Today Joseph came by Shalom we chatted for a bit over sodas. I also delivered a few items that Desiree and Rick sent with me. Then he invited me to visit the school Kiscodep sponsors. Kiscodep is a community development organization that offers many different services to Kibera (Africa’s estimated largest slum at 800,000 to 1 mil. people in the area of Central Park in NY) such as computer training, micro-finance loans, sponsorship for a school, etc. They had changed locations since the summer. Now they are renting a building from a local church which is an upgrade from the small hut that was constructed out of cardboard, and scrap tin. There I met the head school mistress Susan. She was certified as a teacher but chooses to volunteer her time to teach roughly 35 children ages 3-7. I walked in and immediately the ‘how are you’s started. I got introduced to them, they sang some little kiddie songs. Then the kids were free to do whatever while Joseph, Susan and I chatted about the school.
Before leaving, I took a group photo. But also took some individual photos of the kids and showed them. They think it is so funny to see themselves on a camera. After, I shook every single child’s hand goodbye Joseph and I headed back up to the Kiscodep office. There I got to enjoy the company of his wife, baby girl who is 1 almost 2, and two other little girls who they look after. Sunday I will go back to Kiscodep office to be introduced to the new board and possibly shown around some of the new microfinance business that have been created. I’m looking forward to returning to Kibera.
Oh, one of the most interesting things today was the ride there. Joseph and I were 2 of 17 people squeezed into a Matatu (Nissan box van). And of course, the front seats were not open so my large 6’2 American booty had to squeeze through two rows of people to sit on the back bench with 3 other people. One person even laughed at me because I had to tilt my head because I was definitely taller than the average Kenyan who would sit back there. On the way back Joseph gave me the number of the routes to take to get back to Shalom so I braved it along. And look Mom I made it, maybe I am ready for the Peace Corps!?!
Peace Corps Update
submitted application: September 22nd
conducted interview: October 23rd
nominated for a position: November 10th
submitted medical packet: January 29th
resubmitted dental files: March 4th
dental files processed: March 20th
now really just waiting…
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