Change

It has been a long time since an update, a story….

So, my thesis work is finally officially underway.   The phrase “pole pole”, “slowly, slowly” (which I think should be the national slogan) continues to be relevant in all domains.  I am learning to expect the unexpected, and I am trying really hard to accept not being in complete control.  It has been a much different experience (mentally) living and working somewhere, as opposed to traveling within a country - while also attempting to adhere to U.S. deadlines and a U.S. manner of dealing with things.  I am now (sort of), living in the NOW, albeit often lost somewhere in my thoughts, but Bennett comes to find me and reminds me of the NOW.

Bennett and I are currently staying at the Daraja Academy – just 25 kilometers outside of Nanyuki town.  They have offered us our own rondavel while I do my research.  And it even has running water, an indoor toilet, AND an indoor shower with hot water in the middle of the day.  I took my first really hot shower in a month a half the other day. Paradise.  We get power from 6 PM until 10 PM.  Everyone has been so welcoming and accommodating. It is almost like we have two different homes, two very different homes.  All the better to really feel like we are living in Africa, and experiencing it from the multiple perspectives of its various inhabitants.  There is even some variable wildlife and vegetation in this area.  I look forward to identifying everything. 

I am getting to know all the girls, all fifty-two of Form 1 and Form 2 (our equivalent of 9^th and 10^th grades).  Come January a third form will join the Academy and Daraja will be home to 9^th-11^th graders.  My research will extend through March of next year, at which point I hope to return to the U.S. for a bit, to write up my thesis and put forth my best effort at a defense.

The girls are wonderful, unconventially motivated, and confident in their academic pursuits.  They look forward to and attend the random weekend classes (class on the weekend!) offered by the various visiting volunteers.  This weekend I will begin a series of classes on primatology.  Perhaps this will be the true test of their motivation.  Hmmm – take a nap or fall asleep learning about monkeys…

Eighteen of the recognized Kenyan tribes (of which there is forty +) are represented at Daraja. The girls come from various regions of the country and are Kikuyu, Masaai, Meru, Kamba, Luuya, Pokot, Kuria, Kipsigis, Boran, Taita, Turkana, Somali, Nandi, Luo, Embu, Samburu, Turgon, and Teso.  They are currently seeking girls from the other tribes as potentials for January enrollment. 

English is the official language of the school and it is incredible how fluent they are despite being ESL students.  Today a Form 1 student taught the beginning half of a history lesson on the spread of European culture into East Africa, while also quizzing the students on their understanding of the more complex vocabulary, e.g. ‘compile’ and ‘extraction’.  Her definitions were spot on and she addressed the class as confidently as a well-seasoned teacher, while also intertwining some of her tribal mythology.  The class subsequently and enthusiastically debated the difference between ‘compile’ and ‘combine’. 

The curriculum is rigorous and their “spare” time is filled with enriching activities.  A current volunteer, Cora, is building a garden shed and is teaching the girls about sustainability and conservation practices.  On Mondays and Fridays the girls host a flag assembly.  They sing the Kenyan national anthem and then one of designated groups performs a traditional dance and song.  On either Tuesday or Wednesday the girls participate in a WISH class (Woman of Integrity Strength and Honor).  As this is a boarding school they also have allotted time for study hall, computer skills, and writing seminars throughout the week and into the weekend.  They hold religious gatherings on Sunday, and their song can be heard across campus. 

The Daraja Academy’s atmosphere is that of a family.  All work and grow together towards the betterment of lives.  We have even made good friends with some of the head chefs – Bennett gets extra pancakes often :)

I am working diligently-ish on my Swahili.  I found a Rosetta Stone Kiswahili edition on a bookshelf at our house in the bush - so I am attempting to intersperse some of that into my studies.  And actually, I really recommend the Rosetta Stone as a means of learning a language (as long as you don’t mind sitting in front of a computer for hours, which can be quite tedious).  All vocabulary presented in exercises has made its way into my permanent-for-now memory bank   The most difficult part for me is attempting not to hear Spanish in their conversations and to not reply with “si” to simple questions. 

The school website is: http://daraja-academy.org/

The vintage vehicle is still at near peak performance.  On the way to our bush home the other day a tire popped (coincidentally in the exact same location as our first breakdown), but Bennett and I replaced it in about 15 minutes, thanks to Bennett’s experience.  No, we did not have to be rescued on this occasion :) We took her to town yesterday to have the tire repaired (a whopping $1.25 and a replaced inner tube $25) and just as we arrived a second tire deflated.  Glad she made it to the shop. And wow, so glad car repairs are really affordable here!

Anyway, life is getting a little bit busier and a little bit more interesting.  October and November are the months of the short rains, and Daraja as well as the Plateau land to the north, has seen a good amount.  The landscape has undergone a complete transformation – flowers blooming, green grasses, and abundant wildlife.  We saw some oryx on the property we have been residing on in the bush, as well as a gerenuk.  As soon as I have my lens fixed, we will upload more photos!

Bennett has made friends with the owner of a local café/restaurant and they are now "book buddies".  He hosts a monthly quiz night and pup grub in town and they have a great Full English Breakfast (2 eggs, toast, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, sauteed mushrooms, sausage, bacon, a pot of coffee or tea, and two types of homemade jam - all for $5!).  We were truly embarrassed by the outcome of October’s quiz event.  Our derby trivia and knowledge of obscure British anecdotes is really sub par.  Anyway, this local place, The Eatery, is putting on a Thanksgiving feast this month! Complete with a turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed and sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, and chestnuts imported from the UK. We look forward to getting a little taste of home!

Maria