We found Bernard at the tarmac yesterday, waiting for the children. "The van is dead!" I chirped to Tony. Mock glaring at me, he said 'Hapana. The van is fine." The kids arrived just as I started snickering at Tony, so I jumped out to greet them - all of whom were running their little hearts out to greet me. "You came back the day you said you would! How is America? How is Uncle Peter, Cary and Emma? How long will you be here? Here are my marks!! Angalia!! (look!) Did you bring chocolate again?! Lego's??" Tony sent them off to the van as I hopped back in his car, laughing at the greeting. Tony was not so amused. "Bernard doesn't know how to fix a vehicle. It was only a line that needed to be reconnected." I had to laugh, because I gave Tony a warning 2 weeks ago: "Not one more shilling goes into this vehicle. The children will have to start walking to school if it breaks down again." Excuses Excuses.
Welcome, Veronica. Veronica came to us last week, after police reported abuse and she was brought to us. I have seen a lot here in Kenya over the years; this case is extreme. Veronica suffered {{severe}} physical abuse at the hand of her step-mother, and sexual abuse by a neighbor. She is eight years old. Veronica is bright, cheerful, amusing and speaks three languages, all fluently. I spent the afternoon with her today, because she is home from school due to an eye infection. We talked for hours, as we beaded necklaces and bracelets, and colored together. Her curiosity and humor are infectious; her attitude is astoundingly positive. Once again, I learn more from these children than they could ever learn from me.
I drove to school to pick up the older children, around 5:00pm. Schools are back in session - just 2 weeks ago, after a two month (unsuccessful) strike. I was greeted by the Head Teacher, Boniface, who couldn't have been nicer. He had actually just completed a practice recorder session, which simply amazed me. Ereteti is keeping up with the recorder program! We chatted for a bit, and have plans to meet next week about the continuation of this project. I will also be meeting with three of the other schools to discuss continuity and request a survey for each of them to complete. Boniface is thrilled that RWB will be coming back next July. We all are!
While it has only been 5 weeks since I left, I still see progress. These smiles just don't lie. Several children took me aside to tell me how happy they are with their Aunties. This is a big step for them. That they feel comfortable enough to confide and report to me what is happening speaks volumes.
Jacinta and Mary
The boss, Njeri
Peter and Tiff
Our drilling application to the Ministry was completed before I got here. Now, we wait for approval. Supposedly this is a two to four month wait, but the drilling company we will be using will do their best to pull the application through from their side, sooner than later. If "compromises" are needed, then we will not comply. We will have to sit out the normal process.
Lack of power and network aside, it is great to hit the ground running and to be back in my element. Tony is dropping the car off for me tomorrow, so I will have the freedom to come and go as I please. All is good, wonderful, really!
Lots of love from East Africa tonight!
Simmie, Mondia, Njeri and Jacinta
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