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'Physical Challenge not Inability' |
Our second 'free' weekend in Nairobi following on from the In Country training and a group of us were chomping at the bit to get out of the chaos of Nairobi for the weekend and visit one of our new found friends, Jeroen. Jerone, a dutch volunteer, has landed in heaven. Just outside the town of Machakos he has a 3 bedroom country house to himself surrounded by mango trees, chickens and cockerels (not so good in the morning but better than the Nairobi M25 I sleep on!). A local dog we called 'Geoff' has adopted him and sleeps on his doorstep, never daring to venture indoors. Jeroen works in a school for disabled children in Machako helping older children set up livelihoods so they can help support themselves when they leave.. Inspiring, upsetting, moving and humbling the six of us watched as children with no hands sewed tiny beads together to make purses and jewellery.
Stephanie is actually 24 and very bright, speaking the most amazing english and making beautiful beaded purses
The children just loved having their photos taken.. or taking them!
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Imagine going to work and having a 160 smiles and 160 hugs each day... |
We left after a few hours brimming with tears and awe inspired at the capacity of the children and the teachers to remain so playful and full of joy. And to drink a nice cold beer (sadly watching the football!).....
Hi, Ruth,
ReplyDeleteLovely to get more news and see more pics...really glad you got out of Nairobi...how are you getting on? How is the job going? Hope you get this but I'm still having problems with my computer..so can't send emails etc. Will try some other options...
lots of love,
Jennyxxx
Looks like the adventure is developing - great you're swapping roles with the children with the camera - great for them to have the opportunity to play with the muzunga's toys.
ReplyDeletelove David
Hi Ruth
ReplyDeleteGreat post, but not as good as your friend Aurelia, whose blog I came across after googling your name + Kenya!
Hope all going well with work and you are managing to sleep on the Nairobi M25. Do more blogging.
Kate
Dear Ruth,
ReplyDeleteBeen thinking about you a lot and all the challenges you are facing. Missing you - your humour and good cheer.
We have just been to Chester and back now on this hot Easter week end in Britain.
I am still wondering about what you do in the evenings - hang out, go out, freak out?
I guess the project work is slow in developing as you havent given much news about it - or you are so busy that you cant find time to tell us?
take it easy - I know these things take time.
love D C B and N
Dear Ruth,
ReplyDeleteI read about your experience in Machakos School for disabled.
I think it’s a very impressive and moving experience; I felt the same 4 years ago, when I visited an orphanage in Tanzania.
In September, I'm going to Machakos School for disabled to do a research for my university degree.
Could you be so kind as to send me your private e-mail address? I would like to talk to you in private. I need some information about the disabled school, the students, the programmes, the didactics, the difficulty, and so on.
I also need some information about Jeroen; I would like to know if he's still living in Machakos and I would be glad to contact him.
I look for receiving your kind reply as soon as possible.
I thank you very much in advance for your kindness and helpfulness.
Best regards
Rosalba