Random Times

December 12 was my host-brother, Noel's, 6th birthday. That day is also Independence Day so we watched a little parade/celebration/marching band thing on tv. For his birthday, I woke up extra early to put up some little birthday signs I had made for him. He was so excited to see them in the morning and inspired all the 5 kids that hang out in the house to also make signs. I quickly started regreting the decision to put up posters because immediately the kids were jumping all over the house demanding more colors, paper and tape to play with. They LOVED my tape and wanted to stick it everywhere. I was sooo tired of these kids jumping all over me. Eventually (after 6 hours of madness) the birthday started. There were about 20 little kids running all over the place. Finally we all sat down and sang happy birthday. So far it seemed like an American-style kid's birthday until my host-mama had me to cut the cake with Noel and then feed each other pieces of it, while getting frosting on our faces. Am I married now? Not sure. The food consisted of cake, candy, and donuts, so needlyess to say, the sugar rush of 20 little kids lasted well into the night. My arms, feet, and brain are sore. Not matter how annoying the kids can be, I still am growing so attached to them.
Life here has been going smoothly and I've developed a routine and comfort zone. My organization, Camp David, is closed... for 5 weeks! Luckily, I have networked with 2 other organizations that are helping out with my project. I am starting a peer education program. It is challenging, but I have so much support from people that I am hopeful. I am really excited about it, but the possibility of failure has really hit me. I came here to make a difference in a country that really needs positive change in the most basic ways. It has been, however, more difficult than I had imagined to make even the slightest postive impact. Several times I've wanted to give up and simply enjoy and learn from the Kenyan culture, but I have decided to try my best at everything I do here. The smallest things seem to come with great struggle and difficulty, so I have to remind myself that either way, failure or success, it is making me a stronger person. Aw shux =)