21/1/12

So much is different here, there is so much to take in and write about all at once and I'm afraid I may forget things!
   So lets start from the beginning, from yesterday. I woke at 7.30 which I was pretty annoyed about. The noises from outside seemed to seep through my ear plugs; music, shouting from the children who woke up so early! Plus there was a cockerel who crowed the dawn at least 10 times. I got up to try and close the windows (which wouldn't close) and Dorcas the 'house manager' casually walks in!
   We then met everyone at Tuskys and jumped in a matatu to have a tour. I was squashed in the front with Rawllince and the driver, and I have never had such a bumpy ride! The roads are dust roads and the pot-holes many. To call them pot holes is an understatement - they are great big dents in the road which we were manoevering onto the other side to miss!
   We were shown many places, and I am afraid to try and find my own way because there is so much to remember! We arrived at the place by the lake where we were to eat, it was lovely! Tables lined outside under decking, and right by the water. We ate fish and kale in a sauce with chipatis.
   Afterwards we walked into town and me and Rawllince spent an hour in a cyber cafe where I spoke to Dean and Megan which I was so happy about! It gave me a real boost and made me realise how much I missed home seeing pictures on facebook! It only cost 60 shillings too which was great! We then joined everyone at a place which was playing live music, and had a dance! I wish I could dance, it seems to come so naturally to them! Although sometimes the women dance very provocatively.
   We walked home and I was so tired!

20/1/12

Now I am sat in the sun waiting for my host family to pick me up! It's so exciting! Found out my host home and counterpart, I'll be working for FASCOBE with Dache, which is a radio station that helps women and children (I gather from what I've been told!) I'm going to be living with Rawllince who seems like a real character, with a pastor! Should be interesting!
   Tomorrow we will meet again as a group and are having a meal by the lake which I'm really looking forward to!
... Wow, I'm here! He has 2 kids, 7 and 4, I have just met one of them, she seems quite shy! I am the only white person in the house - must be quite weird for them!
   Their house is nice, it's alot like back home! They have a housekeeper who lives here. She carried my bag up, I couldn't even lift it! I offered to help but pastor Walter said 'no she will do it'.
   I was talking to Rawllince about his family and what he does. He has 2 younger brothers whom he supports as their parents died when they were young. It's shocking to me but they just seem to take it so well. It's definitely alot more common here. So sad though. He was telling me how he is a teacher for primary school, and I was shocked to hear that they still use the cane! He said otherwise children won't learn respect and won't do as they are told. I was explaining how in England we have very different ideas about punishment of children!

19/1/12

So today, we got to find out our placements! We walked to the lake, and then danced after tea - learnt some kenyan moves!
   I've been bitten so much and my foot is in so much pain I can hardly move it :( distracting me from writing!