The troops have arrived

Janet, Michael, and Alex

     Alex (WA state) and Janet (GWU student) are in the room next door and joined up with the Faraja crew for the past two days and will be helping out when we are on safari. The added man power has enabled us to allow the kids a bath, less chores, and time to play.
     Normally when the elementary aged children come home they will do chores such as fetching water and firewood. Alex and I were able to carry 600-plus liters of water over the past two days. It was nice to have him around because on my own I've only been averaging about 200L. We were done just after lunch and had some time to measure out ground for a fire pit and discuss other ideas for Faraja. We also took time to climb a nearby water pump to see the surrounding lands. (I am trying my best to get those photos up.)
     Janet and the ladies were able to sort rice, beans, and other food staples and help clean the house. Because you don't know where the food is left by the producer (road, warehouse, etc) you have to check for small stones and other particles before cooking. It's a tedious process, but the ladies did very well over the past two days. Also, with scrubber, bucket, mop, and disinfectant the ladies did a great once-over on the house. It smells "clean"! Mamma Morra was able to focus on cooking and shared some stories about the history of Faraja, herself, and the children. I'm sure Gloria will post some of that in the future.

     We have made our focus hygiene and improving the overall conditions of the house. If the house and land are more hygienic, the kids (and Mamma) are more healthy and there is more time spent in school and at chores/play then at home or at the hospital. Also, if less money is spent on medication that money can be put towards more viable resources. The ladies took some time to demonstrate how to cough and these things will continue next Tuesday.
     Overall, I think they best thing with the help of Alex and Janet is that the children can play for a bit. As we sat on the stoop we watched the children play some monkey in the middle and dodgeball games and even got in on a few ourselves.  I'm dreading my last day already because they've grown on me so quickly. I've been away most of the time at fetching water and wood and hospital, but for the past two days it is a blast to really be around the kids (which is what it's all about).
     Safari will consist of the next four days, and I will post when I return. We won't necessarily post pictures of the activities we do in Kenya, but will continue to post on Faraja. Please click HERE to view some of those photos.