Home Sweet Home

(originally written 30JAN11, late posting because of delays in internet access!)

I am thoroughly settled into my new African home.  So much so I have decided I will return permanently this summer.  I do need to return to Canada to officially say farewell and deal with my ‘stuff’.  So look forward to a really great yard sale!

January 18^th found me teaching my first ever class in holistic nutrition.  I didn’t waste any time and started off with the importance of water and carbohydrates.  The class, about a dozen students, were attentive and respectful.  They even waited until I left the class before they did when it adjourned.  I don’t think I’ve seen that happen since primary school!  It threw me off guard, actually!  The classes are an hour in duration – fortunately my notebook is the right size for determining how much information I can cover in that class time.  Though last week was a little different – they started asking more questions about the information, rather than just asking to have something repeated or spelled.  But it is good they are more comfortable with me and have started doing so – I want them to understand the material, not just write it down.  So I will amend the lessons as I go.

I took pictures of the students with their plots – where they are putting their newfound agricultural knowledge to work.  They are very diligent!  Eventually I will figure out how to shrink my picture sizes so I can post a few on this blog.  Sigh.  New software!  I miss my GIMP (previous photo editing software)!

In my personal life, I am pleased to announce that I can officially – and independently – light the jiko.  Yippee!  This is the little cookstove (using charcoal) that all the meals are cooked on.  What a great way to celebrate my third week anniversary of arriving in Africa!  So I’ve been cooking most of the meals for the family this week.  Even managing to get supper ready on time!  I start the fire at five or five-thirty, so supper will be ready by eight.  Most things (like beans and rice) take the same amount of time to cook as on an electric stove element.  Except I only have one element!

January and February are the dry season here.  So the road is dusty and water is getting a little scarce (we collect rain water for drinking, cooking and bathing).  We’re all looking forward to the crops being assisted and the dust settling for a little while.

A couple of Sundays ago I went for a walk with a friend to an area not far from home.  Well, not far for us – about a ½ hour – 45 minute walk in one direction.  Which apparently for most people is VERY far!  It was nice to see a different area and actually have some R&R time.  I finally finished the last of my reports due in Toronto to complete my program.  Very exciting!  But I find myself quite busy still – working full-time for my co-op/OAP (Overseas Apprenticeship Program) and assisting the KBTC with their work as well.  But I really enjoy being here and being involved with the organization.

Well now I’ll spend some time posting this blog from home.  Internet in Africa is pathetically slow – slower than dial-up as a matter of fact (the wireless at home at least).  Hard to believe possible, but yes, it is true.  Direct line internet at an internet café in Kakamega is better, but you have to pay for transport there and back (not to mention the time involved). It also cuts out frequently – much like the cell phones.  Nobody in the rural area has land lines – because there are no land lines!  So, we get used to phone conversations of undeterminable duration.  It is expensive for us to call internationally and there are no such things as long-distance calling cards.  SMS (text) messages aren’t much cheaper.  So don’t take it personally that you’re not hearing from me directly!