Some Final Thoughts From Wayne

Well friends, we arrived at Dulles after 19 hours of travel. Carroll greeted us with balloons and Roses!
Thank you for all the prayers and support of our trip. We greatly appreciate the encouraging and witty comments left by many on the blog. Thanks to all of you who helped in getting the trip together by donating items to take to the school, Carroll for constantly (before and during the trip) reminding me of all the things that we had to get done. Thanks to Bethany for setting up the technical aspects of the trip - furnishing the blog site, setting it up and teaching her father how to publish to it, furnishing a camera for me to use and leave with Patrick so that he can take and send pictures. Thanks to Carroll and Bethany for furnishing visual aids to be used at the Rotary presentation.
To summarize this trip: It was the fruits of many hard years of constant support and prayers of many faithful people. I hope that this is just one of many positive things to come for the school.
Kwa Heri (good bye) until Summer 2008,
Wayne

Mwallimu (teacher)

This entry is more a personal observation and one that has great meaning for me. During our dealings with the Kenya Rotary members both at their meetings and their visit to Mathare I noticed a change in their attitude toward Patrick. They were always nice and courtesty however as they got to know him and began to understand the nature of his work their respect increaseed. As they realized that he had given up one of the best teaching position in Kenya and took on one of the most underpaid and least appreciated positions in Kenya their respect increased. At the last meeting that we attended with the Rotary they referred to him as Mwalimu (teacher). This is a term of great respect especially when used by adults. The people of Tanzania referred to their first presendent as Mwalimu. As they began to understand the monumental task he has taken on and the success he has acheived both in the school and in the community their own commitment to the MCC was strengthened. I think that all of us have known and appreciated Patick's abilities, dedication and accomplishments in Mathare. It was good to see that after these years that he was receiving recognition from his peers and fellow countrymen.

Photos

The best way to view photos and read text below is to go down to the post that says Secondary School Students Form I and then go up reviewing in reverse order.

We had another very successful meeting with the Rotary this evening. We had requested on a few minutes to clear up a few details but were asked to stay for the entire meeting. We gave a short talk for the benefit of those not present last week. We then answered questions and discussed ways they could help.
No comments from Betsy as she had such a hard day teaching that she fell asleep when we got back from the meeting. However she did take the pictures and get the letters from the students which was no small task.
Wayne

Good Advice From a Young Student

Faith--Start this day with a deep breath, inhale all the love and goodness of God; exhale all the fears, worries and tears and have a fantastic day.

Trying to Make a New Future

Frances—Because of post-election violence, our house was burnt and my family of 6 –we were displaced—My mother is a single parent

Yet there is a Smile

Lydia—We have had many troubles here in Kenya and some of my friends have lost their parents.

Part of Maureen's Story

Maureen—The job that my mother does is washing clothes for those who are rich and her payment is daily is 50 schillings (75 cents US). One of my sisters was killed in the riots. We stayed for almost a week in our house without eating. I love school and the teachers at Mercy Care.

Typical Story

Josephene—My father died when I was a baby and my mother died in the year 2003. I stayed with neighbour until I finished class eight and suddenly the neighbour who looked after me died in 2007. I would be very glad if you help me to finish school. (Headmaster Patrick Lumumba found a family to take Josesphene and the school will feed her.)

Pieces of Letters

Evalyne-We have passed through many difficulties because of the riots—The people who brought the riots had already occupied our house. So we had to go to our aunt’s place to find safety.
I am talented in singing and dancing and love to make jokes with my friends.

Secondary School Students Form I (Grade 9)

What is above are some photos of Form I students along with some pieces of letters students wrote to students at E. C. Glass (sister school to Mercy Care):
The letters were about a page long but only a short portion will be written. The letters in places quite graphic references to violence and harsh conditions. Home life and personal details. The full letters will be made available when we return.
Wayne

Clever Boy

Kennedy is a very clever young man who was full of questions about the USA. He is teaching us much and has a wonderful sense of humor.

Wayne

Working Hard

Another teachers on her lunch time sweeps the area and flattens it after students finish lunch.

The broom she is using works quite well as I tried it but not for too long.

Wayne

Creative

The teachers at MCC are very creative and cease anything at hand to make a point. Here the teacher is stressing the value of teamwork and getting along with and helping one another a lesson we can all heed.

Wayne

Eager to Learn

The students are very eager to learn. They listen intently to anything you have to say and when appropriate ask lots of good questions. Many of the uniforms were made from different types of uniforms acquired by Judi Connelly. I think that Carroll furnished the white shirts. These students are so very bright and proud of their school that when they get more supplies and equipment to work with they will really shine.

They are very interested in the people in the USA and how they live, what they think, what you eat, climate, etc. They also ask questions about the the people helping them wanting to know about their lives and are very appreciative for the help they are receiving. They know that their hope of a future depends on it.

Wayne

my beautiful students

I got to teach for 3 hours today--lots of poetry and lots of questions about America. One boy wanted to know how old I was. When I told him I was going to be 66 next month, he was clearly shocked. He said, "Madam, in this country mothers that are that old walk with a stick."

I explained to him that I was born in a country where I always had plenty of food, a safe home, a free education, and good health care. All these blessings were given to me not because I deserved them but because of the place I was born and that I wanted all people to have these blessings.

Teachers

Here are two of the secondary school teachers grading papers in a pleasant atmosphere.

Wayne

Another Big Day

Pictures are not loading so here is text. We had another big day Sunday. We went a church that we enjoyed greatly, out to eat which took over 4 hours. The brought the jiko (stove used with charoal) to the banda where were sitting filled it with charcoal and lite it. After much fanning it became hot at which point the cook put on the cooking oil. After allowing time (of course) it heated nicely at which time he added chicken and herbs and other stuff to make a traditional african dish. He keep checking it for around 1 hour and after about 2&1/2 hours it was ready. After bringing water for washing our hand he served the dish with naan a soft bread. It was a delicious meal but as we ate with our fingers Betsy and Wayne used quite a pile of napkins. I am glad they did not charge by the napkin or we would have had to was up to dishes.
We then had tea and conversation and after a little over 4 hours we left to go and copy Betsy's poetry lesson for the next day.

Wayne

Guest Lecturerer in East African Poetry

This a group of form I (graded 9) students who have on the receiving end of some great teaching from Betsy in East African Poetry. When we return home Betsy's plans are to guest lecture on East African Poetry at Lynchburg College and then go on tour. PS She really is quite good.

Wayne

Off to Church

We went to church with Pamela and Patrick. They have 3 services--4000 worshippers at each service. We heard the most powerful speaker who had lost his legs to polio at age 5. The elders in the tribe came to ask his mother if they could take him into the bush to be left to die. She refused and raised him as she did his 11 sibllings with strong self-image. He had no education and started school at age 21--he now has his PHD. He was full of laughter and good humor describing his trials. The church is focusing its ministry on the handicapped. The only odd thing was that there was no mention of Palm Sunday.

Betsy

Moving Day

There is lots of movement and upheaval in the valley at this time. This man was moving his household furnishings. Betsy asked to take a photo and then we helped him get his wheels over the hump. He then turned right and went down a narrow alleyway with little clearance on each side to his his location. There is controversy as people have moved into other people's homes and refuse to move. The meeting at the school yesterday attempted to begin dealing with that situation as well as the large displaced population (there are over 6,000 people living in a camp located at a police station just on the rim of the valley). They were also attempting to decide who would be allowed to come back and build on large areas that were burned during the turmoil. We were asked to attend a meeting in 2 weeks to act as a third party. (We will be home by then). They have asked and are trying to get other impartial groups to attend. Patrick (headmaster at our school) will be fully involved.

Wayne

Kitchen Staff

This is Betsy's new best friend in the kitchen. As this relationship has developed the kitchen has produced quite a variety of dishes not before seen by us. Several Betsy and I have enjoyed greatly. We still get ugali (corn mush) and sukumu wiki (like collard greens) but the mixture has been a credit to the kitchen staff. We hope they keep up the good work.

Wayne

Rotarians

Here we tour the kitchen and talk of a new building beside the kitchen to house the lab. They wanted to see every aspect of the school. Making many helpful suggestions with more to come. They plan to become actively involved in the project. When Betsy and I talked with other people here and told them that we planned to ask local people for help I think they thought we were a bit touched. But it is working out much better than we had hoped. We hope to get more information from them on Tuesday.

Wayne

On Friday night we went out to an Ethiopian restaurant with Patrick and his dear wife Pamela. They served us platters of interesting food and Wayne, being slightly culturally challenged, asked for a spoon. The waiter explained that a spoon was not acceptable. And so we used what was at hand_ our fingers. Bon appatite! Betsy

Peace Meeting at Mercy Care

Kenya's version of CNN was in front of Mercy Care this morning. They used our building to have a "Peace Meeting," trying to iron out problems in the valley since the govt. seems to be giving no help. I was in high school room when suddenly about 50 young men rushed in for a meeting--surprised. Outside I asked the announcer to move to the side so I could get a good picture for my blog.

Betsy has become very popular at the school with all the classes requesting for her teach their class a session or read them a story, etc. I think she especially like reading and telling stories to the babies class ( 3 years to 6 years I think). She also spent about 2 hours at the book store buying poetry books and Romeo and Julliete to aid in her teaching. She also had quite a stack of story books. Wayne

Great Day

More photos of the school dancers. They were very special and the girl who performed the monologue greatly impressed our Rotary Guest. We toured the whole school perimeter with them entering and engaging each class. They were very at home with the students joking and laughing with them about various things. One who is an expert in physics gave a short talk which the students liked very much. One Rotarian is from Gambia but lives in Kenya gave a geograhy quiz and the students scored 100%. They were greatly impressed by the students smiling faces and their eagerness to learn. They lots of good imput for the school. Wayne

Dancers

This is some the dancers that entertained us on two day. They also performed for the Kenya Rotary representatives who were very impressed with the performance.

Wayne

More mud

Here are some more muddy elephants for the little ones. Hope you enjoy.

Wayne

Long and Busy Day

In between teaching poetry, coaching volleyball, going over plans to increase the number of textbooks in the primary school ( we inventoried what was on hand so that we can compare to what is needed), going over the list for lab equipment, trying to decide on class room pacements and what seemed like a million other things we took time out to critique the drama/dance performance the MCC children were to give later at the competition. The other students gathered to watch on one side and several were asked to give their impressions. On the other sides a crowd of local Mathare people stopped to watch and some of them were asked to give their impression. When Betsy and I were asked for our impression it was one of appreciation for being able to share in the occasion. Tomorrow is a big day and we will start early. We meet with the Kenya Rotary for the second time. The difference this time is that we meet them at MCC in Mathare and even though it is in Kenya we consider it our turf and feel we have the home field advantage. Pray that we are successful.

Wayne

This girl had the most amazing and well done monologue teaching about keeping one's virture intact. It lasted for 10 minutes and she did not miss a beat. It was of professional caliber. Dispite the noise, small children walking past and other distractions she maintained here poise. Betsy and I were very impressed with drama work done by the MCC students. She was young being only in Standard 8.

Wayne

The Coach

Earlier in the day Betsy was teaching Poetry but decided to try coaching volleyball.

Wayne

For Purnell

P was all dressed up for the competition. When I told her the picture was for Purnell when went in and took her smock off. She asked if Purnell would be back in July and I told her maybe next year.

Wayne

Little Patrick

Judi and Purnell here is little Patrick (now big Patrick) now in school and doing well according to his teacher.

Wayne

Visitor

Betsy, Patrick and Hudson our DRIVER having a meal after a hard day game viewing. But in the mist of all this one of the Rotary contacts we made earlier contacted Patrick to come to a PR event launching the new Kenya travel initiative that had a nice slogan that slips my mind. Everyone from the Minister of Tourism will be there. Hopefully, Patrick will have a great time and make some new contacts for the future.

Yesterday as is Betsy's nature she made a best new friend. A lovely young lady from Australia, who came to most likely to work in Tanzania, is now going with us to see MCC School preform at the Regional Drama Competition and then to the MCC School to have a look so that she can take a report with her back to Australia. She has our tape and other literature.

Wayne

Lunch Time

His meal looked tempting but as you will see in the next post we decided to have ours cooked.

Wayne

Dangerous Situations

You all thought we were just goofing off here in Kenya but we really are in quite dangerous situations. We had a wonderful day with Patrick at the Animal Orphanage near Nairobi. Betsy and Patrick are now plotting and planning on how to bring our children from MCC in Mathare there on a field trip. Many have never seen wild animals and it would be a great experience for them.

Wayne

Day with the orphans

Today was a delight. I met 6 baby elephant orphans who had very sad stories with happy endings. All had been rescued after falling into 16 foot holes or having their mother shot by poachers. They obviously adored each other and their keepers. And they love MUD!

Next we met Patrick at the Safari Restaurant and had long planning meeting. Came up with tons of great ideas. Then went to orphanage for all animals and since Patrick was a friend of the cheetah keeper, we got to go in and pet the cheetah. BEAUTIFUL Creature! The drama competition was put off til tomorrow so we will spend morning at the school and go to afternoon competition. The children have never been to see the animals of their country so we are going to figure out a way to have a field trip to the orphanage when we come back in July. Susan, we decided you and Edward would be in charge of animal tour. It is great fun! We are working on how to wire classrooms for computers and for science lab. Also we desparatey need 2 new latrines, so we are going to talk to some govt. people to get permission. We discovered that none of our kids have had any immunizations including polio. So that is a top priority. Gladys Nyakundi is our new nurse--she is also a pharmacist. We are making plans for clinic and first purchase of medications next week. Our dream is to immunize the kids and some of the other children in the neighborhood. We have about 20 other dreams but I won't make you keep reading. We are both well and so excited about what we are doing! Hugs, betsy

Wed. in Mathare

Spent the day interviewing teachers. What an amazing group of men and women. The drama class won the district competition and tomorrow they compete at the regional level. Wayne an I are going to cheer them on. I asked what we could do to help the drama productions and Lillian said she could use bolts of beautiful material and the sewing class could make costumes. The sewing class is running 3 sessions a day with 50 girls enrolled. Wayne treated me to 2 icecream cones today and then I took a lovely nap. I look out my window at flowering trees I have never seen before --a delight.
There are a number of homes that were burned out around the school --but the school has been untouched. We have 311 sstudents enrolledd with more coming back each daay. Many families fled in the chaos. Only 3 students were absent today and that is pretty typical of attendance. I went into physics class--and no electricity----students copying the periodic table--I could just picture the class with light, charts and diagrams covering the empty walls and a tv with a dvd on fluid motion and dynamic movement. (I know all my English teacher buddies are impressed with my physics IQ). Every room I go in I picture transformation--light- color -information--There is so much that all of us can do.
These kids are so hungry to learn! And so easy to love! I went into the 9th graDE CLASS to thank them for praying for Wayne and me last night at the time of our meeting with the Rotary. I told them how the lovely people at the meeting had opened their hearts to their story. And that on Sat. morning 5 Rotary members would be coming to visit. They were full of smiles! My love to all of you. betsy

Thumbs Up

Betsy gets another thumbs up. This time from a student for a job well done.

She is taking a well deserved nap after a hard day but will post to the blog later today.

Keep us in your thoughts as we are still involved in futher discussions with longterm implications.

Wayne

Cleaning up after lunch is a chore. This is a picture of the old water system (rust and all) which we hope to replace.

Wayne

Lunch with Students

Betsy spent most of the day talking with teachers and students. She was able to get a lot of information and was pleased. We talked with the students as they are.

Wayne

This the kitchen where our noon meals are prepared. Those of you from years will notice it is much improved. Betsy had her first Ugali today but she like the sukumu wiki (like greens) much better. She also ate a good portion of some egg dish. Yesterday we rice, beans, potatoes, etc.

You from years past I know are envious but we are eating a little extra for you.

Wayne

Successful Day

We had the most amazing day. this morning went to meet all the beautiful children in the valley. They were a delight. I got to speak to each class and ask them questions and tell them about our plans. I asked them to pray for us tonight because we were meeting with the Rotary who would help us do the projects. And then we went to the most beautiful country club up in the hills. And met 12 wonderful people. My friend Eric Kimani was there to introduce us. Wayne and I presented the project --they asked wonderful questions and were very excited about it. Eric said they needed to vote on project-one man said he would give the $100 we needed and all voted for project. 5 people signed up to help us. Then we had dinner with Eric and the club president, a lovely woman who is a travel agent. Patrick fielded questions and everyone loved him. dinner was delicious and the conversation at the table fascinating about Kenya-India-Shanghai-the US. And Eric invited us to dinner on the 19th at his home. His wife is in India on business and will be home then. So Wayne and I are amazed and delighted. Thanks for your prayers. Love, betsy


Betsy worked her magic again and the entire Rotary Group voted to accept the project. All papers have been signed and hopefully we are on the way. Her talk was so convincing that 5 member of the club are going to vist Mathare Saturday and for some it will be their first trip.
I think in some ways they now have a new incite into the possibilities in Mathare.
Wayne

Planning For Rotary Meeting

Hard at work preparing for the Rotary Meeting after a morning at Mathare. The childred have been through hard times but are rebounding quickly. Betsy and I spoke to each class Standard 1 through Form 1 and Betsy loved the children as they did her.

Wayne

Our Acommodations in Nairobi

The weather was a little warm during the day but very cool and nice in the afternoon and evening. No rain yet and none in the forcast for the next few days.

Wayne

Nairobi First Day Continuted

The below post was by BETSY. I am just posting a picture as I could not get either one of us to get in the photo after the long trip. We go to Mathare at 9AM in the morning and meet with the North Nairobi Rotary tomorrow at 6:30PM. Pray for us at this very important time!

Wayne

First Day in Nairobi

We made it safely to this beautiful place. The Menonite guest house is full of flowering trees—a real oasis in this huge noisy city. The journey was uneventful. I sat near 2 adorable 2yr olds and sang and played with them over the Atlantic. Patrick Lumumba-our headmaster- was at airport to hug us. Tomorrow we will see the children and get ready for meeting with Rotary. I am so grateful for all your prayers. We are well.-

Sunday, March 9th

Well, it was hectic getting to the airport by 7:00AM but all went well. Rosette had a wonderful meal for all of us and Rob and his family came over. Evan their son is doing so well and no seizures. We lost an hour of sleep with daylight saving but we all got up at 5:30 and left by 6:30. Wayne and Betsy were 80 Kilos over and had 1 extra suitcase but fortunately he was able to talk to the head guy and get it on free for the school. I hope they can rest on the plane because they have a busy day on Tuesday going to the school and then presenting the rotary grant that night. Just wanted to share the trip events because they will not be able to post until Monday night.
Blessings! Carroll

Something Special

Dear Friends,
I received the below email from Patrick. What a wonderful testimony to the strength and character of the students and faculity at the MCC School. How exciting for them after such difficult times.
Wayne

Wednesday 5th was a special day in Mercy care Centre in the sense that it was the day that most of the pupils were living the valley for the first time.This was prompted by the Drama Music festival that was to take place on that day.When we left school,we set the following goals;(i) That we were going to enjoy being out of the valley and meeting with other schools.(ii) That we were going to be cautious not to engage in any thing that might bring problems(iii) That when all is done and said we were going to compete as we have always done and no matter the out come we should derive enjoyment from all that and see what other children look like.In the Zonal competition there were fifty schools who were representing various items.Our school was representing a drama dance and a Narrative.We performed at 7.00 pm and were the last on the stage.Yet when the result were announced we had emerged first overall.The electric atmosphere that followed described it all.That this children who lived in fear and were not sure what to do next can now say.Life must continue because if the lord is for us who can be against us.Thank you for your praye.We climb the provincial stage in two weeks time.God Bless ypu allPatrick LumumbaPrincipa-MCC

Betsy's Trip to Barnes and Noble

Today I went into Barnes and Noble to buy notebooks for Kenya.
And I found all these magnets that spoke to me. Hope you will enjoy them too.
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away.”
“If you are going to doubt something, doubt your limits.”
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.”
“Be the change you wish to see in the world”—Gandhi
“Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars. In the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.”
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
“There is no use trying,” said Alice; “one can’t believe impossible things.”
“ I dare say you haven’t had much practice,” said the Queen. “When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”—Lewis Carroll
AND MY PERSONAL FAVOIRITE:
“Life is short. Eat dessert first.”
So now all these magnets are on my refrigerator.
And in the next 2 weeks I am going to try to follow all that great advice. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. If a year ago you had told me I would be going to Kenya to speak at the Rotary Club about the Mercy Care Centre, I would have been sure there were rocks in your head.
Hugs, betsy

Getting ready to go

We have been so busy we have not had time to be excited about our trip but as the days count down we can't help but get excited. I can't wait to show Betsy the secondary school pictured here which she and the aunties have helped to establish. We hope our trip will be fruitful as we have many things to accomplish while there. Please be in prayer that we achieve our main goal of making a connection with the Rotary Club in Nairobi in order to help secure our grant. Other things we hope to accomplish:

Betsy will meet with each teacher on a one on one basis to ascertain their concerns and needs in their individual classrooms. Hopefully then she can communicate more effectively with people (including teachers) here and have the needs met. (Perhaps science teachers might have ideas on lab setup and be a source of equipment). Also, we will get biographical information (Carolyn Haase will furnish some basic question for obtaining this information) from each teacher along with a photo to update our files.

We will also look at the physical situation checking on the buildings purchased, renovations made to them, and check to see what renovations and improvements are needed, also make measurements to each building and hopefully come up with a small map of the school.

We will meet with the nurse and discuss her responsibilities, such as general nursing, preventive care, acquisition of medications (MEDS Warehouse), teaching health classes, helping in surrounding area to some degree (courses for mothers, etc.)

In addition we will try to meet with the local MCC Board. We will work with them on a budget for the 2008-09 school year beginning in September. We shall also encourage the board members to be more involved in the school and help Patrick more.

In addition, we will meet with the local Rotary Officials about the grant and other village leaders as we are able.

We will sit down with Patrick and get the status of the work already present and working, the just started work, future plans, and other items as needed. We will look at the Saturday feeding program, the extension of the daily feeding program for the very young children and the start up of Form 2. We shall also learn about the process for selecting students..
We will try to contact the US Embassy and ascertain the status of Patrick's visa.

We will also try to define ways for the people going to visit MCC in July to best use the talents they have so that the trip will be more effective.

If time and safety permit we will try to visit the vocational school.

We will also look into several matters for the Australian support organization. Books delayed in customs, use of shipping container, etc.

One of our main goals is to encourage the teachers and staff in the wonderful job they do and to let them know how much they are appreciated and make them aware of our continued prayers and support.
Wayne