Swahili word of the day: “Jambo!” means “Hello!”
Kenyan culture fact of the day: Switches (a two part serious) – Outlets can be turned off. There is a switch, just like a light switch. Make sure you have your outlet switched on, or else it won’t work! ;)
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We now know why this school for kids with disabilities is named Joytown!
All it takes is a smile to win these kids over. Some are more shy than others, and some don’t talk much. But some play with your research equipment, and others want you to watch them dance. We decided that even though they have a disability, their moves are definitely better than ours! Everyone loves having pictures taken, and laughter is a common sound. Friends help friends walk or roll up a hill, and a returned smile makes all our work worth it. I think we’re going to like it here. :)
At the same time, however, being here is sobering. There are over three hundred kids at this school, and all of them are physically disabled. Those in wheelchairs are fit as best as possible, but many of the chairs are damaged or unsuitable for the children. Legs flop out, feet twist in, and repositioning them is pointless. Some have no legs or feet. Those who can walk more easily do not need wheelchairs, and they drag themselves around using crutches or walkers. They move slowly, and their feet drag unceremoniously along the ground. Some are drooling, others don’t have bladder control. A few are no more than two feet tall. But all are precious.
Overall, it was a very successful first day. Long, and stressful at times, but quite successful, especially for those of us working at the Primary School with the wheelchairs. The rest of the team is up at the Secondary School, working with braces and prosthetics.
We met this morning with the Bethany Kids team for devos, reading out of the book of Genesis. Then we got to meet the Kenyans we will be working with. They are our second brains, and are fantastic at both helping us and translating for the kids that speak less English.
Ben, Elisa, and I, the wheelchair team, accomplished our goal for today! We set up all of our research equipment and managed to get six tests completed! Even though we are ahead of schedule, we have plenty to do to keep us busy.
On another note, the local animals are proving to be quite fascinating as well, especially for a nature lover like me. There are calves and goats on the side of roads. Today I saw a beautiful kingfisher that was only a few inches tall and had a bright orange beak, as well as two raptors fighting outside my bedroom window. There are monkeys all over the retreat center, that are absolutely adorable. It’s making me excited to get to Masai Mara. These three weeks are going to fly by, though, so I want to make the most of them!
Kenyan culture fact of the day: Switches (a two part serious) – Outlets can be turned off. There is a switch, just like a light switch. Make sure you have your outlet switched on, or else it won’t work! ;)
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We now know why this school for kids with disabilities is named Joytown!
All it takes is a smile to win these kids over. Some are more shy than others, and some don’t talk much. But some play with your research equipment, and others want you to watch them dance. We decided that even though they have a disability, their moves are definitely better than ours! Everyone loves having pictures taken, and laughter is a common sound. Friends help friends walk or roll up a hill, and a returned smile makes all our work worth it. I think we’re going to like it here. :)
At the same time, however, being here is sobering. There are over three hundred kids at this school, and all of them are physically disabled. Those in wheelchairs are fit as best as possible, but many of the chairs are damaged or unsuitable for the children. Legs flop out, feet twist in, and repositioning them is pointless. Some have no legs or feet. Those who can walk more easily do not need wheelchairs, and they drag themselves around using crutches or walkers. They move slowly, and their feet drag unceremoniously along the ground. Some are drooling, others don’t have bladder control. A few are no more than two feet tall. But all are precious.
Overall, it was a very successful first day. Long, and stressful at times, but quite successful, especially for those of us working at the Primary School with the wheelchairs. The rest of the team is up at the Secondary School, working with braces and prosthetics.
We met this morning with the Bethany Kids team for devos, reading out of the book of Genesis. Then we got to meet the Kenyans we will be working with. They are our second brains, and are fantastic at both helping us and translating for the kids that speak less English.
Ben, Elisa, and I, the wheelchair team, accomplished our goal for today! We set up all of our research equipment and managed to get six tests completed! Even though we are ahead of schedule, we have plenty to do to keep us busy.
On another note, the local animals are proving to be quite fascinating as well, especially for a nature lover like me. There are calves and goats on the side of roads. Today I saw a beautiful kingfisher that was only a few inches tall and had a bright orange beak, as well as two raptors fighting outside my bedroom window. There are monkeys all over the retreat center, that are absolutely adorable. It’s making me excited to get to Masai Mara. These three weeks are going to fly by, though, so I want to make the most of them!