A broad volunteering, part 3

Dear family,

I am so mad because I brought my camera and the cord to upload pictures (so excited when I found out I could upload the pictures!) but it's the wrong cord. I am hoping I have the right one at home, but, if not, I think I could possibly buy one here.

My trip to Mombasa this weekend was quite a success, except it is SO hot there. Oh my gosh, so hot. I went with four other volunteers and we stayed at a cottage sort of place on Diani beach. Apparently it's where a lot of the "locals" stay, but it was cheap, so fine by us. The first day we walked five minutes down the beach and discovered a posh resort and got to spend our days there, which I found really exciting. Ugh, I am mad that I can't post the pictures to go along, I wanted to make you all jealous. Here you all thought I was roughing it in Kenya, but really I was drinking passion fruit cocktails with Europeans. Also, I got to kayak on the Indian Ocean, woo! A little sunburned, but I was smart, so not too bad. Except the showers were all salt water, so I was pretty much dirty and sweaty all weekend. Ah well.

I would like some credit for one thing -- I took an 8 hour bus ride there and back and did not get carsick even a bit! I'm maturing! The ride there we sat in the last row and nada. Hey hey, go me! I have to tell you, the ride back was NUTS! We went with a different bus company and it was such a mistake. There was neon lights inside and BLASTING 80s music (I was excited when Cruel Summer came on, however) and a tv for the videos to go with. They stopped about half a dozen times to pick more people up and each time they turned the neon lights back on and the music. At like 2 am. Oh, kill me. AND one time we were all sleeping and they stopped, lights and music went on, but then locals loaded the bus trying to sell things, totally filling the aisle. I don't know how to describe it -- a circus, maybe? We were all sorta cracking up, because really it was hysterical. I bought some cashews for 50 shillings. African cashews are yummy. When we got back to Nairobi at 4 am we wondered why no one was getting off the bus and they told us it was because it was too dangerous to get off until 5. Ugh, kill me again. We called a cab driver we know (it is good to have one or two ones that you know are reliable and safe) and he came and got us. He said that the buses that stop a lot are the most dangerous to take because it is common for men with guns to get on and rob the bus. Hmm, good to know. But, we made it safe and slept in late, and I feel good today.

Tomorrow I go back to work and I can't wait. A new girl, Maria (who previously volunteered) came last Thursday for two weeks and is now coming to the children's home I work at and refurbishing it a bit. Painting, new floors, etc, and I asked if I could help her with it. I don't really have a set role at the home yet, and the other volunteers told me to sit back for a week and observe before saying anything. I have a couple ideas of what I would like to do, specifically working one-on-one with this boy, Zach. He is ten, but is in the kindergarten classroom and looks very young. He is special needs and has HIV, and doesn't even know how to write his name. Since I have spent time in his classroom, I see no particular attention is paid to him and would like to try. Josefa is the one who suggested it and told me other volunteers have tried with no luck, so we will see.

I want to bring some of my goodies in tomorrow for the children, but am hesitant. Once you bring stuff in one day, they except it the next. Jane, a girl that I have decided is my absolute favorite, was showing me how she can jump rope, but it was with a plastic tube that was way too short to jump rope with and that's all they have. Luckily, I bought a bunch of jump ropes, so I can't wait to surprise her with one. I think you all would like Jane the best as well. She is ten and tall and I also thought she was a boy at first. She has a husky voice and keeps her distance from the other girls who are very silly. But she hangs with me and loves to talk about where I am from. There is something about the way she says "You are from America" that kills me. Haha, cheesy, I know, but if you met her you'd understand what I mean.

Anyway, I am really beginning to feel more comfortable here. This weekend helped, for sure, as I got to know some of the people really well (Amanda from Texas, Manal from the Middle East, Lee from Korea, and Tim from Australia) and I made the one week mark as Maureen texted me and pointed out Saturday night. Maureen, do you know how much that helped? Love you. Also, today I took the Matatu myself to the Sarit Center (the shopping mall I am at) and that felt especially good. I love everyone here, but I like to have more control over my time. And, alone time is nice.

I love you all very much, and each day I think I will stay here longer. My new goal is 2 1/2 months :) I will try to figure out this picture business ASAP, I can't wait to show you where I live! But, for realsies, can you guys please update this blog? I was so excited to get on today and see pictures of the wee ones. Surely you all take pictures and have lives outside of my updates (j/k)?? It would be so nice to see pictures of home.

Love love LOVE you all. Miss you lots!

xoxo Lisette