is this real life!?

18-1-12

I actually am not sure if life can get any better here in Kenya, and let me explain why! Today I taught my first exercise class to one of my women groups! Well only 6 ladies showed up, but that is better than none! Teaching exercise to these women was definitely not as easy as teaching in America, but I live for a little challange :) I taught them the basics, and they said they really enjoyed it! We're going to have another session next weeks. So that is # 1 of the best things that happened today. #2, a baby boy (well he's 2) was at the mama's house that we had the exercise session at, fell in love with me! He wasn't scared (like most babies are, because I'm white) then he cried when I had to leave!!!! My heart was melting. So that was #2, and #3..... I got my package from my grandma today. It consisted of 3 dozen of her homemade oatmeal cookies and peanut brittle! I'm basically in heaven,.... and off my diet! hahah. Anyway I just thought I would share my good day with all of you! 

Tomorrow I'm teaching at Atlas Secondary School, again, but I tell ya what, it was like pullin teeth to get back in to teach again. Most principals are more than happy for me to come and teach health to the students, but this principal..... makes it seem like he doesn't want me there and has to "squeeze" in time for me. I just don't get it, the girls are always really happy when I come, and they always have a lot of questions..... Oh well, I teach tomorrow and keep working on the principal. 

19-1-12

 Another awesome day for the books! It started off with an hour long run...... not only my longest run since arriving in Kenya 7 months ago, but I was also accompanied by my new running buddy! She is a women from one of my JOYWO groups, she lives near me. Her name is Bridget and I think she is around my age, but already has 3 kids! We don't talk much, during our run, but it's definitely nice to have to company! 

Also today I went to Atlas Secondary to teach the girls. I talked to them about peer pressure and sexual abuse. They said they were understanding everything I was saying. Afterwards, I had them write their questions (they could be about anythings) and then I read them anonymously. When I was through, I found myself in the staff room, being bombarded with questions by other teachers. . . . why I'm not teaching the boys as well,,,, why I don't come more often?.... I guess it's just the principal who doesn't want me there!, which makes me feel much better about it. So hopefully I will be able to come and talk with all the boys! I have found in these schools, that it is the boys who ask all the questions!  Obviously gender roles are very different here in Kenya, which is why I like talking to the boys and girls separate. When I am teaching about these important topics, I want all of the students to feel comfortable, which is why is keep the separate. But I am so glad the teachers want me to come back!  Hopefully I will be able to talk with the boys on Tuesday before I leave for Ghana on Wednesday! Also on Tuesday I am teaching another exercise session to the women I taught this week! 

20-1-12

Another long run this morning! Then off to work, went to another JOYWO training today as well as i have one tomorrow. They are fun and a good change of pace! I get to spend the whole day with mama Lydia and Juliette, we d   rive really far out into the bush and train new groups about table banking and then I get to do my condom demonstrations :) You would really be surprised how many women have never even seen a condom up close and personal. They are always a little embarassed at first, but by the end they are a little more comfortable and definitely grateful for the education!

This will be my last post until I return from my vacation! We leave on Wednesday morning, and I cannot wait! We are going for 2 weeks and are each just bringing a backpack :) Yep we're real peace corps volunteers :) Peter, a boy who works on my farm ( a very cute boy) is watching Kibaibai for me. He loves kiabiabai and treats him like a pet rather than a kenyan dog. He always watches him when I go out of town.  So Kwaheri kwa sasa! (goodbye for now)