I want to be a GREAT teacher!

This past Friday, Hannah, Becca, and I had the opportunity to visit Rosslyn Academy Nairobi, Kenya. Rosslyn is a Christian international school that provides an international preK-12 education. I believe they are located about 10K outside of Nairobi and they have a beautiful 40-acre campus. When you first drive through the gate, it looks like paradise! There is an awesome facility for sports. It is basically an open roof, under ground gymnasium. The rest of the campus is overflowing with beautiful landscape, flowers, and intriguing architecture. All of the buildings have a curve to them and the library is designed in the shape of a circle. Every thing flows so nicely on this campus. I felt like I was in the most beautiful college setting I have ever been in and this is just a school for preK-12. The students do not live on campus, but many teachers and staff do. There are over 50 nationalities represented at Rosslyn and I have never really experienced so much diversity in one place. Rosslyn is a mission based school. All of their teachers have a firm relationship with Christ and that was evident in the way they taught and interacted with their students.

The academic excellence at this school is unreal. I was almost in tears observing how well behaved the children were and watching the teachers work in their element. It was breathtaking. One teacher explained it to us saying, "This is a teacher's heaven. The kids want to learn." Kids are still kids no matter where you teach, but these teachers seem to be doing everything right and I did not hear one teacher or staff have to discipline a child for talking in class or not focusing on the task in front of them. With great teachers, comes great students I suppose.

Rosslyn

First, we all took a tour of the amazing campus and then Hannah and I went to a fourth grade classroom to observe. The students are reading Mr. Popper's Penguins and they were going through each chapter summarizing it into a word or phrase. It was a great review and refresher for many of the students I'm sure.

Then we head over to 2nd grade. This was my favorite part of the day. In 2nd grade the students were learning about dinosaurs. In this class there were probably only 2 or 3 kids who were from the same place. Diversity at it's finest. The classroom was huge, colorful, and even had a sweet reading loft above us. We all sat on a carpet in a circle while the teacher led a discussion about dinosaurs and what we know about them. She answered every question in such a Christian way. The students all participated and were fully engaged the whole time. Then we read 2 stories about dinosaurs and they had to determine whether they were fiction or non-fiction. These 2nd graders really grasped concepts in ways I have never noticed in children before.

2nd grade room

2nd grade room with reading loft

I learned two fun teaching techniques from this 2nd grade teacher as well...When she is reading and claps, the students say the next word (guaranteeing that they are focused on the reading), and when she stops reading and counts to three, the students start reading aloud together. I thought this was so clever and a good way to handle classroom management in a setting that would otherwise be hectic. Shoot, if I were in second grade and was sitting on a rug with my friends, there is no way I would have been so engaged as these students were. It was very encouraging to see.

Then we headed over to preK and got to play with the kids and help them draw pictures of things that move mysteriously...like wind or the sun. We know they are moving but we can't really see them move or know why they do. The fact that preschoolers grasped that concept was boggling to me. Yes, I did see boys picking noses and girls being giggly (kids are still kids) but over all , this classroom was so well organized and the kids were so cute and well behaved.

PreK room

After that was lunch with teachers and staff members. We met some really cool teachers and had some great conversations about isolationism and how this school is run so differently than a Kenyan or British school system. Some of the teachers can feel really isolated from the outside world since they live and work on campus. One thing Hannah and I have noticed in Kenya is that no matter how much you love it here, meeting someone from the states or getting to talk to someone from home is so comfortable and refreshing. You don't really realize that you miss home until those moments and even then, it's such a strange feeling.

After lunch we went to senior seminar. This is the coolest class ever! Senior seminar is a course that seniors take (obviously) and they research a topic of choice (illegal immigrants, gorilla art, gender roles, etc.) and write a 10 page essay as well as present a 30 minute presentation with media used. Talking to the seniors about their project ideas and progress on them was so neat. If I had been in this class I would have picked the easiest topic and rushed through it. These students picked very complex ideas and were putting forth a lot of effort into their work. I met one boy who was researching gorilla art (kind of like graffiti) and he expressed to me that he wants to go to the states for college since that is where he is from and that he also has been frustrated lately because he knows he wants to go into media but has no clue what kind etc. I told him about the 6 media majors we have with us at Daystar and he almost jumped out of his seat he was so excited. He gave me his email and is hoping to shadow, help out, or talk to the people from our group. I am really excited for him as well. He is so motivated and I know he will go far.

Senior Sem

Tiempo para la clase de espanol! (Time for Spanish class!) Spanish class was so interesting to see! The teacher decided to teach this class as a 'flipped' classroom. That means that the students do the learning outside of class so that during class they can work on assignments and have the teacher their to help them. I had never really understood a flipped classroom before and honestly thought they were a bad idea but this class was so fun and you could really tell that the students were succeeding  The students know more Spanish than I do and I have completed almost 1 1/2 more years of Spanish classes then they have so far. The desks in this classroom were in a large circle so that everyone could see each other. This really set the atmosphere and tone of the classroom. The techniques this teacher used were so well done. He has a silly hat that he wears and when he wears it means you can only speak in Spanish. The students also learned a huge passage of the Bible in Spanish and recite it every class. What a great vocab exercise! They even sang a worship song in Spanish with the teacher playing his acoustic as back up. I love unconventional ways of learning extra vocab and grammar. I don't know about your experiences, but if a teacher wore a goofy hat and expected me to sing in front of my peers in freshman year of high school, I do not think I would be as enthusiastic as these freshman were. It is amazing to me how much having an exceptional teacher changes the dynamic of learning and the academic excellence.

Finally before we debriefed our day with some staff members (which was basically us applauding the school in every aspect and encouraging the superintendent about how great his school is) we were able to observe an 8th grade English course- which was taught by a fellow Chicagoan who had a nephew and niece at Trinity Christian College. He was such a 'hip' teacher and you could really tell how comfortable the students were in his class. I loved the units he was teaching. They had just finished up learning slang terms and they wrote songs and raps including their vocab. We were able to see the students fearlessly get up in front of their peers and present their songs. Once again, if you had asked me or any of my friends in eighth grade to get up and be so vulnerable, I guarantee it would not have gone so well.

Then they began their unit on technology and why we choose to use what we choose to use etc. The teacher used an article about the Amish (which interestingly only one boy knew what Amish was) to show the students how thoughtful you can be about what you allow in your life. This class really made me think deeper about everyday decisions I make. I commend this teacher for bringing such meaningful and relevant topics into his language arts lessons and challenging the students to grow and push themselves.

I loved that Rosslyn is truly preparing these kids to go back to the states and succeed in the American education system. The majority of the students who attend are mission kids, or children of staff or business men and will end up going to the states for college. Rosslyn also has a very successful fine-arts and sports program. You can see students art work throughout the campus represented by stain glass windows and murals. They even have a pool on campus! I was seriously in shock at the facility, staff, and students. I have never seen anything like this before in my life. I was going into this day expecting something much different and I was truly blown away. I had no clue that schools like this existed!  I know that this is not the only school running in this way but, if this standard of education works why aren't more schools jumping on the band wagon and raising their standards? It is sad that many good teachers are being held captive by the 'system.' I know there are many GREAT teachers everywhere and I have been lucky enough to observe one last semester. Also, I have had many great teachers in the past and I am sure to have many more to come. I guess just seeing a school so saturated with them was exciting to me.

Flags represent the different nationalities represented. 

Every technique or strategy of teaching that I have been taught was implemented at Rosslyn in the way that is should be implemented. It is sad that in some schools you only ever seen teachers teach the way these ones did on days that they were being observed. I strongly encourage any education majors or people who are just curious to visit their website and check it out for yourself. I am really hoping to student teach in an international school like this and to be able to learn from such amazing teachers. They really hire the best of the best at Rosslyn. Becoming a teacher at Rosslyn is quite the process and they don't really take people who haven't taught in the states for at least 3 years and established themselves as excellent teachers. Even to student teach at Rosslyn you must go through a long process and they don't really like having students there for less than 8 weeks.

Overall, this was the best observation experience I have ever had in one visit. For me, it was such a motivation to become the best teacher I can be and it also opened my eyes about international schools and for the first time ever I was glad that I am going to be certified for elementary education as well as special education  Although special education is my passion, this was the first time I was able to vision myself teaching in a general education classroom. I also know how badly Hannah needed this day to encourage and refresh her. I know that I will remember this day for the rest of my life. It was the day I realized that I really do want to be a teacher! And a great one at that!

Also, I decided that I really want my children (if I have children) to go to a school like this. I was at a point- being an education major and seeing the corruption first hand- that I felt like homeschooling would be my only option by the time I have children, and who knows maybe it will be, but I feel like these student's have such a well-rounded education and view of life that it really gave me hope. There is so much diversity, such great teachers, Christian emphasis, and life experiences at this school and I really cannot think of one thing I would have changed about what I observed. I am truly amazed and have such hope for education after seeing that. Join me in praying for the corrupted education systems all over the world.

One last thing I have been thinking a lot about lately is luck and fairness. What did any of those students do to deserve such an amazing education when I have also observed in the same country students who learn from outdated, falling apart textbooks? They don't even each get to have one of their own. There is only enough for the teacher to teach from- if that class is lucky enough to have an actual teacher. It's not fair at all. How is it that classrooms like the one I just described are still probably more commonplace than the ones like Rosslyn had? If any one of the students in that poor classroom had been born in a different country, to a different family, or had more money and were put in a better school they would probably be succeeding just as much as the students I observed at Rosslyn. I just wish there was something realistic that could be done to bring equality in the education system.

What I have done to deserve the life I have? Nothing! I don't deserve it at all, yet here I am living the dream, wearing new clothing, eating whatever I feel like when I feel like it, and sleeping in a nice room with a mosquito net. I am able to go to virtually any school that I want and I am such a procrastinator and take my education for granted daily.  I am already foreshadowing how much my mind set has changed and how difficult it is going to be for me to adjust back to the American way of life and thinking. Actually, I hope that I never do adjust back. I want to be forever changed because of the things I have seen and experienced on this time in Kenya.

Psalm 106:3 "Blessed are they who observe justice and do righteousness at all times."

Micah 6:8 "What does the LORD require of you but to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God?"

James 3:1-2 "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body."

Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."

Titus 2:7-8 "Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opportunity may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us."

Matthew 5:1-16  “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

(Sorry I don't have pictures, when Hannah can upload her pictures to Facebook I will be sure to tag myself or add them to this post)

The 

Observation

Two Friday's ago I was able to observe Hannah student teach at Daystar Mulandi Primary School. I say student teach because that is what Hannah was told she was going to be doing. In reality, she is the teacher. Mulandi is a very new school and is going through the transition of a private school to public one. Some of the teachers are paid by the government, but many are paid by parents...or should I say not paid by parents...which is why many teachers just do not show up. Why would they if they aren't being paid? For the eight different grade levels/classrooms, there are usually only about 4 or 5 teachers who actually show up each day to teach. Hannah's classroom is shared between grades 3 and 4 with only a tin wall dividing them. Watching her teach has really inspired me. She was completely thrown into a new environment with barely any help or materials to work with and she has truly thrived! She even talks with a Kenyan accent to make it easier for her students to understand her. Some of them may not listen to her at times (because she does not hit them) but just from observing her at work, I can tell that they really do love her. How could they not? She is putting time and effort into their learning and truly cares about their success. They especially love it when she teaches them some sign language (gestures) and I love hearing all of her stories and seeing pictures of their work. I'm sure Hannah will be able to see great progress in some of their work over her weeks of teaching there. 

Hannah's students saying "I love you" in Sign Language.

In Kenya, the education system is test based. Hannah's students prepare and prepare all to take one test in grade 8 to see if they can go to high school or not. It is all riding on one test. This is the same with high school. Kenyans can tell you their high school grade with one letter. They take one test and that test determines their grade for all of high school and determines whether or not they are able to go to University. Even at Daystar, my grades are based 60% or more on one test at the end of the semester. I have never wanted to write a paper more in my schooling career. I do write papers, but they are usually in groups and aren't worth much of my grade. Kind of frustrating for an American student. 

I really love the conversations Hannah and I have about teaching opportunities and how we both never truly understood the education system and its challenges until being here. Even just yesterday Hannah's student teaching placement was at risk because the public school system in Kenya was going to go on strike (a fairly regular thing here.) God is SO good though. Right when she thought she was screwed (for lack of a better word), she was able to meet a woman named 'mama' Joy from Red Rhino Children's Home down the road from her school. About 11 children from Red Rhino attend Mulandi and Hannah was able to go and visit the home after school one day last week. Then, on Sunday Hannah, Becca, and I were invited back to visit again. (If you want to see pictures of the children we hung out with follow the link to Red Rhino's website and search around the site for pictures, they are all there). 

Coloring with kids at Red Rhino

My gentleman for the day. 

Going to Red Rhino was such an awesome experience. We were able to meet David (the man who started the home), play & dance with the children, eat lunch with Joshua and Michael (two boys around 8 yrs old who were called our hosts/gentlemen all day haha), tour the boys house (they are phenomenal!) and have chocolate cupcakes and pineapple sweets for Abigal's 12th birthday. The children are so loved there and well taken care of. I wanted to take them all home with me, but knowing how well off they are there really opened my eyes about a lot of things.

While we were there and talking to David about Red Rhino, he offered Hannah a proposition. There is a one room school house on Red Rhino's land that the children used to use for class so he let Hannah know that if the strike happens that she can teach the kids from Red Rhino (11 of which already attend the school she was placed at) in the school room. They are an official NGO and have all the paper work she would need. How sweet is that? God truly provides when we need Him to. Thankfully the strike did not happen and the children of Kenya are in school today! Still, that is an awesome testimony of God's provision. 

I saw Sweetie last night walking home from Red Rhino with Hannah and Becca. She has her little head shaved now and is as adorable as ever. I can't wait to go and hangout with her again when I have more available time. 

On Friday, Becca, Hannah, and I are getting on a bus at 5 am to go into town on the opposite side of Nairobi to observe in a Christian school. We will not get back until around dinner...which realistically means that we won't be back until 7 or 8 pm. Kenyan time. I'm still adjusting. I am really excited to be able to see this school though! 

I am also looking forward to hopefully being able to visit an orphanage in Kibera (the largest urban slum in Africa) and to visit an institutionalized orphanage for children with special needs. Basically, I just want as much exposure as possible. It is heart breaking but heart warming and hopeful at the same time. Hope. This word has never meant so much to me before. 

Rendille Day 2 (and 3)

After one of the most sleepless nights of this trip so far, we woke up to a cool breeze, chai tea, and some amazing pancakes. By amazing, I mean AMAZING! We sprinkled some sugar on them for an extra sweet treat. I'm sitting here drooling thinking about them. Then, Jeff let us know that after much searching and asking around, he has located some camels for us to see. The plan is to take a drive through the desert to one of the most beautiful Rendille villages, and that among the camels we will see on the way, we will be taking a half hour hike to a natural pool/waterfall.

pancakes from heaven above!

First, we go to church! Church was very interesting. We were able to meet 3 girls who had just moved to Korr for the year to be school teachers. They were very inspiring. The sermon was given by a missionary who has been living in Korr for about 30 years I believe. The sermon was very westernized and was about the upcoming March elections. The music was fantastic and my favorite part was watching Shemi (Asaaska's brother) play the keyboard while a man with down syndrome broke out in some mad dance moves next to him! :)

Shemi and his dancing friend!

Before we left for our adventure, two goats were slaughtered for our party that night. I opted out of watching this event unfold and stayed behind with Kaitlan and Jeff's mother. The thought enough made me squirm. Everyone else went to watch and most of the guys tasted it's fresh, warm blood (a very nutrient rich delicacy).

Finally, we get on the bus and begin our trek to find the camels. Taking this ride in the desert to our location made me realize how remote this part of Kenya really is and how impressive it is that the people Rendille thrive here. (The Rendille are a semi-nomadic tribe who are camel herders and believe in the god Waaq). Along the way, we saw many people herding their goats, a herd of camels, a herd of baby camels, many villages, and we even picked up a woman who was walking back to her village with water from Korr (a 20 kilometer walk that she makes everyday). Rendille people rarely ever complain...if I was in this woman's shoes, I would really struggle with that one.

Woman who walks 20 Kilometers everyday for water & other supplies. 

Baby Camels
photo cred: Tyler Minnesma

chilling with the camels!
Photo Cred: Kaitlan Spencer

The drive was breathtaking but nothing compares to the waterfall. It was magnificent. It was so smooth that we used it as a water slide and the pool at the bottom was perfect for swimming in. If that isn't cool enough on it's own, three camels and some cows showed up to join the fun! Camels make the silliest noises- almost like a cow mooing...but more like a cow dying.

natural water slide!
photo cred: Dara Veenstra

God moment: A few guys in our group were planning on making a short documentary on the camels in Rendille, but we weren't sure if we would see any because they had relocated due to a drought in the area we were in. Then, we were able to not only see a herd of camels, but to see a heard of baby camels, and have some camels at the waterfall. This was more than any of us could have asked for. The guys got some amazing shots, and I cannot wait to see the finished product!

water fall slide!

Pool with the camels by us!
Photo cred: Dara Veenstra

I still cannot grasp whether or not all of the things we encountered and were a part of this weekend were real life or not. It is too unbelievable. I would have never guessed in a million years that my life would find me here, in Kenya, having the adventure of a lifetime. I sure hope I am not peaking at 19, and the neat things is, I'm probably not! So, I must have some pretty sweet adventures awaiting me in my future! The longer I am here, the more I am realizing how much I thought I knew...and how little I actually know. My future is a mystery to me and I like it that way. I wouldn't want to know what's ahead anyways; that spoils the surprise and only makes me anxious. I am trying to break habits on this trip. Worrying, and over-analyzing are two of them. Slowly but surely I will get better...I hope. Haha.

Side note: I would just like to say that if you get the opportunity to do something extraordinary, like studying abroad, going on a road trip, taking the train downtown, learning a new language or culture, going to a concert with friends, visiting other states, going to college in other states...DO IT! Do fun, new, exciting things...Kids, be responsible and earn your parents trust so you can do things like that! Experience life to it's fullest! Take risks, and advantage of your youth. Don't be irresponsible. You may never get those opportunities again and you don't learn life by sitting at home being careful...you learn it by going out and doing things! I was always afraid to go downtown, or to ask to do certain things or go certain places. Not because what I wanted to do was bad, just because they were things that were out of my comfort zone. I didn't think I could do it. I didn't believe in my abilities. Now that I am out in the world doing things and taking opportunities I never thought I would have, I realize how much time I wasted in my comfort zone. A family friend of mine who lives in Nigeria once had a status that said, "The safest place to be is in the center of God's will." So, if God gives you an amazing opportunity, I say, DO IT! If he calls you to go somewhere you never would have guessed, I say, GO! People would ask me if I was scared going to Kenya, and I would just think to myself...you know, if God wants to call me home, He is going to do it whether I am in Africa or whether I am in IL, so I might as well take this chance and see how God works through me and uses me. I know that going to a concert, or on a road trip might not be a "calling from God," but it is still an awesome thing that we are blessed to have the opportunity to take advantage of so I say, why not? Rant over.

On the way back to Korr, we stopped for some good old fashion bird hunting and we picked up fire wood for a bonfire. I almost felt guilty using the wood for entertainment, knowing how precious wood is and how deforestation is effecting this region. I was also able to stop by one of our new friend's house to try and see his sister. His name is Marmellow and he doesn't get to stop by home often. His sister was out of town visiting a doctor because she has been sick, but I was able to meet his little sisters and his older sister's mother in law. She was very kind and wanted me to take her picture. She said that she would have cooked me a meal had she known that I was coming. She seemed very flattered that I was there. She also sold me one of her handwoven baskets for 80 bob (less than a dollar). What a steal! Seriously though, I felt like I was stealing. I should have offered her more, but I did't want to be that mzungu (white person) who insulted such a sweet lady.

shooting at birds

Marmellow's sister's mother in law and his sister

Marmellow with his sister holding the woven basket his sister's mother in law sold to me

Awesome lady who filled up the land cruiser with fire wood!

Tyler, Hannah, Becca, and I were able to drive back to Korr in the land cruiser. We drove on a dirt road through the open desert and at about a third of the way back to Korr, we all decided to stand up outside the windows and let the wind blow our hair, as we stared up at the billions of visible stars, and saw hares and mice dodge our vehicle. It was probably the coolest drive I have ever taken. It was one of those moments where we just looked across the vehicle at each other and thought to ourselves, wow, is this really happening? I could have driven in that land cruiser in the open air with my friends all night.

That night we ate the goats that were slaughtered for us. They were delicious. They even served the intestine, which is a delicacy among the Rendille. There was also a tomato and onion dish that I ate WAY to much of. I cannot get enough of vegetables here. I crave veggies non stop. What I would do for some Chipotle or a salad right now...not to say I haven't enjoyed the food here. I have. It's amazing, I will miss it when I'm in the States again...but you always want what you can't have right?

Also, I cannot wait to learn how to make chipati (amazing tortilla like things), mandazi (sweet puffy bread...kinda like an unfilled fried donut), and nyama choma (roasted goat meat) to make for you all when I get back. I'm not sure where I will get the goat though. I will also be making you Daystar's version of spaghetti and meat balls. I love it! It is spaghetti with fresh cilantro and tomato cut up and then a thin meat sauce with potatoes on top. It is the BEST! Yummm, the food here is great and doesn't leave you feeling greasy and bloated after...unless you eat a lot of chips (fries)...that'll do it.

After dinner, Shemi (Asaaska's brother) joined us by the fire, along with our other new friends/translators and we drank cold soda and ate...wait for it...BROWNIES!!! We were so thrilled! Then warriors from a surrounding village came to join us and dance. Tribal dancing is so cool to watch in person let alone take part in. I had such a good time. I usually am a horrible dancer, but I'd like to think that I picked up traditional Rendille dance moves fairly quickly. It was so fun! I couldn't stop. The dancing is a sort of head bob, jumping up and down, and walking in a circle dance. I will just have to show you in person when I get back. You know that feeling you get after you are in water all day riding waves? That kind of rocking you feel when you lay down? Well, after dancing non-stop for quite some time, when I laid down that night, I still felt like I was bobbing to the music. Such a sweet feeling!

I slept like a baby that night. The desert breeze is so cool and refreshing at night. The next morning we ate amazing pancakes again :) and scrambled ostrich egg. One egg fed our whole group! We also burned and ate natural chewing gum and used thorns as toothpicks and a certain kind of stick as toothbrushes. Then we went into town to buy sandals made out of old car tires. Asaaska's sister went with us and brought out a bag of shoes and dumped them on the dirt floor. She told us to pick the pair that fit closest to our actual size and then we headed over to the shoe maker to get them adjusted. The shoes were just pieces of tires held together by some nails poking out the bottom. The fitting of the shoes was a much longer process than we thought. Once the shoe maker adjusted the straps and flattened the nails sticking out the bottom, we were on our way!

toothpicks! 

chewing gum being burned
photo cred: Dara Veenstra

breakfast!
photo cred: Tyler Minnesma

my new shoes!

We said our goodbyes and got back on our charter planes and flew back to Nairobi. On the way home, our pilot flew very low and took us by some awesome waterfalls embedded in the mountain sides. It was breathtaking. One cool thing about going back to Daystar after this weekend away was that for the first time for many of us it felt like home. The familiarity was something we looked forward to and I can say that we feel a sense of belonging and community here in Athi River.

This weekend is forever ingrained in my memory and I never thought I would be able to say this, but I think it was the best weekend of my entire life so far. One of the girls in our group tried to explain it by comparing it to that feeling you have at church camp. You don't ever want to leave, and you never want to forget the things you felt and learned. Slowly the feeling fades, but it is one you try to get back and will forever hold onto in your heart.

See you next time Korr!
Photo cred: Paige Alston

Rendille Day 1

Wake up. Eat a fresh mango and mandazi. Get on the bus. Commence adventure.

When we arrived at the small airport, we quickly went through security, and met our pilots (a young Conerstone graduate and another man who are both missionary pilots for AIM- who do not get paid for their flights, but rather raise their own support). Their stories of how they started in aviation ministry were awesome! They were great pilots. Then we boarded our charter planes. A five seater and a thirteen seater. Crazy! I was so nervous. I sweat like a mad woman, which I am basically used to by now because of the heat. Haha.

The 13 seater
Photo cred: Max Anderson

Ready for take off!
Photo cred: Becca Reed

Take off. WOW. Kenya is amazing from the ground, but even more so from the sky where you can see the magnitude of God's creation and His beauty declared from the amazing architecture, magnificent mountain ranges, wonderful water falls, dry desert, and various villages. (Take that for alliteration). Even seeing Kibera (the largest urban slum in Africa) from the air made it that more real to me how many people there are in the world and made me that much more excited and maybe even anxious about having the opportunities to see things in real life that others only are able to see on T.V. or online. With knowledge comes great responsibility.

Kibera
Photo cred: Tyler Minnesma

Photo cred: Tyler Minnesma

Midway through our flight we heard an announcement that the 5 seater plane was experiencing technical difficulty. I immediately began praying. I knew that it wasn't too big of a deal, but we did have to land to fix the problem. What could have been intended for evil, God intended for good. We were able to land at Lewa airstrip in the middle of what seemed like nowhere. Lewa is a super fancy, expensive, destination game resort. Royalty William and Kate were engaged here. We were able to view this place for free! Plus, they had a western toilet. It was the coolest bathroom I've been in, in Africa...and the last I would see for 2 1/2 days. Haha. The 13 seater landed first and we were able to see the 5 seater land and almost take out about 5 or so zebra. It was insane! They missed the zebra by about 20 or less feet. I am so glad we did not have zebra for lunch that day.

barely missed the zebras!
photo cred: Tyler Minnesma

Recreating the moment

Coolest bathroom ever!!! Even if you can't really tell from the picture haha. 

After we landed in Korr (the village we stayed in for the weekend), we were taken to our huts, and fed an amazing lunch of the best rice I've ever tasted, goat meat, and cabbage. The food here is to die for. Then after getting settled, we met two women who showed us rope throwing which is a tradition among Rendille people. By throwing their ropes they were able to tell us that Kyle would be married this year, Hannah would have a teaching job, and that our program director (Jeff) and his wife (Asaaska, who is from Korr) will have many children. Asaaska explained to us that the rope throwers truly believe that what they predict will happen and that most of the time it does. They believe that if you think hard enough that something will happen, it will. Very fascinating. Then we heard Rendille stories that are passed down through generations orally. Tyler also told a story- the joke about a man with a big orange head. It isn't as funny translated into Rendille as it is in English. Oh well. We tried. Tyler was a good sport.

Welcome to Korr! 

Rendille rope throwers

Rope thrower's shoes that are made of old tires. 

Goat meat lunch! YUMMM!

The inside of our hut for the weekend. Very modernized. 

Side note: Korr is a town in Rendille-land that Asaaska's grandfather began. It has wells for water and it is very modernized compared to the rest of the 9 clans surrounding Korr. Korr has schools, Christian churches, missionaries, electricity, small shops, etc. We stayed at Asaaska's families house in the huts made for when people visit. They were absolutely beautiful. We even had our own bathroom (cement hole in an outhouse) and shower (a small room where you take a shower with a bucket). That may sound strange to most people, but honestly, it was really clean and very nice. Rendille people know how to host. Not to even mention how great the food was and how hospitable everyone we met were. Asaaska even provided all of us with dresses for the women and kikoys (basically skirts/wraps) for the men. They were beautiful! We wore them almost the whole time we were there because they were so cool (temperature & style wise).

Dresses!

After that, we traveled to Wiam village (which was about 2ish miles away by foot). As we walked into the village the first child I saw happened to have Down Syndrome. I was a bit speechless at first. I was so excited to get to experience this village and even more excited to meet this girl (since I am a special education major). I immediately tried to communicate with her and she understood "How are you?" and responded "Fine." She could also speak some Rendille although it was obvious that she repeated herself a lot and talked very shyly. I asked our translator her name, and I forget what it is but I remember it means "one who brings rain." Her smile was contagious. I asked what grade she was in and the translator explained to me "She is not 100% normal and is still in nursery." I tried to explain that she has Down Syndrome, but I don't think that phrase meant anything to him. I asked what will become of her if she does not ever graduate nursery? Will she be married off? Will she be circumcised? (98% of Rendille women are circumcised the night of their wedding). I had so many questions and was given no definite answers.

Walking to Wiam! 

Being shy. 

She was very shy but eventually warmed up to me and held my hand all night. So precious!

My "al" (friend). 

Rendille girl with her sibling. She was stunning.

Children like this girl with Down Syndrome, who I met in the middle of the Kaisut desert, are the reason why I want to teach special needs children in places like this. To not only bring more hope, joy, and love to these children's lives, but to give them dignity and to educate communities about these exceptional people. This girl is lucky. She is taken care of, loved, and at least gets to go to school. I have heard many stories of children who are not so lucky though...beaten because they are thought to be demon possessed, or burdens to their families. If I can make a change in just one of those children's lives, I will be overjoyed.

Amazing Children

Once the sun set over the mountain, it cooled down considerably and the men in our group were able to enter the nabu (basically it looks like a large circle of rocks) for prayer. Women are not allowed to enter. It was explained to me by a translator that Rendille people are a completely male democratic society with no leader, only elders, and the women are not allowed to talk to other men other than their husband. So while us girls waited for prayer to end, we sat outside some huts listening to the hushed sound of chanting, and we watched the stars. I have never seen so many stars in my entire life. One interesting thing in Africa is that the big dipper is upside down here. Fascinating. Then, some of us were able to enter a hut and learn about the home, see cookware handmade out of roots & gourds, and sit on camel skin rugs. Camels are sacred to the Rendille people. Finally, we had the chance to milk a goat. I tried and tried with no success. In fact, the goat milked me...I tried to milk that poor goat so long that when someone finally took over for me, milk squirted all over my hands. Haha. It's the thought that counts right? Or the effort? I'm not sure...either way, it counts. :)

Rendille Woman. 

When we arrived back at Korr we ate dinner and sat out star gazing, singing, and telling stories until very late. That night, it was SO windy and we realized that our hut's door would not shut. It was very loud and Leah and I just decided it would be better to just stay up and chat all night because neither of us were going to sleep anytime soon. Funniest part about that is that Leah had seen a hyena earlier that night by our bathroom and we had been warned about scorpions. So, I can say that I slept in a open hut, in the middle of the desert, with many wild dangers on the loose. Worth it!

To be continued...

Week One...Check!

Lessons Learned:

I have begun realizing how much I have been brainwashed with the American "majority/minority" mentality. I could be sitting in Daystar's dining hall, or in a classroom and be the only white person there, yet, I still feel like a majority rather than a minority. How twisted is that? That is something I have noticed and have begun trying to break down in my mind. I want to better understand why I feel that way and why it is wrong.

In my African Culture class today our lecturer said two significant things that really hit home for me as an American:

"If you want to jeopardize your life in Africa, you raise a point against the government." -Chiko

We are so blessed to have a democratic government that protects our rights- esp. freedom of speech and expression.

"There are people in this country who do not know where to get a single penny, but still live economically." -Chiko

I have noticed after seeing how other people live and trying things like washing my laundry by hand, taking short, cold showers, having less technology, and eating rice at almost every meal, just how materialistic Americans are and how comfortable we are in our little bubbles and ways of life. Just because we were taught to live life one way, does not make it the only way, or an economical way.

My bliss:

I feel so at home here. Especially when I'm interacting with the children I have met so far. Their smiles capture my heart, and their fascination and curiosity make me feel not so alone when everything around me is so new. Seeing Kenyan culture through a child-like point of view is something I really appreciate and it has helped me realize how much is out there for me to learn.

On our first trip to downtown Nairobi, we were walking through a park by a pond and out of nowhere, two kids walked right up to Luke and joined our group. We paused and decided that this shady spot by the pond was the perfect spot for a group picture and to interact with these kids. Tyler took pictures of them and showed them his camera as they beamed with smiles, Jake taught them high-fives, and Paige wooed them over with candy. It is absolutely a moment I will not forget.  There was also another boy who was probably around 10 who threw bread crumbs in the pond for Jake and I so that we could see the Tilapa fish jump around.

           

  

photo cred: Becca Reed

Then as we moved on to our next destination, we saw a little boy (about 4 years old?) carrying his baby sister down the sidewalk. It broke my heart. How blessed am I that my mom was able to stay at home with me or pay for babysitters, when this little boy- who was barely old enough to talk- appears to be this little girls caregiver during the day? I'm not sure if their parents were out working or if they are even alive, but seeing this little boy acting as an adult truly changed my perspective on  how blessed I am and what things like poverty, human deprivation, and oppression mean.

photo cred: Dara Veenstra

On Friday, most of us did not have classes so we decided to venture down the road to get fresh smoothies (for about 50 US cents) and to explore the shops and meet some people. We quickly learned that a lot of the people living on this road do not speak English well or have very thick accents. We came across a group of about 6 children (all under age 5) playing and tried to say hello. They were frightened of us and cowered behind their parents. Their parents laughed and tried to make them say hello. Their efforts didn't work. We walked on and when we turned around to head back we knew we would see these children again. Paige got out her candy (quite the ice breaker) and we arrived by their home again. This time, a little girl (probably 2 years old) came running into my arms and hugged my next tightly and started playing with my glasses. Paige gave out tootsie rolls and the oldest of the kids kept saying "Choc-o-late." It was adorable. My heart instantly melted. We gave high-fives and laughed and I just held on to that little girl and she rested her head on my shoulder. When it was time to leave, she pouted and her parents thought it was hilarious! I hope to see them again soon. 

photo cred: Becca Reed

photo cred: Becca Reed

After church this Sunday, Jeff invited our group to his apartment in Nairobi for hotdogs, hamburgers, potato wedges, fruit, pop, and this amazing salsa-like dish that you top your meats with. It was phenomenal. We played games, ate WAY to much food, hung out with his daughter and family and chatted about our experiences as well as the big weekend we have coming up. We are being blessed with the opportunity to go and visit Jeff's wife's village. Jeff's wife is from the Rendille tribe who are semi-nomadic camel herders. The Rendille Village is located in Northern Kenya and we will be there from Saturday morning until Monday morning. Jeff has informed us that it will be life changing and that not very many Africans, let alone Americans, get the opportunity to go and spend time with these people, learning about their culture. I am stoked to say the least. Also, Jeff's wife has made us each a traditional Rendille outfit (dresses for the girls, wraps for the boys). 

Before we had arrived at Jeff's apartment, we went to visit the Arboretum. It was so beautiful and we saw a monkey (there are usually tons, but the park was crowded so they were hiding), huge bamboo plants, and my favorite...(can you guess it?)...kids! Jake held a little boy almost the whole time and impressed the rest with his back flips and juggling skills, Tyler joined in on hide and seek, Paige rocked a little baby boy to sleep until his mom came back, and I played games with about 10 or so kids for what seemed like hours. We played hide and go seek, Simon says, duck duck goose, blind man, 3 sticks, and red light green light. When I ran out of games to teach them, they taught me. It was a blast and I probably would have stayed there all day long if I could have. 

photo cred: Paige Alston

photo cred: Paige Alston

We have also done other fun things like: 

Eat goat meat!
photo cred: Dara Veenstra

Low & High Ropes Courses!
photo cred: Becca Reed

                                 

Kiss Giraffes!
photo cred: Jake Tiemersma

Seen monkey's all over campus

Learned how to do laundry!

I can't wait to have my first full week of classes under my belt and I am really looking forward to this upcoming weekend. Blessings from Kenya! -Jess