This week has been a quiet one – at least compared to others. The aftermath of my bee stings continue – it just took a number of days for my body to react I guess. I spent yesterday at the Aga Khan hospital – each bite evolved into a hot, itchy, large hive – needless to say I was uncomfortable. (Luckily there is no mirror anywhere here – I couldn’t see the actual result but the nurse admitted me quickly!) Two injections and a prescription later and I am now on the mend.
The good news is that the tree is chopped down, with the wood stacked ready to use in the kitchen stove, and I have become quite famous in the neighbourhood. Not only am I the ‘muzungu who got bitten’ but I am also the person who paid to have the tree removed once and for all. On Sunday I received a chicken, in thanks from a parent whose child was also stung in the swarm. So now when I walk down the roadway even MORE people greet me – it makes walking anywhere just a little slower. And that is just fine with me!
I have now been here exactly one month. Edina says I am no longer a ‘muzungu’ but am now a ‘mwenyeji’ – someone who is no longer a visitor, a person who ‘knows all the corners’. It’s a good feeling!
The second term of school has now resumed so the house is now very quiet during the day. Only the youngest resident, Mark Miller (!!) who is just three years old, is at home during the day. Thank you to all of you who donated funds for the school fees and supplies – the children are so happy to be back. The teen who was on ‘room arrest’ has also returned to classes – she (and I!) are relieved. So far, so good…
Over the weekend Morine and Dave, both now 20 and because of their age no longer living at Home of Grace, came for a visit. They are both continuing with their education – with our help – in order to become independent and able to support themselves. Morine is studying social work, Dave is returning to school for a course in computer programming. Again, we are thankful to those of you who have donated towards this additional part of the Home of Grace program. It was great to see them – I remember them well from my visit 3 years ago and they have grown into lovely – and tall! – young adults.
Mother’s Day is not really celebrated here – (how do you celebrate with no extra funds for special food or treats and when your mother is either absent, ill or no longer alive??) – but I decided to at least mark it in my own way. I talked with Scott and Alissa, Matt and Jon and managed to surprise Craig’s mom with a quick phone call before my air time ran out and we were disconnected! I treated myself to a bucket bath with extra hot water (!) and an extra piece of chocolate. I had to share it with the colony of tiny ants who have apparently found my stash of food – my fault for not wrapping it tightly – and are nibbling their way through it but it was all good. Extra protein, I figure…!!
So – no air time, no internet. Yes, it seems that I’m running out of money. But not really. Let me explain. After a lot of thought Craig and I decided that while I was here I would live as Edina and the rest of the people I am with do – no special guest house, no special meals (except chocolate of course – which I occasionally share). So on the 1st of each month I also receive my honorarium – the same amount as the other staff. Which means that money tends to run out. The money I’d been carefully saving for my phone and computer was needed for other things. Olyamu – our night watchman who attends school, working towards his grade 8 equivalent, was sent home until he could pay his next term’s fees. (That’s what happens here. Regardless of age, children who have not paid their fees or who don’t have pencils, exercise books or proper uniforms are simply sent home.) I was happy to help him out until payday. That’s how it goes here. LIterally living day to day. And expecting the unexpected. Luckily a good friend gave me some money before I left and insisted I set it aside for a personal emergency – the US dollars in my suitcase were used just for that purpose. (Thanks wise one !!)
Visitors from Canada were expected for the day on Monday but their plans had to change. Change in plans. Hmmm. Definitely Africa! But while we can say ‘hakuna matata’ (no problem) – it really sometimes IS a problem. I was so looking forward to some English speaking company and the staff were eager and waiting. But we have visitors from Nairobi coming this Friday – let’s hope the flooding that is plaquing the roads between here and Nairobi doesn’t affect that as well.
So – another week – another set of adventures.
Until next time (or until my internet runs out…!)
