so, i've been in KENYA for just a week, and i already feel like i've lived here forever. if i were to even just summarize all the amazing things i've learned, seen and done, it would cost me millions of shillings and take you hours and hours to read. so, in the interest of time and space, we have decided to each write posts about some of incredible things we've experienced so far.
none of these experiences would even be possible without our YESS family, and i would like to take the time to give a brief introduction for each of these unique and fabulous individuals. soon they will each have their own profile and you will be able to read more about them. but for now...
the YESS family.
Ibra: his experience in the classroom is evident when he teaches, and he is quite the storyteller, especially when it comes to genies.
Mercy: has the ability to remain calm, cool and collected when need be, but with music she is able to let loose and can dance forever.
Mumbi: has a bubbly, lovable and talkative personality, and also loves dancing anywhere and everywhere, especially in the matatu.
Ng'ok: the brains behind the operation, always looks 'smart' when running millions of errands, visiting the many important people and places involved with our project.
Reuben: the "master of the lions", has the most contagious smile and has recently become my expert sudoku partner.
Sammy: our cook, always helps us "kill hunger", cooking delicious Kenyan meals, with spiced Chai tea being his specialty and our favourite.
Steven Rono: the student turned trainer, whose energy, enthusiasm and raps in the classroom get all the students psyched up and excited to learn; outside the classroom he always has many 'sweet messages' as he puts it, and you will definitely experience some of those soon.
Tony: the king of any and all technology in the house, plays a key role in the monitoring and evaluation department; and he is also the resident DJ of our 'Flamingo Heights' residence
last, but not least
Vanice: a sweetheart and amazing teacher, who recently managed to climb a crater in heels, has her twenty-first birthday tomorrow... BEANS.
these brief introductions can hardly do these individuals 'justice' as Reuben would say, but look forward to hearing more from each and every one of them. in only a week, the QHO and YESS trainers have become so close and comfortable with each other. this connection that we have already formed can only strengthen our partnership, and hopefully will be translated into excellent teaching in the classroom.
i feel so fortunate to be here and to have met such wonderful people. together we have become honorary KENYADIANS, and i am extremely excited to teach and work with everyone for the next two months.
kwaheri.
Mambo Shauna!
ReplyDeleteAsante sana for your Email! Sounds like you are all having a great time. With the good food,the weather, the music and the sudoku, I wish I was there! Speaking of weather, Ted, Robin, Jayne and I were playing golf at Don Valley this morning and it started HAILING...and some of them were the size of loonies! We got to our cars just in time and, when we got home, the neighbours were out taking pictures of the street covered with hail.
Wait til you hear the story about my visit to Sunnybrook Hospital after the Yellow Fever vaccine!
Have fun in your first week of teaching! Mom,Gills, Grandma and Jayne say Hi.
Hakuna Matatu!
Dad :)
Shauna,
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are having a great time. I'm quite jealous.
Not much has happened over here. Just busy with work and work :P, but I've managed to get some fun in. Moral of the story...I miss my partner in crime.
Well, I will let you continue to save the world. You are doing a great job and we are all so proud of you. Be safe and say hello to the Yess family for me.
Jills xoxo...