Volunteering does not equal vacation

This is obviously the first time I have volunteered abroad, possibly not the last, but I am thankful for the set up that IVHQ and Fadhili have provided us. During the week we are at our placements from about 9-4; sometimes you'll stay early and sometimes you'll stay late. But, during weekends you are provided with plenty of excursions. Fadhili has offered a 3-4 day safari, a city exploration, IDP weekend (including a visit to Hell's Gate), trips to Mombasa and other getaways. I feel it is an opportunity to unwind with friends following the work week that can also be emotionally draining. You'll be updated on these weekend excursions, as for now check out Gloria's post for what we did last weekend.

At Faraja, well there is a lot of work to be done. Six years ago the orphanage left it's location in the slums of Kibera (the largest in the world, 2nd is Soweto, South Africa). Ten months ago they've arrived at their current location. Approximately 2 months ago Fadhili Community started putting placements in Faraja. There is a lot of work to do in order to help them become sustainable. As we finished our third day Karen, Gloria, and myself have begun brainstorming ideas of how to help them become able to help themselves. I believe first on the list is creating a more cleanly environment. From building a fire pit that can divert smoke/fumes away from the children and house, to education on better hygiene, to building shelves/cubbies to keep their belongings off the floor. If they can cut down on hospital costs maybe those funds can be diverted elsewhere and improve their ability to produce and obtain income.

Water pump that delivers water
to the local farm. They provide
free water to Faraja

My daily routine is fetching about 200L of water. The boys chip in with fetching water when they get home as well. But they consume about 225L of water daily due to cooking, washing, and drinking. I just hope to offset the daily usage on my hauls. On the 1/4mi uphill route I have met "the neighbors", from a Sudanese businessman who sells houses in Kenya to Joyce, Dijomon, and Wilson who work on a nearby farm that will see its first selling season in about 2 month. All look for sustainability, not a handout. They are doing the best they can and some are doing very well.

Dominick cooking lunch

I also help cook breakfast and lunch, collect firewood and been all about town. Momma Morra's direct neighbors are actually a husband/wife doctor/nurse team. I have spoken with the wife and will hopefully get in touch with Public health to get ideas on how to help improve living conditions. They are not bad for the children's standards, but we hope to be able to improve the general health of their surrounding atmosphere.

Once we get settled on a project I will write. I may even set up a PayPal if you'd like to help over the next 4 weeks. I have also contacted Kiva and will hear back from this week with news of how to start a loan attempt. 

I will upload photos when there is time. I try not to take photos when citizens are around, it's considered rude. You must see the beauty of this land and those who I am talking about.

Arrived!

Leaving at 6pm on Tuesday and arriving 6pm EAT (east african time). Flying over Greece and the Mediterranean via Zurich the blues went to light browns and basically stayed that way until about 20 minutes outside of Nairobi.

The Sudanese terrain exposed dried river basins the entire way, and the Kenyan highlands were like giant tree roots exposed for all to see. Picture the Hudson Valley completely barren of trees, put that at the altitude of Denver and that's the highlands.

Our first flight had Orthodox Jews from Monsey who almost started an altercation with an attendant, Christian missionaries were on the other side of the plane, so there was plenty of God in the house. Zurich is beautiful and Swiss Air all the way was fantastic.

Currently we've met up with 5 of 7 other IVHQers and will start orientation tomorrow. Mike from Deleware will be with us the whole 5 weeks and is a musician. Eva from NYC is not only doing a "I'm 30 let me do something cool" phase and will be with the group through August but also is a Pace grad school student. The world truly is small when you find a fellow NYer in your
University on the other side of the world.

Good night. Orientation starts in the morning.

Where in the world are we?

Looks like we will be staying in Nairobi (map)  for the beginning of our trip (Google Map) . Once we arrive in Nairobi there will be some formal training classes and then we will receive our placements. We'll have the weekend to get situated and start fresh on Monday.

With some luck we hope to be able to post on a semi-regular basis with our work and play. Being in country for over a month definitely gives one time to get immersed in the culture. There is a safari planned, a music festival in August, soccer (of course) and I personally intend to make this a Bizarre Foods and Three Sheets (Hulu link) opportunity. Both of the episodes are from Tanzania, just south of Kenya, so I hope for a very similar experience.

Pay attention to who is posting because we hope to make this blog a "he said"/"she said" opportunity. With multiple perspectives on different events we're sure to keep you entertained.

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The story behind it all

From Marc:

In looking to restart my outlook on life following a self-perceived miserable 30th year of existence I decided to start really focusing on goals that I've always wanted to achieve. Having always been involved in community service organizations growing up there was always a desire to do something globally. My War & Peace class, and a unit on Child Soldiers brought my focus and attention to Africa. This is not a trip regarding child soldiers, nor war or peace, but an opportunity to do something extremely productive with my summers and obtain the feeling that I helped to make a positive impact in the global community outside of a monetary donation.

Gloria has always been up for these activities, having done time on a kangaroo farm in Australia and tsunami relief in Phuket, Thailand. Friends since freshman orientation we've been getting into trouble (and I've been getting her out of trouble ;-) ) since 1997.

After weeks of research and searching Gloria and I came across International Volunteer HQ. Based in New Zealand this group was formed in 2007, non-profit, non-denominational and just looking to connect travelers with fulfilling experiences globally. Our program director Jamie-lee has be more than helpful with our questions and concerns. With their help I hope that Gloria and I have a very positive experience this summer and through this blog we hope to share it with you.

Jambo is "hello" in Swahili, the first of two official languages of Kenya. IVHQ stands for the International Volunteer HQ, our guide in the process. And with this first post we hope to welcome you all to the next 5 weeks of volunteer work in Kenya! Jambo!

Do Something

• Volunteer: http://www.volunteerhq.org/
• Micro-Loan: http://kiva.org (http://www.kiva.org/lender/gawron)