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.