t test her. They just asked her symptoms and said she had malaria. That girl was not only MISdiagnosed but also OVERdosed with drugs. She was so sick that I swear to you I thought she was going to die. It was one of the scariest health things I’ve ever seen. And the culture here reacts to sickness differently. They would force-feed her food and tell her not to throw it back up even though she was gagging and choking to keep it down. They said she needed strength. They’d tell her to eat and not get sick and if she shook her head no as to say she didn’t want it, they’d open her mouth and put it in her. It was an eye-opening site for me. I write this not in a place of judgment. It’s the reality of this culture. Good thing they didn’t try any of that on me! I wouldn’t have it! (smiling). By last Saturday, almost every child at the orphanage was feeling ill. Leah brought in a Dr. from Machakos/Nairobi to "check" the kids out. Turns out it’s just this huge flu/cold thing (airborne) that’s going around everywhere. There’s no malaria and I can attest to that 100% since I thought it be best that "someone" be checked to make sure. I paid a whole 100 shillings (70 shillings = $1.00) for them to tell me I’m negative. The silver lining with all of this is that Leah was so scared by this whole occurrence that she asked that Dr. to sit with her and put together a health plan for each one of the kids. I don’t quite know where she’ll get the money but I have faith it’ll work out. Speaking of the kids…I’ve included a bunch of pictures of them. These were taken on Wed evening. A short story: Every year Leah takes some of the kids to Mombasa (a beautiful coastal city where the kids can play in the ocean and the sand and be spoiled!). She can’t take them all. Those that went last year won’t go this year. Those that aren’t going are very sad. On Wed, when I went to work with the kids on schoolwork, I told those that weren’t going that we would have our own little Mombasa celebration. I’m on my way to the local Nakumat this week to buy a fun movie, popcorn (some of them don’t even know what that is!) and soda. When I said the word movie and soda every one of them jumped on me with huge smiles and thank you's. There are no words to describe how I felt to have the opportunity to give these children something we take for granted so often. Have I mentioned how much I just love each one of these children? That’s all for now. Hope this message finds you warm and well! Love, Renee PS I had to include a pic of the mission statement of the orphanage. I thought it was the coolest thing that she actually has one! And, Leah’s son "took" a dog named Bobby (female) from a friend that was abusing her. I gave her a bath last week. She’s the sweetest thing but she cowers when you try to pet her.