12-18th Feb Nakuru Workshop and Birthday in Nairobi

Monday 13^th

On the way to work this morning I passed a car crash where a cow had been hit by a car. The cow was laying down but seemed OK otherwise so I guess its legged had copped for it?? The car however was a right mess. I presume the cow went over the car. It is market day and I have experienced the animals on their was to market getting jumpy as I pass on the motorbike so I guess this one was spooked and ran out in front of the car? A crowd had formed and I think they were debating how to get it to the abattoir and not waste the meat!!

Later that morning I sneaked to the kitchen for an omelette breakfast as Jane had told me earlier she had brought in eggs.

Preparation for the Board Meeting (Tuesday) with Dorcas.

The instructors agreed to a working lunch today and we finally started the Strategic Planning process. It went reasonably well with lots of participation. Much openness and constructive comments etc. It will be a long journey but hopefully productive. Next meeting in 2 weeks time.

It was the last night for Carol (the retired nurse who was at the orphanage for a couple of weeks). She had bought some vegetables etc to make sure the orphans had a good meal the night before she left. I joined them for Chai after they had eaten and there was a bit of singing etc as the kids said their goodbyes and Carol had a tear or two. I cancelled my Kiswahili lesson as I had a lot to do that night (AKA not done my homework!!).

Tuesday 14^th

Valentines day so I was asked by each of the 8 Orphanage staff “where is my card” etc. In the post is always a good excuse…… One was giving flowers to everyone so I got one too.

First Board of Governors (BOG) meeting today and a chance to meet the rest of them and also to see how they work together. Usually through the time of a meeting, most people cannot conceal their true personalities so it was a great opportunity to get to know them better. I got a bit more background on Isaac’s departure and a far greater insight into the workings of the organisation from a BOG perspective. I need to meet each BOG member individually and see what they really think of the organisation, what they want from me etc etc.

Evening chilling out and packing for the trip to Nakuru.

Weds 15^th

Late start as I am meeting Dorcas at 10.30 to go to Nakuru. I manage to be organised and catch up on Hand washing so it will be ready for my return on Sunday. Eggs for elevenses and then off to Catch the Matatu. First we travel to Thika and then get on the Direct Matatu to Nakuru. Unfortunately they wait until they are full before setting off, we had to wait for an hour before setting off. Good for the planet but not good for Mzungu’s in a small van in the midday Sun. The advantage of the direct Matatu is we are avoiding Nairobi and also travel through a forest I have never been through. Apparently there are elephants etc. I did not see any animals but there was the occasional pile of elephant poo on the road side so they are definitely around. Some great scenery along the way. We then cross into the Rift Valley past Niavasha and to Nakuru.

Unfortunately I miss the hotel on the way in so we have to get a Matatu back out of Nakuru to the hotel losing an hour. The hotel is the usual plush choice of a VSO conference. My room is bigger than my house, come to think of it the bathroom is nearly as big as my house!! Ice breaker exercise was a version of speed dating, we each had 2 minutes to introduce ourselves etc. then move onto the next person. A great starter and one I may pinch in the future. It left a number of conversations unfinished which meant people re-met over dinner or drinks to finish them off. Fine food and a great catch up with friends from the November intake and my first beer since new year!! Then to bed.

Thurs 16^th

Workshops all day but we started with success stories which were from 3 very inspirational people and two had at least a few tears from the audience.

One was from Zach Nyange Muasya who became blind as a young boy after a stroke. He went to sleep one day and woke up blind!! (just imagine that!!). But he has surpassed many obstacles and is now the first blind student at Nairobi University. Again there is a lack of understanding there and he is helping the University overcome challenges and prejudice. He says he is making it easier for the next person so they can concentrate on their studies. He is very lucky to have a supportive principle. He was the Youth Ability Award Winner, National Ability Awards, a national award for his achievements and courage which gives you just an inclin of his story.

Second was about a Masai lady who VSO helped (along with a group of ladies) a business co-operative. This very much against the male dominated culture etc. In the end the men finally recognised the value of what is being done (especially the money the ladies are bringing in. This does not do justice to the ups and downs of the very moving story and courage and determination of the ladies concerned to change many hundreds of years of culture and tradition.

Third was a lady whose husband had died and in her tribe the tradition is one of wife inheritance (the widow is inherited by another family member as his own) this resulted in her being abused, assaulted, called a “dog” and treated the same. She stayed for her kids but in the end the assaults got so bad she had to leave. Eventually she discovered a charity VSO are supporting who helped her and then assisted the advocacy/mediation with the family and she now has her own house in the family compound and is allowed to live on her own rather than as inherited. There were few dry eyes in the house after that one as she wept explaining the torment of doing what was right for the children whilst personally suffering hugely. If only this note could do it justice.

Other workshops followed then we had a pre dinner speaker who was Henry Wanyoike (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Wanyoike) Another man who as a promising athlete became blind and felt he was trapped. Then he went to Machakos School for the blind and was inspired by the teaching there rthat showed him what was possible. He rediscovered athletics and won 2 gold medals and broke 2 world records at the Sydney Olympics, later he tried marathons and did 2 hours 58 in his first one and that was with a guide that could not keep up and not knowing about the water posts!! Another highlight was running the London Marathon, breaking the world record and then a week later running the Hamburg Marathon and breaking his own week old record. Again his story is too long for here but there is much on the internet. Just when we feel life is a challenge and we are struggling one only has to look to these stories and be inspired to push on and not give up.

Dinner included a cake for Andrea’s birthday and the traditional Happy Birthday to embarrass her!! Then to the bar for a beer or two!!

Friday 17^th February

Half day workshop which ended with a Kamba Tribe song and dance with all participating. In the afternoon a few of us nipped into Nakuru for an explore. Torrential rain hit whilst we were there so we “had” to nip into a nearby bar. Eventually it stopped and we returned to the hotel in time for tea and cakes. Then to the Lakeside for the sunset. Whilst we were stood at the fence waiting for the sun to set, 3 small boys came over and chatted to us in perfect English. They then asked if they could sing to us. We watched the sun set over the lake with the 3 singing songs one of them had made up. Perfect! Then back for dinner and the bar…… Bit of the theme!! Well I have not drink since new year!

Saturday 18^th February

After breakfast and farewells we set off to Nairobi which was a surprisingly clear run. I was staying at a volunteer house in Mountain View new Westlands. In the afternoon we dropped into Kengemi market (near Kengemi slum (now apparently more appropriately called “unplanned development”) I love these places the people are so welcoming. I also had my haircut there but was persuaded against having a wet shave!!

The evening started at 6.30pm with cocktails and a meal that the Havana bar Westlands and then next door to wow the locals with my Dad dancing!!