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 =)
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4 comments:
Hey Julia,
I really enjoy reading your updates. I felt like I was right there at the birthday party, because I was exhausted by the time it was over. Anyway, I love your attitude - you've always done your best at everything you do, so there's no reason to stop now. Don't worry about failures, you've already made a difference. Think about all the joy you brought to those kids. Someday, they'll realize why you were there, and maybe that will inspire them to do great things. The impact you make may not be known for years, and you might not even be aware of it. No matter what happens, I'm proud of you.
I sent your Christmas present to your parents house, so it will be there when you return. Have a Merry Christmas, and good luck on your project. I look forward to your next update.
Harry
Hey, its your (super) tennis buddy, Meyer.
Sounds like you are having a honkin good time in Africa. As you can see, I'm in need of some new and relevant slang. Perhaps you should bring some back from A-Town. Can I call Africa, "A-town"? I don't care, I'm going to.
Anyhoo, have a good new year in A-Town!
Yay Julia. I can finally read your blogs. I know you're making a difference. Keep your head up.
Haha, you're not married now. I had to stick the cake too in Guyana when I was young, and you do it with a boy. And my family still makes me do it here.
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