Journal from the first month

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  Nakuru, Kenya
Wednesday, February 11, 2009

An assortment of journal entries from the first month in Kenya

January 10
"Whenever I travel I try to keep expectations as low as possible -- or avoid them altogether. However, this is often an impossibility. Expectations always form at least a little bit. In some ways -- (cant name the place for legal reasons) has exceeded expectations -- it is a truly beautiful location and the kids are fantastic. My room will soon be upgraded and should be at least bearable. The room I am in now is mattress less and filthy. The kids, the conditions, and the food are unlikely to be factors that push me towards an early exit from Nakuru and ---. However, two things have emerged that could cause significant distress in the future. Firstly, the boss of all of --- is coming to Nakuru on Monday for a long stay. According to the testimony of other volunteers she is somewhere between abrasive and completely bipolar. Ill just have to see for myself. Still, it isnt sounding great and three volunteers are leaving tomorrow with just one other one staying on. The second problem that has arisen is the issue of what exactly I will be doing here besides hanging out with the kids, reading, etc. When the boss comes on Monday that should be cleared up but as of now it is very much up in the air. Ill keep you posted. Just as I like to stay away from expectations before arriving I will refrain from judgments now. It is all just too early to tell."

January 15
"A certain tree that is about 100 yards from the buildings is usually an ideal place for quiet and reflection. Today, however, I find myself surrounded by a half dozen preschoolers who are curious about "Mzungu" (Westerner). The curiosity of all of the kids is insatiable. I am continuosly sized up and closely examined. It is as though I am a strange discovery and the children are scientists searching for all of the oddities in this new being. The hair on my legs, the size of my calves and biceps, as well as the way they can temporarily change the color of my now tanning skin with a simple scatch are constant sources of entertainment. Last night when I opened my bedroom door not wearing a t-shirt I was immediately accosted by a boy demanding "give me fat". Don't worry, I haven't put on any weight what with the no meat diet at the orphanage. Rather, my lean distance runners body is no longer considered skinny on the Kenyan spectrum. Still, being "fat" has its advantages on the soccer pitche where I can compensate for my complete lack of skill by winning the majority of balls on size alone. It also came in handy two nights ago when I did my best tough guy act to intimidate a sixteen year old who was the top suspect in the case of who stole my camera (which miraculously I got back).

Besides the constant dust, the camera theft, and the no meat diet things are going quite well. Kenya is a fascinating place and life here is relatively simple and relaxing. I just hope I'm able to say the same thing when I meet the boss in the coming days. Based on the descriptions from everyone so far I'm expecting the worst."

So the head boss still hasn't come and isn't expected until April...

February 3

"The very day that Barack Obama was inaugurated change came to Kenya and the children's home. This change was purely coincidental with Obama's inauguration and instead was defined by the arrival of Caty and Amanda as the new directors. Caty, a trust-fund baby from the Hamptons, and Amanda, a British girl from a family of fifteen are the directors of an orphanage in Thailand and were sent to Kenya because all of the previous Kenya directors have been driven away by the unbelievable stress of the job. Upon Caty and Amanda's arrival, it was quickly discovered that some of the older boys were sleeping with girls as young as thirteen - they were sent packing. Also, some of the "mommas" were stealing from the orphanage - sacked as well. Just a few days ago, in an effort to get up to code and not be shut down over 40 orphans were made orphans again because there was no space in the orphanage (most difficult thing I've ever been a part of). The one bed per child rule is non-negotiable and the boys dorm of 44 kids and six beds wasn't acceptable. Right now, however, the orphanage is still likely to close - we should know for sure tomorrow. I think this is for the best considering the incompetence of ---, the dump the place is, and the massive illegality of the whole situation. My three current co-workers will all be leaving within three weeks and I'll be left with the mess. Technically, I could take off too but the kids need someone here to keep food on the table (not that there are actually tables) and find them new homes until closing is official. It won't be enjoyable but the kids need it and it will be a paying job."

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