Hey Hey!
Greetings
from Kitale! The four of us are still alive and doing well in Kenya. We lost
internet action for a few days, so even though I wrote this on Sunday, I haven’t
been able to load it until now. We’ve finished our 2nd week of camp, and have 2
days left in our 3rd and final week. Saying goodbye to a group of
kids we’ve grown close to, turning around and saying hello to a new group of
kids, is a challenge and a blessing. Last
week we had an all camp volleyball tournament, a dance contest, and we made
funky stick-feather and googly eyed- creatures in Arts and Crafts. This week
has been many of the same fun activities.
This past
Saturday we went to the Kitale Nature Conservancy with 4 of our Kenyan helpers-
Jonathan, Hicent, Emmanuel, and Sammy to see the sites of Kitale Nature Walk.
The first thing we ran into were large, colored statues depicting different
scenes from the Bible, including the Stations of the Cross. Emmanuel enjoyed
posing alongside the statues. Then the
nature walk began….. It was about a half hour walk on a path through a wetland.
There were lots of big green trees, a small river, and wooden bridges to cross.
The best part was the signs along the way. You know how in the U.S. National
Parks there are all sorts of educational displays and postings with facts,
dates, and history? On Kitale Nature walk, the signs were there, but instead of
educational, they were hilarious. For example: “Nature walking is for
lovebirds,” “Watch your Fourhead,” “Leg Speed Limit 2km/h.” After reading
“Forests are the lungs of the Earth,” we saw the sign: “Wetlands are the
kidneys of the Earth.” Next to a small puddle filled with brown water, the sign
“Traditional Swimming Pool.” Funny, right? I shouldn’t say anymore, or you
won’t have an excuse to visit one day! My parents are both nature-walk
enthusiasts, and throughout the walk I thought to myself how much they would
have enjoyed the humor.
The
Nature Walk ended at a large field where deformed animals graze. There were
cows, bulls, donkeys, and sheep, even an ostrich. Apparently farmers in the
area will drop off deformed animals at Kitale Nature to be taken care of. We
saw a blind cow, animals with legs that weren’t properly developed, and a bull
with 3 eyes and 4 horns. It was sad to see the animals, but they were able to
freely graze and roam in the large field. Our group then trekked over to a
small lake, where we went for a short canoe ride. After the boat ride, the boys
decided to kick around the soccer ball they brought in the large field, quickly
kicking it into the river. It got caught on a branch close to the other side of
the river, and there was no plausible way to get it back. Being American girls,
we say “Forget it.” Wrong. Sammy turned to Emily and said, “In Africa, anything
is possible.” And they got that soccer ball back.
We
ended our Kitale Nature excursion with soda and tea in the restaurant, across
from a large display stating: “The 11th commandment is to protect
our Earth,” with information on global warming. There you have it, Kitale
Nature.
With only
2 days of camp remaining, and less than 2 weeks left in Kenya, I find myself
feeling a sense of appreciation and comfort.
I’m growing accustomed to the little life we have created in Kitale, and
hope to take full advantage and appreciation of the remaining time I have in
this interesting place. I don’t think I’ve ever been surrounded by such joy,
resiliency, and a true desire to live life to its fullest.
Thanks for reading,
Becca
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