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.