Monday, February 26, 2007

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!

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