I Love Lucy

So for the past couple of days I've been enjoying Kenya but my spirits have remained low. Uganda was an eye opening experience but I'm still trying to process everything. What it means to be a western here, do people see you as their equal? What exactly am I suppose to be learning this second time around in Africa? Post returning home what career path does God want me to take? I thought I had everything figured out but this trip has turned my thinking completely upside down.

On the 7th, we returned to Nyumbani the hiv/aids orphange. The first half of the day we spent doing chores around the combound. I enjoyed the time to just chat with Theran while doing mindless tasks. The second half we were able to play with kids. I saw Anne and Nicholas but by the time we were done the were taking naps since they are the younger kids. So I sat in the shade helping Edel a 8 year girl with her math homework. I enjoyed it completely. As we were sorting beans before lunch we met another american lady who helps out at Nyumbani throughout the year and has for the past 4 years. I asked about Kenith, a 12 year old boy that was very thin. Last year Dorthy and I took a great liking to. She informed me that he had passed away in November. I don't know why but it totally caught me off guard. Maybe it is because the kids at Nyumbani seem so healthy and happy I forget that they are ill. Regardless nyumbani is a place i could just spend days upon days.

Yesterday, was a down day for the group. We did the touristy stuff like go to the elephant orphange and the giraffe house. I think I group enjoyed a lighter, easier day. We also had a group discussion time to air out different things we have been having a hard time with thus far in the trip. For me it was a fresh breath of air.

Then we head to the outskirts of Nairobi to Anita Home, a center for street girls. Getting out of the van I immediately recognized faces. One of the girls whose names stuck in my head was Lucy. She is now 7 year old girl and the youngest in the Peace Home, the center has 4 different houses that act like families for the girls. Whitney and I first sat down to a very reserved and quiet group of girls. But with the help of many UNO games the group was brought to life. We enjoyed random conversation and the competition of UNO. Lucy has this cute little smile that makes it look like she has a secret but she is going to share. I completely enjoyed the visit and looking forward to going back on Friday and spending the night.

Today we are headed to Kibera the largest slum in Nairobi that houses 800,000 to a million people. We will be visiting community development projects and reconnecting with a community organization that we got to know last year. Afternoon, headed to the top of the tallest building in Nairobi for a bird's eye view. Also will make a trip back to Kivuli to visit the boys and make some purchases of crafts made by Rwandan refugees.

(sorry for any mistakes dont have time to proofread)