Blogs from Kisumu, Nyanza Province, Kenya, Africa - page 9

A few weeks ago, Mrs. Agesa (my hostess) lost her elderly sister, who had several serious illnesses. I accompanied the family to the funeral. Before any funeral here, there are at least three days of mourning by the close family, who gather at the deceased's house, where she is displayed in the coffin. Drums beat all night and they sing and remember the person who has died. On the day of the funeral, the family had rented huge canopies, plastic chairs, and a sound system. At least 500 people gathered in the family compound for the rites. I was the only non-Kenyan present. The service, in Swahili, lasted from 8 am until 6 pm, and proceeded according to a printed program. Family, pastors, relatives, and neighbors spoke in turn, interspersed with sermons, prayers and singing. Food ... read more

What would you say if I told you I spent yesterday on the campaign trail with 6 members of parliament? I was invited along by a local member of parliament, Julius, who I met at the hotel some two weeks ago. He had introduced himself at breakfast that day wondering if I was with the US embassy. I of course quickly explained not! He and 5 of his colleagues had returned to Kisumu to tour Julius’ constituency. All 6 sit on the Energy and Infrastructure parliamentary committee and they are on a 5 day tour surveying road repairs to monitor and evaluate their progress. Governance in action. Next year is also an election year (5 year terms here) - so they are on the campaign trail as well. So at 9 am yesterday morning, I piled ... read more

And I mean this literally! For the first time, unassisted by walls and other people, I stood on my head for a whole 2 minutes…and just to make sure I could do it again…I did! Kathy Nash, my yoga instructor in Calgary, would be very proud! But probably more proud that I have started a regular yoga practice here. I have taken over what was once a health club room in the hotel - now vacant, and claimed it as my yoga studio. Using a towel for a mat I am working through both standing and floor postures. This has become a daily or every other day activity for 60 to 90 minutes…and I feel great! Culminated today with a solo head stand!!!! Now on to the hand stand! I also picked up my bank card ... read more

Last Saturday was spent at St. Theresa’s Orphanage and Montessori School. This is the orphanage where Josephat lives - the little boy I met my second day here at the Aids clinic. There are 32 orphans who live here and another 30 join them for nursery school during the day. I am pleased to report that Josephat is doing better - feeling well enough to go home to his village for a few weeks to visit his grandmother. There is a school break for the month of August. My only regret was that I couldn’t deliver hand made cards sent to me by Emily (age 4 - almost 5) and David (age 7) -- my niece and nephew who live in Edmonton along with their sister Grace. David and Emily are the first to send me ... read more

A few days ago we needed to buy 20 mattresses for the children at Vihiga Childrens Home and I was the designated purchaser. Mrs. Agesa (director) and I caught a ride to the nearest village Majengo, and she negotiated a price of KS 550 per mattress. She had more shopping to do, so left me with her son Jeffrey to see the mattresses home. There we were in the village, hailing a pickup truck with canvas cover over the bed, which serves as a matatu (or taxi). About 10 people were already crammed into the back, and 4 in the cab. The drivers strapped the 20 mattresses to the top, I climbed into the back with the others, Jeffrey and another man rode on the back bumpers, and we were off. Or so I thought...because a ... read more