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).