Yesterday, all the public schools in Kenya closed until after the New Year. While one does not get a direct answer as to why the children are getting an additional month off this year, it appears to have something to do with potential strikes and the annual KCPE exams, which every student in Primary 8 will take on Tuesday, for three consecutive days. Gates of the schools are locked, and only the Head Teacher (Principal) is allowed to handle the exams, which he must collect each morning at an offsite location. He complained to me about this inconvenience, but I didn't have much of a reaction, given that he is rarely in school. Every school has 2 policeman on site, and parents are not allowed anywhere near their children's schools. Cheating, bribery and corruption run deep when it comes to the KCPE's. The result of these exams determines which school(s) a child will attend, so parents are keenly interested in the outcome of these exams.
I have enlisted Ann to come to WWC for the next two months, on the weekends, and occasional weekdays. This way, the children will have projects to work on during their holiday. 2 months at home is too long a time not to have some projects lined up for entertainment.
While I was gone, we built an overhang over from the kitchen to the dorm. While inspectors will demand additional updated work from Rescue Centers, they do understand that this work needs to be done pole pole (bit by bit) as they ask for much and funds are scarce or non-existent. Of course higher demands are placed on us, but I insist on doing required work pole pole as well. There should be no exceptions in this area, and it appears that the DCO is satisfied and in agreement. WWC actually gets the work done. Others never do.
Our shamba is looking fantastic! I continue to be extremely pleased on this front. It gives me great pleasure to head to the shamba in the afternoon to collect fresh spinach, sekuma and even now: tomatoes! The tomatoes do need covering, due to heat and birds. I'd like to get our greenhouse up this trip, and am hustling to do so. This way, we can have a steady year round crop of this staple.
Jecinta and Njeri
Very big news: I am building a home in Kenya, on the WWC property. Before you get too excited, take a look at my new home:
Mondia in front of nyumba yangu (my home!)
Jecinta - you can see my new home (rear, left) which gives a bit of perspective about the distance I will be from the children.
This container is 20'x8'. It's a perfect size, enough for a bed, table and bathroom. Contractors will be out this week to cut the top off the container and build a raised metal roof. I will add a door and 4 windows, and place solar lamps on the roof for lighting. Thank you to my friends at home who brought these solar tubes to my attention! They will be shipped over with me on the next trip. Additionally, I will construct a toilet, sink and shower off the left side of the home, which will be placed directly on top of a septic hole.
The children, of course, are delighted about this whole project. "Mum, you will take dinner with us each night? You can take us to school? And pick us up?" Yes to the above!!
Most of the children have come down with colds, so those who felt well enough, we went 'hunting' yesterday - our favorite past time.
Tony and Njeri
Off they went! Pastor Pete had already taken off ahead of everyone, when we heard shouts of "sangura! sangura!" Rabbit. Leave it to kids to chase a rabbit. The girls and I moseyed on at a snails pace. It was HOT.
Eric, embracing the cool earth
Catho, with her walking stick (bigger than her!)
Mondia and Eric
It's been a fabulous few days - many apologies for lack of blogging. I thought I might have the solution with my new 3G modem, but....
Much love from East Africa. Tuonane kesho ~
Simmie and the Children
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