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In Kenya

Today marks me being in Kenya for 1 year. 

One year ago, I arrived in Kenya pretty terrified, but excited for the year to come. It has flown by, while Kitale has slowly become my home. It’s going to be really hard to leave, but I leave knowing that this has been the best year of my life, an amazing staff is sticking behind to take things on their own and I have much to come back for, hopefully soon.

Only 11 days left. Time to make the most of it

Murakami’s in Kenya, Family Vacation - Day 11, 12, & 13.5

Christmas Day! in Kenya 

We didn’t quite finish the paint job the day before, so we made another trip to the ASH Wamuini Community Center on Christmas morning to finish.

Then, we took lunch at Dr. Lydia’s home, which was another amazing home-cooked Kenyan meal. Then, we finished off the home visits at Zach’s place. His wife couldn’t resist, and made us Kenyan style pancakes even though we had told her we’ve been overly stuffed for the past day and a half. But it was a great visit! My family got to meet Zach’s and we gave his children (Michelle and Nathan) some Christmas presents. It was like my Kenyan family meeting my American family haha  

Then we finally rested back at the compound to enjoy what was left of Christmas. We prepared Christmas dinner and gave Hannah, Manu, and Juliet (Rwandans who live at the compound with me) their Christmas gifts   

Then I gave my family my gift to them (made by our sewing students) 

That pretty much wrapped up our trip. The last day and a half was just travelling back to Nairobi, purchasing last minute gifts for people back home, and sadly saying goodbye as my family flew back to the states and I flew off to Rwanda…

Thanks for following! .. coming soon are posts on my trip to Rwanda and Uganda

Murakami’s in Kenya, Family Vacation - Day 10

Our first full day in good ‘ol Kitale began with an early start as the plans for the day were jam packed!

It all began with a visit to the ASH Wamuini Community Center, where I’ve spent my working days for the past year. My family got to meet most of our wonderful staff, including Mama Sarah. Mama Sarah is the one who donated the buildings and grounds to ASH, and has been an amazing partner in this community endeavor. She prepared a small snack and Kenyan tea for us, and I was so happy my family caught a glimpse of her incredible heart and warm hospitality. 

But my family didn’t come to just meet people and kick back. I brought them to work! haha They helped paint our sewing classroom and sewing/tailoring shop room to give a nice and needed facelift. Just a couple coats of white paint really made the difference. They did a great job! Thanks family

We had plans for the rest of the day, so we said our goodbyes to the ASH Wamuini staff and snapped our photos. Everyone was really glad they got to meet Baba and Mama Kyle, and brother Derek.

Then, we headed out to Sister Ejira’s (nurse) home for a late lunch. She had been preparing for this day for weeks now and was so precious in her planning. She kept asking me what they like to eat, if they would take tea with milk, whether the fruit should be mixed as a salad or just kept separate, etc. She prepared an amazing spread of delicious homemade Kenyan food. I don’t think any of us could have stuffed any more food into our bellies. It was a very nice time for my family to sit and relax and chat with Sister Ejira and Zach (managing director), and really get to know a part of my life in Kitale/Kenya. 

After a long day, we went back to the compound to rest, and try and make some room for dinner. We walked just around the block to Karibuni Lodge for a beautiful dinner. Their compound is located perfectly that you can sit out on the patio while looking out at views of Mt. Elgon. They also prepare great food and the ambience was perfect for a peaceful, relaxing end to the day.

It wasn’t until my family arrived in Kitale that I really felt like they were here, in Kenya. It was a huge blessing to have been able to have them here, see where I’ve been and what I’ve been doing for this past year. I’m so thankful that they made it

> Coming up: finishing up paint work at ASH Wamuini Community Center, lunch at Dr. Lydia’s, afternoon snack at Zach’s, Christmas dinner, and gift giving

ASH Wamuini Holiday Party

Invitation. 

Yesterday, we threw a holiday party for our ASH Wamuini staff and board members. I stressed over it pretty hard, trying to make sure they were properly appreciated for the amazing dedication they’ve committed to ASH over this past year.

I put together gifts for each them - homemade cookies (don’t laugh), CD of Christmas and Christian songs, and a card with greetings from our ASH America core team 

Since the event was for our staff and board members, I was basically forced to be MC. yaaay… I really suck at it. But I pulled it off by asking some of our staff, board members, and family members to share about what ASH means to them and how ASH has impacted their lives.

It was a great time with the Kenyans I love and, of course, the best part was the food!! 

Only 2 more months

This year has flown by.

For as much as I miss home, two months seems like too little time. I’m not ready

Meet Christine

Christine was referred to the ASH vocational training program (sewing/tailoring course, and basic income management paired with entrepreneurial training) by the area Chief, who knew just where to send her when she heard of Christine’s tough situation.

Both of Christine’s parents fell ill a few years ago and sadly passed away, leaving Christine to fend for herself with almost no money, on top of caring for her 8-year-old sister. To make circumstances more difficult, Christine became pregnant after basically being used for sex by a man who took off before he even knew a child was on the way.

A star student from the beginning, Christine picked up each lesson with ease and quickly rose as one of the most skilled students in the class. Not to mention, she was supervising and preparing porridge for the Early Child Development (ECD) class, brewing tea for community center staff, helping with daily health center cleaning and prep, and picking up tasks randomly asked of her… all to cover her school fees. She couldn’t monetarily pay for the small amount of required course fees, so she “paid” through lending a hand around the community center. To top it all off, Christine is the sweetest and most hardworking person I’ve yet to meet in Kenya. She’s just one of those people you look at, and can’t help to be crazy inspired.

Well, Christine’s hard work paid off. The day after graduating from our program, she landed a job at a sewing/tailoring shop owned by a local boarding school. Benefits include: commission-based salary (which is much better for Christine b/c she’s quick and efficient), stable work orders, free housing, and a location near town.

As we helped move Christine and the small amount of possessions she had at her previous, tiny home, I couldn’t help but to tear up thinking about how proud I was of her and that what we’re trying to do through ASH is actually working and making a difference. I hadn’t had my “super motivational” moment yet… until Christine. But it’s much more than just motivation for me, it’s strong proof that the ASH model works. Provide the foundation for someone living in poverty to lift themselves to a higher standard, and they will! We don’t have to rely on the old way of charity anymore – giving free handouts, pouring in money from Western countries, etc. Create sustainable opportunities for empowerment, and watch holistic improvement in health and living thrive.