Update through Monday 7/27/09

This weekend was an diverse one.  We visited the Baishara road downtown which was interesting. We got to shop with and how other Kenyans shop.  After this we spent a good part of the afternoon walking through Kibera with some of the students we teach.  It was interesting and amazing and it was really special that they wanted to share their lives with us.  Hellen, David and Jacob walked us through their Kibera and although we feel really exposed to our student's lives through St. Al's teaching, we ARE forever humbled at how hard their lives are and how they show up with enthusiasm, hope and readiness.  They want to make a difference in their lives as well as others and we are fortunate to be part of their journey as much as they are part of ours.  This same day we had dinner with Sr. Mary, Anne and many nuns at Mary Ward Centre where they live.  Sr. Mary was off to China to a wedding with 4 of the kids from Nyumbani.  They were invited by a donor of Nyumbani.  

Sunday was a day at the Masai Market and then there was rest. Thank God.  It is a lot of work here  and you need to process this when you have time.

I sat and starred and the Ngong Hills, painted some and Margaret read.  We are having a rewarding experience.

Today, Monday-  it isthe Monday of our last week.  This is where the rubber hits the road and we have to make sure our timing and curriculum all gets covered.  It is a bit of a rat race and at the same time, so much smoother then last year.  I am pleased to know that these students are SO engaged.  Today forms 2&3 are using pastels and charcoal.  These new mediums are difficult for them.  They said they thought watercolor was hard but they had no idea these would be more difficult.  The history part is also much more challenging--More information, more in-depth learning.  It is great.  They get it...They want it, and we are here to provide.

Tomorrow, we will have the joy of doing an Art session with the young kids at the Red Rose school which was founded by Ken Okoth of Kibera/Georgetown/Potomac School/Now Tanzania..... We teach an art session each year there and although they do not have art specific, the teachers actually use it in teaching their subjects.  They are so fun to teach and spend time with.  That will be in the morning, then a full day at St. Als and then after classes we may take part in the Art Club.  

We were given the school magazine today that mentions that we were the ones that they suggested we start this and they did and have had great success.  Tomorrow will be a long day.

Thanks for taking part in our journey and reading the blogs.  

Be well,

Charles and Margaret