So, what is Kenya really like?

Last week we got a chance to visit with the group that went to Kenya last year. This was my personal favorite class so far because it was very informative as to what we would actually be doing.

Though, the group said they had a lot to share about the trip up Mount Kenya, which we have actually chosen not to experience. (We chose to spend more time working with the Faraja Project that weekend instead. This puts us in direct contact with people we can help AND it saves money. It was an almost unanimous decision. Abby wasn't quite sure. ;) )

Even though they didnt get a chance to talk about their trip up the mountain, they did have lots to say about other things.

What most of them had to say was that we should get used to being stared at. Here, in the United States, most of us are used to seeing different types of people in different places. There, they only see caucasions when they pass through on mission trips like this. They (apparently) will point at us and say "Muzungo" or white person. (correction may be added, I can't remember if this is the actual word) They also might touch us, especially if we give them permission to touch our skin and hair. Murika Bauer went and worked in the schools mostly.She talked about how you could tell how much the kids wanted to touch her, and as soon as she gave them permission they touched her skin and hair. One girl asked her if she went to America if her hair would turn long and blonde like Murika's.

Each of them gave us some insight into what we may be doing with our respected jobs. Working in the office in groups called "merry-go-rounds" ( I hope to get Morgan or Jaycie, who will be working with Village Hopecore, to write more about this.)

Others will be in the schools. Murika talked about her experience with the teachers just leaving her in the classroom as soon as she arrived. They didn't have any time to ask about how things ran in that school or see where the kids were in their books. The girls in the school were given a classroom and put in charge of that classroom all day. She also joked about how well behaved the kids are compared to American classrooms.

We've heard the story many times in class about a morning assembly at the primary school. All of the students stood in straight lines in their uniforms, perfectly quiet, looking up at their administrator. He told all of the students how important it was to be disciplined when the teachers from America were there because, "In America, the students are very disciplined." Can you imagine putting American elementary students in straight lines outside and expecting them to be quiet?

On a journalism tract, the students told me I would have lots of fun, but they asked me to make sure I told others stories as well. Good point! Remember to tell everyone's stories. Got it.

This was such a fun hour of class. Hearing about experiences that we will be very close too experiencing was so helpful.

Thanks for coming Chogoria class of 2011!