Last Couple of Days

Yesterday, after some careful deliberations, the group headed to a gas station on the outskirts of a Nairobi slum, called Kibagare. (About 60-70% of people in Nairobi live in slums.) From there, half of the group jumped into the safari van to meet a group of women who run an entrepreneurial camp in one of the poorest parts of the city. They invited us into one of their homes, which was cramped, yet quaint. We shared some conversation, as well as a soda and some ginger cookies. Then we transported the women to the gas station, where the rest of the Crossing group was waiting. The five women shared a bit about their history-they get together every Saturday and Sunday and have been hand making goods such as candles, scarves, shirts, bracelets, necklaces, gourd art, and key chains since 1995. (Some of these products will be available for sale at the shareholder dinner!) They use the money that they earn to help support the community. Some of the ways they support the community include assisting those who cannot afford school fees for their children, and providing food for those who are in need. After learning about the women’s’ group, part of the Crossing crew went to return the women to their homes. Overall, it was eye-opening to see such strong women getting together to care for their community, even when they themselves did not have much. Everyone who visited the slums from our Quest group felt welcomed, and appreciated all that we were able to see.

Today, we visited the Nairobi National Museum and went to the Maasai market in downtown Nairobi. (We are all experts at bartering now…)

So our plane to London is taking off right before midnight tonight Kenyan time. Once we get to London, we will have an exciting 6 hour layover, and then we will be flying to Chicago. It should be fun.

See you soon!

Kristen M.

Venturing into the Maasai Community

After spending time at the camp and painting Mark’s office and church, we headed to the Maasai Mara for our safari. It was strange going from the rural areas to such a touristy location, but it was also nice to have some more time to relax. The first day of the safari was my birthday so that was pretty exciting, especially since we were able to see a few lions during the first hour we were out there. During the two day safari we were able to see many antelope, zebras, giraffes, elephants, hippos, and water buffalo,  along with several other animals. We saw most of these animals during the early morning of the first and second day, so the afternoons tended to be a little boring since most of the animals were probably avoiding the heat. One interesting part of the first afternoon was being able to stop and walk around an area where we saw lots of hippos and a few crocodiles. Our guide during this portion of the safari seemed to love his job very much so that made the experience even better for us. Even though the safari was fun, I think many of us felt somewhat guilty about becoming tourists rather than helping in the areas we visited at the beginning of the trip.

After the game drive on the second day we went to visit a Maasai village. Here we were able to see their dances and houses while learning about their culture. I think this was a very interesting and eye opening experience for all of us. The Maasai village was filled with more flies than I would ever have imagined because there is cow dung everywhere. The hardest part of my experience there was seeing the children covered in flies. This was not something that I could ever have been prepared for. Visiting the Maasai village was only one of the many eye opening experiences I have had here in Kenya and while I’m sad to be leaving soon I am also excited to be able to share these experiences with others when I get home.

Kristy

“Waka Waka: Turn it on”

After spending about two weeks in Kenya my play count for Shakira’s song “Waka Waka” just about tripled. But I’m getting ahead of myself, let me explain:

Whenever we go to a new location in Kenya, we travel around in a 11 passenger van with a trustworthy driver.  (For the past few days we’ve had the pleasure of driving with the boss-man: Silas.) The road conditions are poor, in the city streets are paved with many pot holes and the roads in the more rural areas are not paved at all. The van is often speeding up then stopping then going up on grass to avoid the dips and other obstacles.  

At first I was incredibly uncomfortable with the driving: clenching my fists, paying attention to every bump and getting my ipod touch ready to play music for the van of scared girls (and dan.) Every time we were driving in a scary situation I would play Waka Waka.  It got to the point that even Dan (our helper) would warn us and say: “Waka Waka: Turn it on.” And although most people in the van can’t actually hear the words of the song, it keeps minds off of the situation. 

Last night in particular, I had to learn to trust. We were driving on a one lane road with the great rift valley was just a few feet away,  there were no guard rails and from where I was sitting it seemed like we were going way too fast.  Also, drivers in Kenya are very impatient and they pass to the other side of the road or the shoulder to get around slow moving trucks.  Our driver never seemed phased by this, even when we witnessed a very close call between a truck almost running straight into a van.

One line from Waka Waka that everyone can actually hear is: “This is Africa.” Which reminds me that even though the driving is much different than in the United States, it works for them here.  I often wanted to give tips to our driver about how to make our trip safer but I’ve learned in Kenya, that I can’t control everything, no matter how much I want to.  Sometimes there is absolutely nothing you can do in situations but make things a little bit better for yourself.  Even if it is something simple like playing a Shakira song over and over again.

Laura

Sorry for the delay! :)

Hi all,

I’m very happy to be writing today because we haven’t had a chance to update the blog for a while!

Many things have transpired since Doug wrote our last post. On Wednesday morning we all said our good-bye’s to the Jirani kids and made our way to Uganda to drop Matano off at home. We were crossing our fingers during the whole two hour, 100 degree bus ride to the border in hopes that we would get another stamp in our passports… Well… We did “technically” make it into Uganda after enduring a mile long walk in the heat, however the border officials did not see to it to admit our group into the country without buying a $50 visa. So we bit our tongues and bid farewell to our good friend Matano.

Matano (aka Phillip) is a cousin of Mark’s who currently teaches in Uganda. Mark had brought him with at the start of our trip to help translate and continue to keep us safe. During the long, long, long ride from Nairobi to Kipkaren, we pelted him with questions about all things Kenyan, which he happily answered. During camp he played with the kids and taught some well thought out “mini lessons.” We all agreed that Matano’s presence has made our trip very special (but I’ll stop here because someone else would like to write a post about him).

On Thursday we painted walls in Mark’s new office, which is now a delightful bright  blue. Mark’s wife cooked us an amazing lunch on both Wednesday and Thursday. Between both of the days she had prepared rice, pasta, chicken, beef, spinach?, other vegetables, pineapple, mangoes, ugali and our favorite Kenyan food…Chapati!!! Both days she politely stood back and waited until all of us had finished our lunch until she ate.

Today we painted some of the interior walls of Mark’s church and trim on the outside of the building. We were again served lunch, but this time members of the church had prepared it for us. This Kenyan hospitality is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced (good topic for another blog post?). Mark was also kind enough to take Doug and I to the local comprehensive HIV/AIDS clinic, where I was able to ask a doctor at the clinic (also Mark’s friend) questions about the kind of work he does. Because I am interested in infectious diseases, specifically HIV/AIDS, I was thrilled to finally visit a clinic in Africa. It was a great experience, but don’t worry Mom… it didn’t convince me to take a job and stay in Africa… I will be returning home to you (besides if I ever move to Africa you, Dad, Kat and Lola will obviously come with)!

Tomorrow we will head south to our Masai Mara safari, which we are all excited about!!! We may have limited Internet access for the next 3 days, but please check back with us because we will try to blog. Happy New Year again!

Mary

Kenya, the Jirani Project and Quests continue to inspire me!

I guess it’s my turn.  Our group is taking some well deserved “down time” as we transition from CAMP to COMMUNITY SERVICE.  Mark has taken Bert and Diane into EL Doret to catch a bus into Uganda where they will be advising the minister of urban and regional planning.  Goodbyes have been said from Crossing and Jirani students and staff. IT WAS AN AMAZING WEEK culminating in a spontaneous talent show last night showcasing Jirani talent…not to mention “balloon wars…” (would that all wars would be fought with balloons)

I am always reminded how much of a current week’s experiences and joy are rooted in past years involvement and effort.  Each year the bonding seems to happen more quickly and the level of trust happen more effortlessly.  Comfort with speaking English and having fun while remaining focused on all the camp’s activities grows beautifully each year.  This year’s camp focused more on arts and crafts and group games and it was a nice balance.  The fact our new setting (where Queen Elizabeth once stayed) had a swimming pool was an added bonus for many of the Jirani campers.  A GREAT BIG THANK YOU TO ALL PAST QUESTERS (and especially Kali, who worked so hard to make sure the first camp happened).  We continue to stand on your shoulders….

Injury update:  only a couple minor injuries to report to date….a brutal duck, duck goose game and capture the flag created some scrapes and bruises…but nothing serious…(I’m going to have to start excusing myself from group games)…

As always I remain inspired by Mark and all who are the foundation and support of the Jirani Project.  I am in awe of the Jirani children and their love of learning.  I am touched by the Jirani staff, Phillip (a gifted teacher) and Dan, an all around great guy.  Diane and Bert added so much in their brief time with us….and the UW-Madison “kids,” Eric and my wife have made this QUEST such a memorable one already.  Truly, as in year’s past, some teriffic individuals have brought their passions, interests, gifts and compassion to qUEST KENYA 2012.

Kenya continues to get under my skin and in my heart…and for that I am most grateful!

Asante!

Doug

p.s.  Each night before bed (and sometimes a Tusker), our group gathers and participates in an adapted form of an ancient spiritual practice developed by St. Ignatius.  It is a time to reflect more deeply on the day. We share what has been life-giving and life-draining, among other things.  It is always a highlight for me to hear what is moving in each of the lives of Quest members….I respect the honesty and candor as well as the lessons being learned!!!!

Fully Fully Dance

I have always tried to keep little things in my life that remind me of how great God is. I have a tattoo that proclaims “Faith, Hope, Love” taken from one of my favorite bible passages. The desktop to my computer always has a religious significance. And teaching Sunday School every week reminds me of the simplicity of faith.

The past 4 days, at almost all hours of the day, Franco, an bright young man who loves music and dancing has been playing the newest hit song through speakers for all the resort to hear. We all learned the dance to it and have been humming the tune to it nonstop. After an argument between the Crossing students about the lyrics to the song, we finally got up the courage to ask. Imagine our surprise when the song was in English and the refrain which we had all been singing was “Fully, Fully Dance, oh oh, oh oh” and the choruses talk about fully dedicating your life to God. This got us listening to the lyrics of the other hit songs Franco played in between Fully Fully, and many of them proclaim of God’s love, and state “Jesus saves!” These are not your typical church hymns. They are pop songs, played in restaurants and clubs as dancing music. (If you ask us when we come back, I’m sure we would be happy to show you the dance).

I was flabbergasted by this fact – you would never hear a religious song playing a club for people to dance to in America. Besides songs, the Kenyan’s display their faith everywhere. On the windows of the cars, on rocks along the side of the road, and I even saw a Bible passage with pictures written on the concrete that kept us from falling into the depths of the Great Rift Valley as we took pictures. Being ashamed of your beliefs is not even an option. Kenyans find ways, greater than a computer screen, to remind not only themselves, but everyone of how great God is. I find this very inspiring as I travel and grow in my own spiritual journey, and it has shown me once again that even though I came here to help Kenya in small ways they will leave a much bigger lasting impression on my life, then I could ever hope to leave in theirs.

Jess

Last day of camp already??

Our last day of camp is coming to a close. While running the camp has been a lot of work for us Crossing kids, we are all pretty sad that it is ending. We’ve made so many friends in only a few days, and it’s hard to think that we will most likely never see them again.

My fellow “Questers” and I have been wondering a lot about the futures of these kids, the future of the Jirani Project, and how our own futures will be shaped by this experience. We all hope that the ambition we see in every one of these kids is not thwarted by sickness, lack of money, or other life challenges. Most of them say they want to be doctors or lawyers when they grow up, and I truly hope they can reach their goals. I have been so privileged in my life, and I, myself, would never dream of attempting to be a doctor. I admire these kids for their unconditional determination and work ethic. I think we are all learning from the motivation of the Jirani kids!

We are also hoping that the Jirani Project will live on for many generations of Kenyans to come. We were all talking about how we would love to be able to personally sponsor future Jirani kids. Being a sponsor to a future Jirani kid has become one of my goals after spending only a few days with the kids.

Last night, I learned that Lucy, one of the Jirani Project’s oldest kids, lost both of her parents to AIDS only 5 years ago. The Project found her starving to death in a slum. She is so friendly and outgoing, I never would have imagined the suffering she has endured. My own family has gone through more than its fair share of medical problems and complications, and before this trip, I found myself feeling down about it a lot of the time. Lucy’s story has inspired me. She was truly left with nothing, but has been able to put together a promising future and happy life with the help of the Jirani Project. We all have our own struggles, but I have learned from my time in Kenya that it is more important to focus on the blessings and happiness in our lives. This country, as a whole, experiences so much death and suffering every day, but the people here still have such a positive and carefree outlook on life. As one of us has already mentioned: Hakuna Matata.

We are all dreading saying goodbye to our Jirani friends, but we are so thankful for the time we have gotten to spend with them. This may sound cliche, but they have truly taught us so much.

Asante sana Jirani!

Kellie

paradoxical faith dressed in Kenyan spirit

“The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain…when you are  joyous, look deep into your heat and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.”   — Kahlil Gibran

 This quote by Kahlil Gibran is one of my favorites. Although I have not suffered immensely in my life, its truth resonates deep in my soul. Throughout the past 4 days or so I have experienced the weight of this truth again here in Kenya, and it has left an indelible imprint on my being that will not quickly fade. At this moment, I am sitting in our conference room where we have gathered for our various lessons throughout the days here. Now in our last afternoon with the Jirani students, the room is filled with contagious life-giving laughter and beautiful wide smiles as the students journal in English about their favorite thing(s) about camp with the help of our Crossing Questers.

For many of the students, if I hadn’t talked to Doug or Mark and discovered the loss, pain, and suffering of their back stories I never would have figured it. I wish we had more time to spend with the students so that I could learn more from them. Being left orphaned at young ages, losing the only remaining family members, being HIV+, and being wholly dependent on the grace of relatives, family friends, or distant supporters are all standard elements in these young kids lives. The Jirani Project and the children’s sponsors have enabled each of them to have access to what we in America consider basic goods (and what much of the rest of the world considers great privilege) – a simple home to live and sleep in, a few pairs of clothes, tuition for school, daily food, and clean water. However, while they have quickly and excitedly accepted the few small gifts we brought them, they know that life and opportunity are not merely handed out on platters. If anything, it’s the exact opposite.

Yet as I watch them today, I am witnessing the transformation that has taken place in their lives; expansive arid canyons forged by the immense suffering and sorrow of their past has given way to a fertile valley teeming with life. Rather than giving up, rolling over, and dying when it would have been easy to do so, their sorrow has formed individuals with incredible determination who work hard and maintain a deep love and respect for God and those around them.

This reality – the Kenyan spirit as I have encountered it – has both challenged and inspired me. There are times in life when we truly do need to embrace mourning. But, rather than seeing them as mere valleys in which God has abandoned us, perhaps we should also acknowledge that without them we would not be able to embrace joy as deeply and wholly. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not asking for gut-wrenching sorrow; but, I do know that it’s presence, however much (or little) desired, is inevitable. Once again, it seems that looking at the world around me through humble eyes of faith yearning for the stillspeaking voice of God to make scales fall from them has led me to a paradoxical understanding of life. And it helps me more fully understand what Jesus meant when he said that the last shall be first, that those who mourn shall be comforted – that these are the blessed in the Kingdom of God.

I pray that both you and I would continue to live into this paradoxical truth whatever it may look like in our lives.

all my love,

Eric

“You have turned my mourning into dancing;
   you have taken off my sackcloth
   and clothed me with joy,
so that my soul may praise you and not be silent.
   O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you for ever.” – Psalm 30:11-12