Hello Friends! 

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I spent the past week helping prepare a training conference for leaders in various communities in Kenya. These leaders were asked to change the way they look at their local communities, to see and hear with the eyes and ears of God. As they go home they are to mobilize their communities to work towards solving the issues they deal with on a daily basis. We are all working towards solving problems in a peaceful manner. 

During the conference on Wednesday, our group traveled to a local Nairobi informal settlement called Kangemi, which was previously dealing with the issue of security in an area called Mau Mau bridge. According to the chief, this area was considered the most dangerous in the settlement. So dangerous that people could not safely cross during the day without the fears of being beaten, raped, stolen from or possibly killed. A few leaders that were trained at a similar conference by the OAIC addressed this issue and worked to mobilize the community to approach their leaders and solve this problem. After the community approached the chief they worked together to get security lights which have significantly decreased the crime rate in that area. They are also working towards getting a full time policeman post in that area to further increase the security at this location. This is just one specific example of how a training conference like the one this past week has helped empower leaders and communities to solve major issues.  

The conference was very enlightening as I got to hear the historical injustices that people deal with on a daily basis. It was inspirational to hear the plans of the conference attendees for their future to work together as communities for the betterment of their lives.  It is people like these that will be the change for Africa. I am so blessed to have worked with them! 

"Too often, Africa is still presented as a helpless victim of her own making; a land of unparalleled riches, startling beauty,….of strange and at times primitive tribal customs, civil disorder, armed militias; of child labour, child soldiers, mud huts, open sewers, and shanty-towns; of corruption, dictatorship and genocide. These and other perceptions have framed the world’s response to Africa.This has caused a dangerous psychological process that subtly convinces Africans they are unable to chart their own destiny. Whereas, in fact, tens of millions of African women and men go about their lives responsibly, work hard and educate their children, often without means. These are the real African heroes and the world should hear more about them." - Wangari  Maathai 

In honor of her memorial service I would like to thank and recognize those hard working African people who stand beside me and are working towards the betterment of their communities. 

With my host sister this past weekend I went to Nairobi fashion market and worked to promote Nairobi Women Hospital and encourage women to take time to better their health. I helped with registration for taking blood sugar and encouraged women to get the free check ups in honor of breast cancer awareness month! 

I also got to see Kenyan celebrities at the event. Above is Nonny Gathoni the host of The Wedding Show on Citizen TV in Kenya.

These lovely ladies above organized Nairobi Fashion Market and work on local events in the area.

Above is a picture taken at Nairobi Fashion Market of a local clothing line. Aren't they beautiful! 

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My first day of work at the Organization of African Instituted Churches was AMAZING!!! If you didn't know I am working in the communications department specifically updating the website and writing stories about key events and functions the OAIC is involved in.  I will also be starting up a program for youth in the informal settlements to bring them together through sports and other activities. It will be a type of mentor program where the youth can talk out their issues and problems they face to create commonality and friendships across these various locations in Nairobi. Needless to say I am up for a busy yet exciting year ahead. 

My first day of work was spent attending a memorial service for Professor Wangari Maathai the Nobel Peace prize winner in 2004.  I was so honored to not only hear my site coordinator preach a message on Professor Maathai but also hear the Vice President, Prime Minister and other influential people in Kenya. If you do not know about this amazing woman than I suggest you read any of her books or just do a little background research. She was an inspirational female leader for all of Africa for her founding Green Belt Movement and various roles in helping conserve the African forests.   It was so exciting to be at this memorial service and get a first glimpse of what I have to look forward to in the coming months.  

Last weekend I marked many items off my Kenyan bucket list. 

1. Learn how to cook Kenyan style 

  - Not only did I do this with my new kikuyu momma she taught me how to prepare a complete meal starting with a live chicken. You can probably guess what I am about to tell you next... Yeah we learned how to slaughter the chicken pluck it and then cook.  It was organic eating at its best. We learned how to make the bananas (which is similar taste to a potato stew with carrots and thick cream) which is delicious.  I also was taught how to boil Kenyan tea with lots of milk and sugar, it gives Sweet tea a run for its money. 

2. See Mount Kenya 

- This beautiful peak is the tallest in Kenya and as we woke up to roosters in the morning we saw the beauty right outside our door. Maybe one day while here I will get the chance to climb it! 

Basically the village was beautiful as you can see from the pictures I have previously posted and a wonderful truly Kenyan experience.