Life as normal, (african style)

August 5th, 2009 by Ruth Graham

Hi once again.

It’s been over a week since I last wrote. We dropped by the cyber cafe yesterday but the power was out once again in all of Rongai. Because of the drought they have not started rationing electricity; the power will be off throughout Kenya (I think) between 8am and 8pm twice a week. It’s quite incredible to watcth the changes and effects of not having much water. Apparently the one big yellow tub of water that people buy has risen in price from 10 to 50-70 shillings in Nairobi. Today there was no p[orridge at the centre for the children because there was no water.

Dana left on Thursday and it was a sad time. I hadn’t really realised how comforting it wsa to have another person living with me who was not from Africa. It was also weird to start thinking about her returning to Australia, a developed country. I thihnk it may be a sign that returning home maybe a little tougher than I first imagined. But my host family are wonderful so I did not feel lonely or anything like that. I was only a lone volunteer for a matter of days anyway, since Canada arrived on Sundayafternoon. She’s also lovely so I’ve been erally blessed with the msungus I’ve come across her, as well as the mweoozies (black people).

Last week I was at the centre. Just before Dana left we packaged up some beans for some of the mothers who meet at the centre, since they hadn’t eaten for a long time. I helped out in the kitchen a bit more than usual last week too, washing up the plates and cups, and also helping to cook the food. Their methods are incredibl and I will do a very bad job at describing but I’ll give it a go. There are two fires within a big brick block, hich they feed with firewood. Then they have these huge metal tubs that they place in the brick things aboce the fire. If they’re cooking rice, after the water’s boiled they take a load of the burning charcoal out of the fire and put it on top the tub which has a lid. When they want to take the tubs out they stand on top of the brick thing and using some packaging as ovengloves they try and wiggle the boiling tub out of it’s wedged position in the brick. Once again my Dad comes to mind, but only because of his health and safety mind, and the lack of one here! But the food usually tastes good. Friday I helped out with washing and then podding peas and carrots, since there was to be a sports day slash performance day on Saturday for all the children in the local centres.

Saturday did indeed turn out to be just as hectic as predicted. I helped to slice and chop some veg – there was mention of about five hundred people being catered for, but I don’t think there was quite that many in the end. But even so masses of food needed to be prepared, but there were masses o f people on hand to help. The sports day consisted of just a sack race due to time, but it was good fun and there was lots of cheering. Next up was the poetry, and the different groups from different centres performed, which was great and then they did dances, which were also good fun. It was a long and tiring day, but I thought it was really great that the kids had the opportunity to experience it. It was the first one they’ve done but I think they’re planning more.

Sunday I headed to Nairobi Pentecostal Church with Charles, Mary and Peter’s grandson. It is massive! There were over a thousand people there with many seats to spare. It was a good service and it was gtreat to see about a thirty strong choir all wearing gold waistcoasts and looking how I imagine African choirs to look!

I’m still enjoying the centre, although I’m struggling more and more to remain upbeat with the kids all the time, justbecause it’s so exhausting and they can be pretty demanding. They finished school today so I hadn’t out the books that Dana and I made with them. I’m not sure how long they’ll last but not to worry. They were pleased to have them so I think I’ll try and value the moment. Although they’ve finished school they’ll still come in for lunch and to play, so hopefully Canada and I can sort out soething thatthey’ll enjoy and actually follow.

I’ll leave it there now, but thanks once again for all your messages and prayers, the certain Bible quotes I’ve been given are a great encouragement, as I am becoming more and more weary!

Loads of love xx