Updated from the Heat

Well, just a quick catch-up.  I have been to see one of the Directors of SCANN who informed me that Yasmine Gilani has been awarded a Presidential Commendation for her charitable work within the community. Yasmine is still away in India receiving radio therapy but has been told the good news, so we are expecting lots of celebrations when she returns.

I have been asked to work on a show for some visitors coming towards the end of February, I am working on making more cloth poi in jazzy fabrics that Edwina and I found in Nairobi before she left for the UK.  I am also asked to make sure that there is a fire poi performance, so I have asked the boys to prepare for lots of practice!!  I am apparently ‘fire marshall’ a bit scary but am sure I will manage.  Kimberley will be here for the event so will rope her into helping me out (love you Kimberley, bring your poi!)  I am also asked to have some art sessions to prepare some pictures to send back with our visitors to the USA, they are from a foundation that helps SCANN in a big way.

My three one night stand visitors from the UK arrived today and have disappeared off to visit the Menengai Crater, apparently they are avid walkers, rather them than me it is burning hot today and so dry. They are travelling round Kenya and have arrived from a great time in Naivasha where they saw the hippos at Fisherman’s Camp!

I am missing clinic in the morning as I think it is rude to make my visitors leave before 7.30 when I would have to leave.  Anastasia is taking my place, she is my stand-in and very good at it. 

Many of you won’t be aware yet but I have decided that at the end of March I am heading back home. Family issues need to be settled and my last trip home furnished me with no work to help finance me here. My good friend Nick will be moving into the house in my absence which will be for a year to enable me more chance to get work.  I hope none of you have made plans to visit if you have you will need to postpone for a year or look at alternative accommodation.  It pains me to do this but realistically I can’t spend my time worrying that ends wont meet and what will happen when they don’t.

Please keep your ears to the ground and keep me posted on any work that you hear of.

My visitors wanted B&B but when they arrived they asked for B.B&E which means I am cooking for another 3, and veggie could be interesting, will take a while, Veg stew on the menu for tonight. About to start cooking!!!!  Wish me luck!

My love to you all.

Susannah

Busier than Ever Now!

Hi Uk'ers!!!!,
 
hoping that the weather is warming slightly for you as today I went outside at 8am to sprinkle some water on my seedlings (I do this before the heat of the sun hits them) only to find that it was so so very hot that it was too late to water, the plants will have to fend for themselves and I will try to remember to water them tonight.   Yes I did say water, for the moment everything on the water front is under control!!!!  No rain in a number of days though.... hence the watering!
 
I also ended up walking almost all the way into town as there were matatus but it is Monday and they were all full.  Today was a day that for some unknown reason my feet as I walked kept flicking small stones into my sandles...... I have worn these sandles many many times and this has not been a problem so why today when I walked so far.  I must have looked weird shaking my feet madly every few steps, I can tell you it was getting a bit maddening!  I decided that today for a point of interest I would wear Kimberleys step monitor to count how many steps I walked, to the junction of 58 from home was 3280 and that was about 3/4 of the way to town.  Luckily I was picked up on the last leg by a matatu who usually takes me home, the ride was not comfortable but as it was short it was OK, I was stuck on the edge of the bench seat beside a rather 'plump' lady who refused to shift over a bit, so basically I was hanging with one buttock in mid-air!
 
The heat of today is really crazy, it hasnt been so hot in a while and it is a bit of a shock to the system...... I am elegantly sweating buckets..... nice.
 
The sewing lady passed her test last week and came on Saturday to SCANN, so between dealing with the 'clinic' which had record numbers to see and helping her with clothes etc it was a busy day.  I also managed to get a 'volunteers' notice display case requisitioned and installed in the dining hall so that we can put up post cards, photos and letters from volunteers..... I have made it clear that this is NOT a STAFF notice board!  This will prevent the current situation which is I put up nice things and photos and the boys like them so much they 'borrow' them......never to be seen again!
 
I have some crazy news....... since returning to Kenya and living alone my social life has been nil, so I mentioned this to my friends at Guava Cafe...... (you remember the place that does nice cakes).  They have been building a Guava Lounge Bar at the back of the cafe and it opened recently but they have been short of staff,  I am now working behind the bar, I don't get paid but I get drinks bought for me, tips, a taxi home and a social life that I don't have to pay for.  The down side is that so far I have worked two nights 6pm - 2am and the worst one was Saturday night which I can tell you was manic and crazy... no one expected it to be so busy that was 6pm until 5am!!!!!  Good job Sunday was a day at home, although unfortunately Paka and Kim decided that they wanted their breakfast at 7am, I managed to get them to be patient until 7.30am but had to get up after Paka started chewing my toes through the quilt, obviously very hungry as I wouldnt have gone anywhere near my feet that morning!  I have agreed to work when I am able, I did last night too which was much quieter and the other girls were exhausted and hyper..... we had a good night with people who are friends of the owner and very nice, many decided that after they saw us working so hard the night before we were to be plied with drinks to make up for it last night, needless to say none of us refused and as it was so quiet the owner was happy, we even provided a floor show, trying to come up with a 'staff dance routine' to entertain the customers at various times during the evening.  It was hilarious. 
 
Well, if I was worried that I was having too many evenings in watching movies in bed, things have definately changed!  My feet are aching, my back too, my head it bussing but I am feeling so much more focused on what I do during the day.
 
I am expecting my 3 visitors on Friday, (a one night booking) so I was busy after the animals got me up finishing washing the quilts and blankets, moving out of my room (the ensuite) and into one of the smaller ones, that meant I had a great opportunity to clean and sort out my things.  Other than washing the floors and shopping, I am ready.  Needless to say I wont be working Friday, but may have to help out Saturday night..... take me the week to prepare for that one!
 
Well, my love and best wishes to you all. Apologies if this is a bit disjointed but typed on the fly!
 
Susannah
xx

Walkers and Waiters

Hi Everyone,
sorry it has been a while but many things in my head at the moment make writing a bit difficult.
 
On my daily trip into town or direct to SCANN my mind observes the practices of people.  Where I live there are few matatus into town but seem to be many coming the other way - from town empty.
 
Now daily I watch the people many of whom stand and wait in the hot sun in the hope that the matatu that comes their way will have a seat or at least somewhere to prop themselves on their trip to town.  This wait can be anything from half an hour to an hour depending on the space in the vehicles.
 
I have taken it upon myself never to just stand and wait, seems pointless, many of the matatus that come are already full. For the backlog of people waiting en route to be reduced for there to be room in the matatu takes quite some time.  I just start walking and usually end up walking all the way to my destination, the breeze as I walk cools me, the people I meet greet me, the clearing of the mind relaxes me and the beauty in front of me as I walk down the hill overlooking the lake lifts my spirit.
 
So the question for me is clear, why do people stand in the heat of the sun with no or little chance of getting a matatu without a long long wait, they just stand and wait and smoulder in the frustrations of the lack of matatus.
 
I also think that this must be how people are in life, those that stand around and wait for things to happen to them in the hope that something will and live with the disappointment when nothing happens and those that take the step and risk a journey of discovery.
 
Wow...... I told you my head was busy, maybe this is a bit heavy for today!
 
The boys at SCANN are now returning to school and the university boys will be leaving in the next few days.  Some of the processes I have put into place are still working which makes me pleased, others have been adapted to fit with the way people work here, but I am happy and I think at the end of the day people are realising that I am after all helping instead of getting in the way.
 
My roof still leaks but that is because the fundi who came to look at the tiles said it needed the pointing of the valleys redone, which means mixing cement and re applying.  Unfortunately with all the rain we have had we had to postpone as it would have washed the cement away before it had time to dry.  Basins still adourn my living room but at least the lakes are now gone.  Henry is busy planting while we have rain, and my maize that was already planted is very strange, it is growning corn ears but is only about a foot high, looks very stunted, lets hope the birds stay away!!  I asked Henry if he thought that by putting socks over the ears of corn it may deter the birds eating it....... it would allow the air to circulate and also stetch so that the ears can grow inside.   Well, he didnt laugh but stood and looked thoughtful, I think that nowadays he weighs what I say with how silly it is.  I personally think it is worth a try.... what do you think?  I maybe the only muzungu in Nakuru with maize that wears socks.
 
Kimberley is busy preparing herself for her visit which is only weeks away now, not sure who is more excited her or me.  Actually some of the boys remember that 'Shikera' came to visit in 2006 and are looking forward to her visit!
 
I understand that the weather there is treating you all to a very cold spell, if going to bed with a hot water bottle consititues a cold night then we are also having a cold spell in the evenings, but the days are usually stilll very hot.
 
My love to you all, and hoping that the sun shines on you soon and good health is holding your hand.  (strange things the Kenyans say!!)
 
Susannah

Christmas 2009

Christmas Preparations….. 09

Well, a manic time as always but not quite the same as things back home.  My mission was to complete the allocation of the donated clothes to the smaller boys at SCANN before Christmas so that I could send back to the Hawes Down School the photos and information.

I chose the day that the doctor had come to give the all clear medically to the 26 boys who had been circumcised as part of their cultural right of passage. Part of this ritual is that the boys have confinement for at least 2 weeks with no contact with any females, which was the reason why my job was delayed.  I called the doctor to come and give the boys the all clear as the next day was the party by the Coca Cola Roadshow courtesy of the Nairobi Bottlers and I wanted all the boys to be present.  As hoped they were all fine and very pleased to hear they were to be let out of the dormitory.  I allocated the clothes to the boys that most needed them – finally the months of sorting through the boys clothes doing the locker lists paid off! 

The boys were delighted with their gifts from the UK, and if I go by the last few visits to SCANN I don’t think some of the boys have taken the items off!!!   The fleeces and sweaters have come in so well as the weather has changed and it looks like the rainy season has come at last ….. only 5 months late. The mornings start cold and the evenings come in cold too with hot temperatures during the day with thunder and storms followed by heavy, heavy down pours.

The Coca Cola party was like none we had had before, they came with a bus and mini bus with staff and a very large articulated lorry used for outdoor events, with sound systems etc on board and its own stage. They erected a marquee for the smaller boys to sit under, a bouncy castle and face painting, the boys were in ecstasy.  The Team spent huge amounts of energy entertaining the boys, providing lunch, coaching the older boys in ‘safe’ issues, playing football, we played musical chairs, and had dance off competitions that we were all encouraged to take part, me included!  All in all a great day was had by all. The whole neighbourhood gathered outside the walls of SCANN hankering for part of the action and dancing to the music that was on offer.

I don’t know about everyone else but I definitely slept well that night.

Christmas was a low key event, with Yasmine away we postponed many of the activities.  Yasmine is receiving radio therapy in India following her surgery and Chemo therapy here in Nairobi, we are hoping to see her back in a month or so.

The day before Christmas Eve I was informed that there was a Youth Group from Nairobi who wanted to come and spend Christmas Day with the boys playing football, interacting with them and doing workshops.  I was despatched to the  Director of SCANN to get approval and make arrangements for extra supplies etc.

On Christmas Eve I was running round town trying to find items for two of the older boys as they had been missed off the list I was given for gifts supplied by the trustees. I ended up changing the offerings this year and opted that the older boys got body wash and deodorant, something that they do not readily get hold of here after all while at college and university they become more aware of what is considered acceptable on a personal hygiene level. The school boys got geometry sets and the youngest ones got colouring pencils and drawing books, along with everyone getting a bag of crisps, some biscuits and sweets.  This was all collated and bagged up Christmas Eve into carrier bags from the supermarket and I worked with Catherine and Anastasia to get their names written on each bag so it was easier to hand out the items.  I also ordered a carton of milk and an orange for each boy which were to be handed out during Christmas Day, I also needed to include the 20 visitors in this so they didn’t feel left out.

Christmas Day was another thing altogether I was called in the morning and asked to bring my camera as the Youth Group didn’t come with one.  When I arrived everyone was in the dining hall watching a DVD made about a missing Street Boy called Emmanual, I sat and watched what I could then disappeared to help in the kitchen.  When the movie was finished all the boys headed to the field opposite SCANN to either watch or take part in the football tournament, Youth Group against SCANN, I took many pictures and as hoped SCANN won!

We then gathered in the dining hall and together with some of the staff on duty we handed out the 'booty' bags to the boys along with their lunch, sodas and oranges.  I think everyone was happy although due to a miss-calculation on the catering side, the staff ended up with no food.  I personally think it may have had something to do with the fact that the 'visitors' had increased in number as they had phoned friends to join in the fun. I considered this to be a little impolite as the staff had worked very hard to ensure the day went well and we were working to the numbers they had given us of 20!

As the day was to be planned by the visitors I decided that after lunch my presence was not needed as everyone was busy, so I left and headed home to spend the rest of my time with my dog, Kim and cat Paka resting after the mad rush getting everyone else sorted.

Hoping you all had a lovely time and are not now regretting eating and drinking too much.  I am pleased to say that not a drop of alcohol passed my lips nor a piece of chocolate, must be a record!! Will make up for it at some stage I am sure.  I am also managing a good nights sleep as Henry my guard went home for Christmas and I gave him my cockerel, Colin as a gift to his family for Christmas.  Henry told me they would keep it as a pet, but I think that is Henry saving me from knowing that Colin went in the cooking pot, hope he was tasty.  I decided that Colin needed to go before my guests come so they can get some sleep.

Oh and for those that I told about the party Christmas Eve, that I was so looking forward to. I didn't go as we had a power cut which lasted for some hours and I decided that I didn't want to leave the house as an easy target with no guard, no security lights and no one at home.  I think everyone at Cafe Guava had a good time, will have to catch me next time.

Love and festive greetings to you all, attaching photos of the boys from the Coca Cola event (hope you get them OK)

Susannah aka Santa Claus

Merry Christmas One and All

I am asked by many boys at SCANN to pass on the festive greetings to my family and friends back home in the cold UK.  It would be very remiss of me to do so without wishing it from me too.

I hope that this Christmas is spent with people you love, is peaceful and full of great spirit and that 2010 brings a Happy New Year promising peace, love, happiness and less hardship to everyone here in Kenya and home in the UK too.

My love and best wishes to you all. Take care of yourselves during the crazy weather you are having, I hope you all stay safe on any travels that you are planning.

Home is where you heart is and mine is a very big heart, I will be with all of you this Christmas...................xxxxxxxxx

Susannahxxx

Housewarming at Last

Last week I promised Nick and family that they could come round for a meal to say thankyou for all the work he does for me when I am not around and I am unable to pay him for it.
 
I arranged with Sheila (his 'wife') that they come round on Saturday evening.  Nick on Saturday morning called to say his family was coming but he couldnt make it as he was busy driving round two Irish men who he was now committed to.  I had met these two men the day before when they were passing and Nick dropped in for a cup of tea and introductions.  I suggested to Nick that he ask them to come too as I was not too happy inviting Nicks family without him.
 
I went to SCANN saturday morning to do the clinic which was quite quick as not many patients..... I shot into town and went to the market (which is always open) it was closed, apparently the municipal council decrees that Jamhuri day is a an official closure day for the market.  I had planned on doing vegetable stew and rice with a pudding..... bit of a problem without veg! I ended up against my usual shopping trends at the supermarket and bought as little as I could get away with because compared to the market the prices are crazy and produce less fresh.
 
I lit the jiko at 12.30 and started preparing the food assisted by Henry who decided if he was to eat with us and join in he should at least help.  Now I got a call from Nick confirming that the Irish men were coming too, so I needed to add more rice (allowed for).  With two jikos fired up I started cooking, I think it was 5pm when I stopped and was ready to greet my guests, instead of the 4, plus the two irish men Henry and I, I ended up with another volunteer and Sheilas niece too.  We had just enough food to go round and the desert which I had used two packets to make the creme caramel ended up being a sharing desert, everyone was given a spon and took turns taking a spoonful, I called it a sharing pudding!
 
Things that I had not taken into account, the most I have cooked for is 6 and I dont have big enough dishes, bowls or saucepans to cater for this many, it took alot of gigging about to finally get dinner on the table, but I dont think anyone noticed and it would appear that a great time was had by all.  Even managed a dance too!
 
Sunday was a bit quiet though this allowed me to catch up on my sleep and washing.
 
Yesterday, I hired a car and went to visit Mama Sweetie and her brood of children.  I found that her children had gone to visit a relative leaving Mama Sweetie with the 5 smaller children that she is now taking charge of.  The orphanage building has stopped as the main builder has been unwell and nothing will be done without him, it is also now the Christmas season so everything would stop anyway as many people travel to their rural homes to spend the festive time with their families.  We had a lovely time, I took my laptop (charged) and let the children watch some childrens animated movies, they dont have electricity so this was a great treat for them.
 
I took along with me some ugali flour, bread, butter, cooking oil and a sack of oranges together with some of the clothes from Hawes Down School to provide them with some warm clothes for the cold nights.  The children thought, rightly so that it was Christmas, they loved the clothes (even though they were a little big) I am sure they will grow quickly.
 
I took many pictures and a couple of short movies to send back to the school in the UK.  The clothes for SCANN are still waiting to be given out as the boys they will fit have been circumcised, so it would be unfair to hand out some bits of clothes and they are unable to receive them and have photos at the same time.  I should be able to hand them out the begining of the week when their 3 weeks of confinement is over.
 
I hope you are all well and ready for Christmas, if you arent yet then you need to get your skates on.
 
The weather is still hot during the day and cold at night, Paka has taken to lying on me to keep me warm (Cat) regular fights with the mosquito net ensue and wake me up but it is worth the effort for the extra warmth!
 
Love to you all,
 
now I have had the housewarming, apparently my house is now blessed and protected..... I hope so!
 
I hope to be in touch again before Christmas but incase I get hijaked by Irish or aliens, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Susannah

Rain Just When You Don't Want It

Hi,

I know I complain when there is no rain and complain when there is.  Today was so hot and I left home early to get lots done at SCANN.  By 9am the sun was beating down and the earth was just piles of dusty dirt clinging to everything.  I had an early shower, hair included and decided to stop it getting too dusty put it into two plaits, looked just like a school girl.

I trip to SCANN ever eventful involved popping my head into a new internet cafe on the main road and finding it wasn't working then getting on a matatu who wanted to charge me 15bob instead of 10bob for where I alight.  He obviously decided it was better not to argue with me and just smiled and wished me a good day.  I avoided the group of young men who always give me a bit of hastle for 'breakfast' but never get any. Found a boda boda man and headed down the steep hill to SCANN.  When I got there it was cooler as always as it is surrounded by trees and in the shade, so temperature wise it was good workable temperature.

I got to work completing the forms that I was summarising and put the results on the computer, by this time it was getting towards lunchtime for the boys.  I sat in the dining room watching them eat their githerie (bean stew) and continued working.  Later I decided it was time to leave and headed to the computer room to put my paperwork away (so tired of carrying it there is so much and it is so heavy).  

I got caught by Kombo who wanted to go over the details for Christmas lunches etc, apparently my input was imperative.  It took about 30 minutes of discussion, when we had finished and I was about to leave the heavens opened, I was stuck at SCANN for an hour and a half.  Now today I had no sweater or jacket and definitely no umbrella, every other day I carry a sweater and a waterproof jacket, just my luck.

I sat with the boys in the computer room watching them completing new computer learning skills programs that have been provided by a college here in Kenya, they love them.  I waited patiently for the rain to cease, but it seemed to be here to stay, in a short period of less rain I ran to the office where Kombo was sorting out the clothes we are to give out for Christmas, I borrowed a Reebok jacket and legged it up the road.  

When I arrived in town I was walking along one of the small alleys to the main street, along the way there were two small children playing at scaring each other by roaring, watched on by their parents.  As I walked by I roared at them to join in, unfortunately the children were not amused and as I quickened my pace along I heard the children screaming in terror, I didn't think I was that scary.... obviously I am. There will be two more traumatised children who are scared of white people now!

I decided to sit in the internet and check my emails, still feeling guilty about the screaming children, but it is now warm and comforting to know that my friend Nick is free to collect me in about 30 minutes instead of fighting my way through the crowds to the matatu stage only to be crammed into the matatu for the bumpy journey home.    Don't you just love Kenya!

Love to you all, a rather damp and mouldy smelling Susannah