Last Week of Training

Last week we went on an overnight trip to Nairobi to visit the Peace Corps headquarters and a government health organization. The purpose of the trip was to become acquainted with the various resources available to us while at site, such as HIV manuals and teaching supplements, as well as the large framed photos of our President and Vice President. I was nostalgic for a moment when I realized I recognized those two faces right away although I hadn't seen their smiling faces for several months.

I'm not sure how much news from Kenya makes it's way across the world, but there were some earthquake tremors that began in Tanzania and made it's way to Nairobi last week. My host mama said she felt a tremor while she was sleeping, but I was awake and in the same house and didn't notice a thing. I didn't think much of it until we were packed in a matatu on our way to Nairobi and head an announcement on the radio (in English) mentioning that all rumors from the American Embassy warning it's citizens to evacuate were false, and that everyone should continue on as normal. We all turned to stare at one another because I think this was the first time any of us heard anything about it. Then the news report went on to discredit the headlines made by various religious sects and witchdoctors that claimed they could predict the next big earthquake that was scheduled for later that week as a punishment for wrongdoings in Africa (which did not occur, maybe their lines were crossed). It's incredible how much influence religion has here. Meanwhile, the large California contingent of trainees all laughed at us because they experience earthquakes and tremors (not to mention mudslides/wildfires/celebrities driving under the influence) all of the time and told us not to worry.

So all is well and we're wrapping up the last week of training. Several of my colleagues have dropped out after visiting their site and now they're back safely in the US of A. I'm still hanging in there, as is the chicken who will likely meet it's fate this weekend to mark my departure from Kitui. It has grown significantly and is looking healthy. I've noticed it also gets a little nervous around me, so perhaps it can predict the future.
More updates to come...

I Don't Think We're In Kansas Anymore...

The title of this entry has been inspired by Wicked, the latest book I've been reading. But first things first: I know some of you may have been wondering/curious/concerned about who won the starting contest between me and the goat. I'm here to say it's less important to determine a victor and more important to acknowledge the fact that we were having a cross-cultural exchange, breaking down barriers and building bridges on our way to creating a global village. Wouldn't you agree that's what it's all about? I hope that settles that.

Okay, I lost.

My travels in Nairobi involved indulging in Western-style food, making fun of American tourists, and getting locked in a wine store. I was attempting to purchase a celebratory spirit for the site announcement when the lights went out, the doors closed, and my phone suddenly rang. One of my fellow PC-ers was watching this series of events from outside and informed me that they were closing early for inventory and wanted me to make a purchase for him. I obliged.

The next day we were assigned our sites, met our supervisors, and learned about our jobs. I'm working with an Irish-based Non-Governmental Organization who are helping to build pit latrines at local schools who are lacking the proper facilities. My supervisor is Australian, the NGO staff are Irish and Kenyan, and a returned PC Volunteer is working with us from Boston. Needless to say, my American English will likely change...

I am placed in a town called Mutomo, which at least is on the map! It's about 2 hours south of Kitui by a treacherous dirt road, and I'll be living on a hospital compound in a little room. The town itself does not have electricity, but some stores run refrigerators by generator. I have heard that there is a bar in town that you can inform the owner how many beverages you plan to consume later that evening, and he'll put them cold for you to retrieve later that same day. I will be sure to let you know if this rumor is indeed true... The hospital has electricity from 7-10 at night only, also run from a generator, so I'll need to plan accordingly. I am able to purchase fresh vegetables and fruits in town but I found out to my dismay, no peanut butter (I know, where am I?!), but luckily Kitui is not a far distance away, and my host family has already agreed that they will come visit me and get me acquainted with the local matatu drivers who apparently run a sort of underground delivery service if you know the right people.

I'm looking forward to starting on what sounds like a necessary and exciting project and figuring out how to hold my own in Mutomo. I'm back in Kitui now for the next 3 weeks until we're sworn in as Official Volunteers (I think a certificate is involved) and then I move to Mutomo in early August.

Although I only went to Nairobi and turned around and went past Kitui to Mutomo to my site, I was able to see a camel. It's the most exciting wildlife I've seen thus far. Yes, I took a picture, and no it didn't spit on me.

I'm taking photos and will upload them as soon as I can.
Hope all is well with everyone.