Another Christmas in Kenya

I missed home a lot this Christmas. It was my second Christmas away from home since I’ve been in Kenya. I was lucky though because my Kenyan family took me in and let me celebrate with them. Christmas isn’t celebrated here how it is in America. There’s no tree or presents. Christmas in Kenya is purely a religious holiday with many hours spent at church and then many hours spent in the kitchen. Of course, this was my favorite part. The meal we had was one of the best I’ve had here in the village. I went to church 3 days in a row with my family! Christmas Eve night we spent at church from 8pm until 12am. It was actually more fun than regular church, because the youth ran it and it was just a lot of singing and dancing. I even sung “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Silent Night” with my friend Chebet. I also danced a lot! I had bought sparklers recently and that night we lit them off and you should have seen the faces of the village children. Never have they seen anything like it! It was so cute and magical.

Because of the kind packages that have been sent to me this holiday season, I was able to somewhat play Santa Claus here. Even though they don’t get presents on Christmas here, I really think they deserve them. These kids have nothing. They literally play with bottle caps on the ground or old tires. They kick around piles of trash as a ball. So giving out nice toys to the kids felt wonderful. I gave my favorite little girl Chekoech, a black Barbie doll my mom sent me. She looked so happy when she got it, that was worth everything. I gave Mary (the woman whose daughter I sponsor), a bucket full of all the essential household items, like laundry detergent, cooking oil, socks, soap and some food supplies. She really appreciated it which was nice.

Anyway, I leave for vacation tomorrow and am so looking forward to getting a break from the village and seeing Adam! Just want to say Merry Christmas and happy new year from Kenya! May this next year all bring you as many blessings as this past year has brought me.

Special thanks to: Mom, Dad, Susan Poor, Libby Poor, Julia Conant, Aunt Kathe, and others who have sent me packages and letters! Much appreciated!

Remember, I am still in need to used or new toys for the orphanage that is opening up. If you would like, you can send them to the address on the right. Thank you and God Bless!

Maisha ni Poa (Life is Cool)

This post is not intended to brag, it is simply to say how thankful I am to God for all the amazing things that keep happening to me lately. I feel like God is on my side and just keeps doing miraculous things. It’s so nice when you finally see the fruits of your hard work.

First, I was accepted into my dream law school as an Early Decision Applicant. That means that I am bound to go there next year. So here’s the news if you haven’t heard already, I’ll be going to American University Washington College of Law next year! I have to thank Paul Bigley for the wonderful recommendation he wrote not only the first time I applied, but again. When I was in high school I didn’t really get into any schools after applying. It was disappointing because I went to a high school where everyone goes on to all these amazing schools. I decided to go to Santa Barbara City College. Looking back, it’s the best thing I did because I ended up transferring to UCSB and getting my degree from there. Then when applying to law school a few years ago, I did not apply many places because I didn’t think I could get in. In fact, I only got into a few schools, none of them my top choices. So it’s been such a surprise this time being accepted to so many schools. Even though I already know I’m going to American, I’ve already been accepted to Hofstra, Rutgers, University of District Colombia, New York Law School  and Golden Gate. Very flattering and such a change from what I am use to.

The next miracle that has happened is that my community was awarded the Charlotte Daniel Champion of Change Award by World Connect. Our original project was to get maternity ward equipment so we could have a working maternal health facility for the people in the village. Right now most women have their babies at home, which leaves them vulnerable to pre and post birth aftercare problems. My community told me this was something they needed so Adam helped me draw up a budget and I submitted the project to the Peace Corps Partnership Program. I had heard of World Connect and that they funded projects having to do with mother and children so I decided to apply. Our original project was funded in full by World Connect shortly thereafter for $2000. About a month later, World Connect contacted me and said that our project was being nominated for this extra award and if we wanted to apply, we had to have a new project proposal done in 2 weeks! With the help of my supervisor and the head nurse, we whipped up a budget and decided we would expand the dispensary to have an actual maternal wing, as well as fix the water catchment system. Our dreams have come true and World Connect is funding us another $5000 to complete construction! It’s so exciting to see my dispensary growing. Not only do I know that the community is getting a lasting impact out of this, but so am I! I’ve really learned a lot about project management and budgeting.

Anyway, someone has really been looking out for me lately J I leave in 10 days for holiday vacation and am excited to get some time off and to see Adam. I’m missing home for the holidays and thinking of you all! Much love!

A Kenyan Wedding to be Remembered

 So I went to my first Kenyan wedding this last Saturday. It was petty western, but still a lot of traditional dancing and singing. I got my hair done the day before in braids for it. See picture to the right. It hurt so bad because she pulled my hair a lot. I don't think I'll do it again, but it was fun to get it done at least once. It took 3 hours to put in and is now taking even longer to come out ha!





The wedding was at a church and was really beautiful. The day of, I woke up early to help the bride, my friend Agnes, get ready. I did her make-up and then all the bridesmaids nails. Everyone loved the nails so much and little kids and other villagers wanted theirs done too so I obliged and treated everyone to a personal manicure. I even did some pretty gross African farm toes...

 I had the best time with my family and all the guests. Now that I've been living in Singorwet for over a year, I really know most of the community so it was fun dancing and hanging out with them. My family is the best! They make me feel like one of them so much and call me their sister. Agnes even let me be a part of the wedding and help with the unity candle. I feel really blessed to live with such an amazing family because I know a lot of Peace Corps Volunteers who do not like their living situation. Plus I feel safe and comfortable with them. My mama knows how to give me my privacy, but they always keep me included. Plus most of my mama's children are around my age so we relate really well.

Overall, the ceremony was really beautiful. I had an amazing time and it wasn't that different from an American wedding, minus there was no booze ha! I'm glad I got to be a part of it and share Aggies special day.

Men's Health Awareness Day

 

On November 17^th, around 200 men and women showed up for Singorwet’s first ever Men’s Health Awareness Day.  After having a successful International Women’s Day (IWD) in March, I knew my community was hoping I would do something for men.  Just like IWD, I applied for the GAD grant (GAD also funds events related to men, not just women) and I got it! 

Our event also corresponded by chance with a training going on in the village for Men As Partners.  Men as Partners is a campaign in Kenya to educate men on reproductive health.  Too often reproductive education is focused solely on women, however the reality is that men usually hold the decision making power on things as simple as when to have sex and how many children to have.  The 30 men that participated in the training were able to enhance their awareness and support for their partner’s reproductive health choices and take an active stand for gender equality and against gender-based violence.  We even had condom relays! After a week of training, the men received certificates and t-shirts at the Men’s Day and all got a chance to say what they learned.  You could tell they were really empowered!

The event also included topics about HIV/AIDS, Khalil spoke about family planning, Maxx educated us on gender violence, and Blake informed the audience about the importance of saving money and starting a business.  Christina Gusa did a fantastic job teaching about prostate and testicular cancer.  The audience was so quite during this topic and I’m still hearing from the men about how much they learned.  Cassidy auctioned off solar cookers in which some went for over 1000ksh!  And finally, Jojo, along with a man from Waterlines spoke about sanitation and clean water.

All the money we raised continues to be put toward our maternity ward project and we are proud to say we raised over 10,000ksh that day!  Closer to the 25% community contribution and closer to having a functioning maternity ward!

Overall the event was a complete success due in part to the help of PCVs, community members and the dispensary.

The Chepkosgei Scholarship Award

The Chepkosgei Scholarship Award

Just an update on my scholarship award that has supported a sweet girl named Cheruto*, who will be a Form 2 student at Singorwet Secondary School this next January. The scholarship is awarded to students of need that demonstrate strong academics and community involvement. Cheruto’s mother (Cheroteich*) must start a savings of 200ksh per month. Cheroteich only makes 700ksh a month and takes care of 4 children under 10. That is less than 50 cents a day. Anything that is saved, is matched by the donor (me). She may barrow from the savings with interest at any time for school supplies or related educational materials. So far Cheroteich, has saved around 3000ksh towards Cheruto’s education!

Cheruto received the scholarship back in May 2012 while she was in Form 1, after her second child was born. She had her first child at 12. When she found out she was pregnant with another, she had an abortion and almost died. Just a few short months after, she was pregnant again and delivered her second child. Where there are so few choices for girls in her situation, it is even more imperative to get an education.

I have seen a drastic change in Cheruto while she has attended my health class this last year. She went from being the shy girl in the back, to being vibrant and actually participating. Her marks in Science are above average in a country that generally fails in these subjects, even earning herself an A- in Physics! Her mother is staying home and caring for Cheruto’s children so that she can get a good education.

Although I do not have very much money myself, sponsoring Cheruto is the best decision I’ve made. Not only to I know that 100% of my money is going to her education and ultimately her future, but I actually get to SEE the change and growth in her. I can’t think of anything more rewarding.

This next semester is my last at the school before I finish up with my Peace Corps service. I’ve been contemplating how to keep this sustainable because Cheruto still has 2 ½ more years of Secondary School and I’d also like to expand the Chepkosgei Scholarship Award to more students. I’m happy to say that I’ve found a solution. My mama here works for the Ministry of Education and has agreed to continue the scholarship for me. I can send her the money directly from the United States through Western Union to her phone. She is going to continue working with Cherotich on her savings and will send me progress letters each term. And hopefully over time if the scholarship grows, she will be able to recommend students of need for me.

Making a lasting impact on girls lives has made these long 2 years worth every hard day. If you or someone you know would like to contribute to the Chepkosgei Scholarship Award, please send me an email at aflynnschneider@gmail.com.

*names have been changed

World AIDS Day 2012

World AIDS Day 2012

On December 1, 2012 I traveled to Rongo, where another volunteer, Christina Gusa, had a World AIDS Day event.  It was such a success and we had a great time.  She lives in her health clinic and it’s really nice.  She even has an oven so we were able to have homemade pizza!  During the event, there were speeches from HIV positive community members, skits from the high school kids and a raffle.  They also had free confidential HIV testing in which over 80 people got tested!

After the event, we were so tired so we laid out a blanket in the back yard and just listened to music.  These cute little boys came over and were watching us and eventually joined us in a dance party.  It was adorable!  It’s moments like that that make me feel less different than these people and more the same.  Overall the event was a complete success.  I love these one day events because they are easy to organize, cost very little to fund, and empower the community.

On my way home, I stopped by the soap stone factory.  They make art for World Market and Home Plus.  We got to see how they carved the figurines and of course I couldn’t help but by a “few” as well.  Now I’m home and I have a long busy week ahead of me.  I’m working on a budget for another grant we are applying to.  I also promised one of my students I would go with her to visit her grandmother.  And finally, on Thursday, I leave for Nairobi for the weekend.  I love Nairobi so I’m excited to go live the life of luxury there for the weekend.

Missing everyone back home!

Andrea