So – surprise, surprise.  I’m normal!!  (I know that may come as a shock to most of you!)  Let me explain…

A couple from our home church group – missionaries themselves – wrote me this week, conscious that at this point in my time I’m probably feeling defeated and discouraged.  And, that at the 2 to 4 month mark, th s is perfectly normal and to be expected.  How did they know how I was feeling?  Because,  yes – this was a week of mixed feelings, mostly of the ‘d’ variety – deflated, defeated, discouraged, despairing, downhearted….I could go on….  It’s amazing that even just knowing that this was a ‘normal’ reaction at this point in my ‘adventure’ was almost enough to get me through it.

Yes – this week I hit a wall.  I continue to be experiencing new things every day – but I guess I have been on overload.  With no one to share my true feelings, frustrations and inevitable ‘OIK’ (only in Kenya) observations with, it has been harder and harder to cope.  Saturday was the low point.  So I pleaded illness and allowed myself time to wallow a bit – bought a ‘no brainer” book for my Kindle, slept, ate chocolate and – for the sake of my hosts – dusted myself off and carried on.

I know.  I know.  I knew this wouldn’t be easy – and it isn’t.  I knew it would be tough and thought I had prepared my self for the inevitable.  But knowing in my head back in Burlington that it would be hard and actually being here and living through it is another story.   But I’m getting through.

God is good – He sent the ’email angels’ that I needed right when I needed them.  And my home church group wisely hid some notes of encouragement and humourous cards in my suitcase – they are so great!  Craig sent me a feel-good video clip and Edina took me for an unexpected lunch out (a nice change from ugali!).  I know these feelings will continue to come and go – getting through the first severe wave somewhat intact is perhaps a good sign.

I feel somewhat guilty about this – Edina is doing her best to make me feel comfortable and at home, the children are fun to be with, the teachers at the school are so appreciative – but still – it is just plain hard.  I can’t paint a rosy picture – it is just tough – for me but especially for those for whom this is their constant reality – and I know it is hard for you too who have been at the receiving end of my observations and feelings of despair.  But – venting is good for the soul – thank you for bearing with me.

Regardless of how I feel when I’m in my own room at night, tucked under my mosquito net with my Kindle and flashlight for company, the day times have been busy and full.  This week was no exception.   Here are a few of the highlights – and, yes, in spite of it all this week truly did have highlights.

Last Thursday the school that some of our children attend participated in a local Music Festival.  Think, Kiwanis Music Festival with an African twist – choral reading, incredible sounding choirs, traditional dancing, drumming.  It was fun.

Milka is on the far left, Varaly is in the middle. Here they do a last dress rehearsal before performing for the adjudicators.

 

I did another session of teacher training at King David School, this time with the junior level teachers.  Included was, of all things, ideas about what to do with the math fact flashcards I made for them!   The other work we have been doing together appears to be bearing a little fruit – which is a great feeling.  My time ends there tomorrow – but I know I’ll manage to spend time with them again before I leave.

string and clothespegs, paper scraps and stickers - an instant number line!

a shelf of read-aloud stories - selected, marked and ready to use

One of my favourite classes - class / grade fives - hard at work in their classroom

On Saturday, Benta and I spent the day together visiting Carolyn at her boarding school.  She is in form 2 (grade 10) and it was parent visiting day.  She was so happy to see us arrive – I’m not sure which brought her more joy – the notoriety that goes with having the only muzungu visitor or the care pack of shopping.  And I loved having Auntie Benta to myself during the long travel time there and back…

Carolyne showing ioff her middle bunk in the Form Two (grade 10) dormitory

At her desk - her 'home away from home' for upwards of 12 hours each day....

Carolyne and Auntie Benta - BOTH were so happy to see each other!

Sunday there was a peace concert in Kisii town.  As some of you may know Kenya was the scene of terrible post-election violence several years ago.  This is, in fact, what forced Edina to flee with the children from Kisumu to Kisii.  The next general election is March 2013 – and people are working hard to ensure there is no repetition of the last disaster.  While Kisii was a place of peace, that cannot be said for much of the country.  Thousands of people were killed in tribal violence, people remain displaced and living in refugee camps; the economic and social impact has been huge.  The peace concert on Sunday was one in a series making its way through the country, sponsored by local churches and national performers and musicians.  I went with eleven of the older kids – and had a fabulous time – dancing, singing, and being inspired to work for peace.  It was a day to remember.

On our way - Samwel, Nana, Fidel, Varaly, Innocent and Davis.....

Fidel (sideways!) enjoying the music...

Monday, life returned to somewhat normal – Kisii style, at least.  The power was out and, being so dark, a robbery took place here in the compound where Edina lives.  Shoes were taken, a car battery and a stero – the necessities of life, perhaps.  As well, Edina’s good friend’s small home was destroyed by fire  – probably caused by electrical surges.  So – normal indeed.  Normal for here.  (Can you see why I was feeling a little low…?)

On the home front – Burlington, that is – life also carries on. Craig returned from a much-needed week away with good friends in Pennsylvania (he is also feeling the 2 month struggle!), Jon had his 24th birthday and Scott landed a much-needed job.  Lots to celebrate.

For Home of Grace Canada, Craig ‘released’ the video he made for our fundraiser on YouTube – it included a video update from Kisii – so I’m famous now!!  haha…   Take a peek….http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhMJ1ruI1ow.  May 12th’s “Like a Mother’s Love” fundraiser was a good success – here is a link to SNAP Burlington’s story about it (thanks Teresa!)  http://www.snapburlington.com/index.php?option=com_sngevents&id[]=397537.  And several friends contacted me about helping to purchase some much-needed items for the home.  A swing set is being negotiated as I write – the children will be so excited!

So – thank you for reading – thank you for caring – thank you for being there….
Until the next time

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