New Thoughts from Kenya

OK, scratch every positive thing I may have said about winter running. I take them all back. I just came back from a 2-mile run, which I know is pretty much nothing, but I happen to be very proud of it considering it's currently -4 degrees outside. Yup, that's a negative sign. In nature's defense, part of the reason my run was bad may have been because I had pigs in a blanket for dinner last night...

However, it IS sunny, so I think some endorphins were released. YAY! I know I said that the purpose of this blog is to raise money for a couple of initiatives in Kenya, but I am also accepting gifts of free trips to Hawaii. Just FYI.

Anyway, a couple of months ago, my Program Director from Kenya emailed to introduce me to Andrew, who was interning in Kakamega. He informed me that Andrew would be leaving Kenya in December, and then moving to Chicago in January for a job. So, Andrew and I started emailing and I got to learn more about how he decided to go to Kenya and what kind of work he was doing there. During his time there, he worked with an organization that was expanding into the microfinance field. This is a big interest of mine, so I was excited to hear more... Although I don't know if I have permission to share his accomplishments, I will do it anyway :) While working for this organization, he:

1. created a Field Officer position - he also trained the woman who filled this position and got her out into the field - so far, she's been very successful in collecting from defaulters!

2. created a Basic Business Concepts curriculum, which he presented at a training event

3. created a database for all the MFIs in Kakamega - because the practice of loan-hopping is pretty bad, this database will help insure that borrowers aren't borrowing from other institutions to pay back loans

I was super impressed by all of this work! From my experience as an outsider in Kenya (or any country, I'm sure), it's easy to come in with your own ideas of how you can improve things, but it's so hard to actually find something to do that's needed - and to do it in the appropriate way. I can tell that his initiatives were all very needed and useful, so, I'm impressed!

So, since I like to rope other people into doing things for me, I asked him if he would like to write something for my blog, and thankfully, he did! Below is something he wrote about his time in Kakamega, which I think is really awesome - and really captures the spirit of the Kenyan people. Enjoy!
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When I look back in the future, Kenya won't be this one, large chapter of an experience in my life. Instead, it will replay in my head through a series of comical and humbling encounters with Kenyans that have influenced me whether they know it or not. Take for example:

Kenyans' excitement for meeting new people. The boda boda (bicycle taxi) driver that whistled and shouted to get my attention. I almost ignored him as your typical tout, but when I took a moment to slow down and talk to him, found that he was super excited to ask me to give him a ride to my destination on his own bicycle taxi.

Kenyans' excitement for sharing their work and abilities. The piki piki (motorcycle taxi) driver I got to know through my work at a microfinance institution who took a chunk of his Sunday afternoon to teach me how to drive a motorcycle. His hand-picked circuit: a place where he claimed was safe (as he told me to scoot up to the driver's seat) because "it has fewer cows and chickens walking around".

Kenyans' excitement for spontaneity. An invitation by my work supervisor to visit his home village, which, as with all Kenyan "plans", got changed. Next thing I knew, I was sitting on a charter bus with the entire Zanzibar national football team off to watch a Central and East African football tournament.

Kenyans' resilient spirit. A visit to a women's group named Yote Yawezekana (Everything is Possible), where I sat in humbled silence as 16 women laughed and shared their stories of joy and hope as widows living with HIV. Then, meeting orphaned children who, given the opportunity for education through a nonprofit, are succeeding at the top of their class.

Kenyans' honesty as people. The barber who initially shaved my head to my horror with complete disregard to my instructions. Who, when I arrived for my bi-weekly haircut ready and willing to shell out 50 shillings (66 cents), told me in complete honesty to come back a few days later because my hair was still short.

Kenyans' genuine care for friends. The way Kenyans stop to shake hands with and greet every friend they see for a genuine conversation of at least 15 minutes even on their way to some meeting or place. The utter frustration I feel when a Kenyan, having met four friends on his way, shows up an hour late for a meeting. Then, the knowing smile that comes to my face when I know that's how much Kenyans value each other.

In just two weeks, I'll be on a plane heading out of Kenya. However, the people I have met formed such a deep impression in my life, and I'm looking for my way to stay connected. Development work could honestly have happened and does happen in similar ways in a number of other countries. So as rewarding as it was, it's not the work that will keep me wanting to come back. As I've learned, it's the people. That is why I'm super excited about Lauren's run in support of Abbey and Hayley, because I know in their unique experiences, they've felt the same way and have found that connection. Until you get to go to Kenya to create your own stories, live vicariously through them!
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Thanks, Andrew!